Bachelor of Social Work

The UTAS Bachelor of Social Work is AASW-accredited and delivered by the School of Social Sciences at Sandy Bay (Hobart) and Newnham (Launceston). Year one introduces Foundations of Social Work and Human Services, Sociology, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives, Human Behaviour and the Social Environment and Introduction to Research Methods. Year two layers Social Policy and Practice, Communication for Social Work, Group Work and Community-Based Practice, Mental Health and Wellbeing and the first field placement (around 500 hours). Year three builds advanced social work theory, child protection and family support, working with diverse communities, rural and remote practice (a UTAS strength) and trauma-informed practice. Year four caps the degree with the second field placement (around 500 hours), social work research, professional ethics, advanced practice with mental health and addictions, and a capstone integrated practice unit. The 1000 AASW-required placement hours are split across two distinct settings.

AASW accreditation requires 1000 hours of supervised field education across two distinct placements (typically 500 hours each in years three and four). UTAS placements run across Department for Education TAS social work teams, Department for Communities Tasmania Child Safety Service, Tasmanian Health Service (Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital social work departments), community health centres, not-for-profits (Anglicare Tasmania, Colony 47, Mission Australia, Salvation Army, Relationships Australia Tasmania) and Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations. Working with Vulnerable People registration, criminal history checks and immunisation compliance are required before placement.

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Postgraduate options include the UTAS Master of Counselling, Master of Mental Health Sciences and Graduate Certificate of Clinical Practice. Accredited Mental Health Social Worker status requires two years post-qualification supervised practice in mental health, then an AASW Mental Health Practice CPD pathway. Many alumni progress into team leader, child safety officer or program coordinator roles within five to seven years.