Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 5 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February
Entry score
ATAR 90.25
Duration
Full-time 5 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$26,880 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February
Overview
Become a social worker or psychologist. This social work and psychology double degree combines our two highly respected Social Work and Social Science degrees to give you a unique, broad grounding across both areas.
This degreewill increase your knowledge and understanding of human development, needs and problems, and how such factors interact within individual, group, organisational, community and policy contexts.
Social workers and psychologists often work side-by-side in organisations where a balancing act of expertise in both areas is required.
You will be prepared for employment in general social work practice and settings requiring an understanding of psychology. You will be equipped to apply interdisciplinary knowledge of Australian society, social issues and social problems.
This social work and psychology double degree combines the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
Details
Along with being recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), this degree provides opportunities to gain important vocational skills that are transferable across many areas of employment. Such skills include communication, policy development, research and management.
This degree uses a variety of teaching and learning approaches including:
- interactive coursework
- seminars
- online components
- case studies
- reflective techniques
- individual and group presentation
- group-based learning
- discussions
All degrees are delivered in English. You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Assessment will include:
- written exercises
- exams
- class exercises
- oral presentations
- workshop and seminar facilitation
- online activities
Field education forms a large component of the social work degree. You'll learn through workplacements and work under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
You will undertake a 70-day field education placement in the second semester of the third and fifth years of the degree.
The third-year placement focuses on direct practice with individuals, families and small groups. The fifth year integrates theory and macro-level practice.
As well as gaining practical experience, field education allows you to develop networks and career opportunities.
Placements may be arranged locally and interstate. Overseas opportunities may be available for the final placement.
You may find work placements in organisations such as:
- ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre)
- Anglicare
- Department of Human Services
- Foundations for Survivors of Torture
- Oxfam Australia
- Brotherhood of St Laurence
- Department of Education
- Salvation Army Crisis Services
- Centrelink
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Year 1
This double degree has its foundation in social sciences, psychology and social work. The core courses of politics, sociology, social theory and economics are shared with students from other degrees such as Global Studies and Planning.
Year 2
You will develop a solid grounding in the theory and practice of social work as well as cognitive and developmental psychology.
Year 3
Expand on the knowledge from previous years in the areas of biological psychology, mental health and public policy. You will also undertake a 70-day field education placement.
Year 4
Acquire a legal understanding of social work practice and working with violence and abuse, and study advanced courses on psychological assessment and psychopathology. You will also have the opportunity to take an elective course.
Year 5
Develop skills in program management and evaluation, influencing social policy and research. You will also undertake a 70-day field education placement and have the opportunity to take an elective course.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH106
Career
Graduates are highly employable in human services organisations, community-based agencies, various levels of government and increasingly in corporate and private enterprise.
Some graduates help to develop social policy; some engage in research; some assist communities to develop their own services; and some provide services to individuals and families. There are ample opportunities to pursue different specialisations and interests.
With your working knowledge of social science, psychology and social work, you'll be eligible for a wide range of human services or community jobs in areas such as:
- child protection
- dispute mediation and industrial relations
- health services and hospitals
- human resource management
- policy and advocacy work
- community development projects
- program and organisational development
- immigration advice and referral centres
- federal and state government departments (Centrelink, Department of Human Services)
- youth and family services
Careers
- social worker
- psychologist
- counsellor advocate
- case manager
- child protection officer
- human resource manager
- social policy officer
- policy adviser
- community worker
- community development manager
- mediator
This program is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Graduates are eligible for membership of this professional association.
This program is accredited by the professional accreditation body for tertiary psychology courses, the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Successful completion of an APAC-accredited psychology specialisation is a partial requirement for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Successful completion of an Australian senior secondary certificate of education (Year 12) or overseas equivalent.
Prerequisites: VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL (or equivalent) or achieve an overall score of at least 155 in the STAT multiple choice.
If you are not studying year 12 in 2017 you should submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study the program
- your intended career path
- your personal strengths and attributes relevant to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only, e.g. ATAR.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates of the following RMIT programs with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are guaranteed entry (subject to certain criteria) into this program:
- Advanced Diploma of Justice
- Advanced Diploma of Translating
- Advanced Diploma of Interpreting
Graduates of the following RMIT programs are eligible for exemptions (subject to certain criteria):
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$26,880.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$144,000.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.