Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Along with being recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), this program 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 program 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 programs 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 program where students learn in the workplace 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 program.

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 and, for many, establish employment outcomes in your chosen area of interest.

Placements may be arranged locally, and interstate or 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 - child protection
• 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.

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 develop their own services; 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

Professional recognition and accreditation

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.