Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Duration
Full-time 5 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February Duration
Full-time 5 years Location
Melbourne City
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 degree will 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 degree 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 degree 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
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. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*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’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
Personal statement
If you did not study year 12 in 2019, you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
Personal statement
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
Personal statement
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Personal statement
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Working with Children Check
You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.
Note: for placements undertaken interstate, a valid Working with Children Check will be required for that state.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
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 (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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
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.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
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 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 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 2020 is $308.
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 2020 is AU$27,840.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$148,800.
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.