Bachelor of Social Work
at Southern Cross University, New South Wales.
A four-year social work degree at the Gold Coast and online, accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, with 1,000 hours of supervised work-integrated learning. The assumed knowledge is any 2 units of English.
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 SCU 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 | 61.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 60.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 60.00 | uac.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 UAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Study areas include health and disability, Indigenous studies, mental health, and working with children and youth, alongside social work theory and practice. In line with AASW requirements, students complete 1,000 hours of supervised work-integrated learning in human service organisations.
Placement and industry experience
In line with Australian Association of Social Workers requirements, students complete 1,000 hours of supervised work-integrated learning in human service organisations.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as social workers in hospitals, child protection, mental health, family support and community services.
- Many graduates work in regional NSW and Queensland communities.
- Many progress into specialist practice, policy or management roles.
Professional accreditation
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Typical first jobs
- Social worker at NSW Department of Communities and Justice (child protection, OOHC)
- Hospital social worker in NSW Health (acute, oncology, palliative care, mental health)
- Family and domestic-violence caseworker at NGOs
- Mental health social worker in community and inpatient settings
- School-based social worker (under NSW Education)
- Aboriginal community-controlled organisation caseworker
Graduate starting salary
$70,000 - $80,000 per year
Source: jobsandskills.gov.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
The degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, so graduates are eligible for AASW membership and work in health, child protection, mental health and community services.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students with high emotional resilience and people skills
- Those willing to engage with violence, child protection and trauma material
- People comfortable with reflective writing and supervision
- Students happy to do 1000 hours of unpaid placement
- Those committed to a regulated, values-driven profession
It is probably not for you if
- Students who avoid emotional content and difficult conversations
- Those unwilling to take unpaid full-time placement blocks
- Anyone hoping to maximise starting salary out of undergraduate study
Related courses at SCU
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the Southern Cross University website and on UAC before applying.