Bachelor of Social Work
at Adelaide University, South Australia.
A four-year social work degree at Magill and Adelaide City Campus East, Mount Gambier and Whyalla (ranks shown are for the metropolitan offering; Mount Gambier's 2026 figure was 67.05). Adelaide University took its first students in 2026, so only the Semester 1, 2026 rank is published. The 2027 guaranteed entry ATAR is 70. No SACE prerequisites or assumed knowledge.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the Adelaide University Bachelor of Social Work for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 65.65 | adelaide.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through SATAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
The degree covers social work theory, social work practice and skills, social policy and social research, drawing on the political, behavioural and social sciences to prepare students for social and human services work.
Placement and industry experience
Students complete field education placements, and online students attend at least 20 days on campus to meet Australian Association of Social Workers attendance requirements.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as registered social workers in child-protection, mental-health, hospital and family-support settings.
- Common destinations include state-government child-safety roles, community-health centres and not-for-profit support agencies.
- Many alumni progress into clinical specialty practice, policy roles or accredited mental-health social work after further study.
Professional accreditation
- Australian Association of Social Workers (accreditation requirements apply)
Typical first jobs
- Social worker in hospital and health settings
- Child-protection worker with SA government
- Mental-health social worker
- Family-support or case worker in not-for-profits
- Community-development or youth worker
- Welfare or housing-support officer
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Graduates work in social and human services; students with a GPA of 5.0 or higher can apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- People with strong empathy and communication skills
- Those committed to social justice and helping others
- Students resilient enough for emotionally demanding work
- People comfortable with reflective practice and supervision
- Those willing to commit to long supervised placements
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting a desk-based or purely academic career
- Those uncomfortable with distressing situations and emotional load
- People who dislike reflective writing and supervision
- Students seeking a maths-heavy or lab-based degree
Related courses at Adelaide University
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the Adelaide University website and on SATAC before applying.