Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Guaranteed ATAR: 45.00
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online * | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
* This course offers reduced fees for international students studying online from outside Australia. See Fees and Scholarships below for details.
Course information
Download course brochure
The health and social care sector in Australia is rapidly growing, creating a high demand for professionals equipped with foundational skills in evidence-based, interdisciplinary practice. The Diploma in Health and Social Care (Social Work) at UNE provides you with the opportunity to develop these essential skills, along with theoretical knowledge and introductory skills specific to social work. This course is ideal for individuals currently working in the health and social care sector who want to complement their existing experience with a tertiary qualification, as well as those considering a future career in health and social care, including social work.
Why study the Diploma in Health and Social Care (Social Work) with UNE?
This course offers a comprehensive education designed to enhance your understanding of the healthcare system, social determinants of health, and the foundations of social work practice. Our experienced faculty and industry professionals provide practical knowledge and insights that ensure you graduate well-prepared for a career in social work or related health and social care roles. When you complete this course, you can look forward to roles in health and community services, child and family support services, mental health services, disability and aged care services, to name just a few.
As the Australian university with the most extensive history in distance and online education, UNE is synonymous with quality. Our consistent 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide highlight our dedication to your success.
What makes our course different?
In the Diploma in Health and Social Care (Social Work), we help you to develop transferable, in-demand skillsets – you'll learn how to communicate effectively, solve complex problems, and engage in a path of lifelong learning and reflective practice to enhance your abilities within the social work field. When studying with us, you'll have the chance to:
- Learn how to find, evaluate and present health-related evidence and information, as well as how to apply the principles and processes of case management for service delivery across a range of practice fields.
- Develop your understanding of the role of the social worker within the broader human services context and across the life span. You'll graduate ready to demonstrate your knowledge of person-centred care when working with people across a broad spectrum, including people who are ageing or have a disability.
- Pave the way to future studies. This course has been designed to provide eligibility to UNE courses such as the Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Community Services, or Bachelor of Nursing. You may also be eligible for advanced standing for units completed as part of this course; for example, the Diploma in Health and Social Care (Social Work) equates to the first year of study in the Bachelor of Social Work.
- Study at home, in your own time. Offered fully online, part-time or full-time, you can study flexibly around your existing commitments.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together to build real world networks for the future.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we assess eligibility.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
There are ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course.
UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE can automatically award additional points as adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants for this course without the need for an additional application.
> Learn more about the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
Education Adjustment Scheme (EAS)
UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced an educational disadvantage. If you are planning to study on campus you can seek consideration for this scheme when applying for this course.
> Learn more about EAS
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Foundation Program
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online program designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Foundation Program
TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a foundation program run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive school requirements in this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.
48 credit points
Complete the following units- Information and Evidence in Health and Social Care (HLTH101) – 6 credit points
- Interprofessional Practice in Health and Social Care (HLTH102) – 6 credit points
- Communication for Health Professionals (HLTH103) – 6 credit points
- The Context of the Health and Community Services (HLTH104) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Social Work Practice (HSSW102) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Through the LifeSpan B (HSSW105B) – 6 credit points
- Responding to Disability and Ageing (HSSW168) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Study Online for International Students | $20,000# |
| Study On-campus for International Students | $33,312* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $13,030* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
# This course is one of a select number of courses offered online at a reduced annual fee for international students studying from outside Australia. The reduced fee applies to full-time study (two-trimesters) or part-time equivalent.
Please note that only international students studying online from outside Australia are eligible for this reduced fee. International students residing in Australia on a visa other than a student visa are eligible to enrol in the online mode at UNE at the standard international online tuition fee.
If you move to Australia, your study will be charged at the standard international online tuition fee. All fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to adjustment.
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Transferrable skills developed as part of the course will help you to solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and engage in a path of lifelong learning and reflective practice to enhance your provision of social work.
This is a rapidly growing sector in Australia and overseas. Some employment opportunities you could consider include:
- health and community services
- child and family support services
- justice systems
- housing services
- mental health
- disability and aged care services.
The Diploma in Health and Social Care (Social Work) is a pathway to further university study, if you wish. You may be eligible for advanced standing for units completed as part of this course, to credit towards a Bachelor of Social Work or a Bachelor of Community Services or Bachelor of Nursing. For example, the Diploma in Health and Social Care (Social Work) equates to the first year of study for the Bachelor of Social Work.
Course outcomes
- find, evaluate and present health-related evidence and information;
- demonstrate an understanding of interdisciplinary practice, the health system, and the social determinants of health;
- discuss the foundations of Social Work Practice and the role of the Social Worker within the broader human services context and across the lifespan;
- demonstrate knowledge of person-centred care when working with people who are ageing or have a disability; and
- apply the principles and processes of case management for service delivery across a range of practice fields.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will possess foundational knowledge for social work theory and practice, relevant in a range of health and social care settings. Graduates will also possess an introductory understanding of the key ethical values and principles that underpin social work practice which are also relevant in a range of health and community care settings.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will acquire the foundational communication skills needed to communicate ideas and information to an appropriate professional standard across a range of settings. Graduates will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and the capacity to learn to use a range of appropriate communication technologies.
- Problem Solving
Through the use of case study analysis, graduates will develop foundational skills in critically examining complex case scenarios in order to problem-solve and will also be equipped to apply these skills in a range of professional health contexts.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will develop the skills needed in order to locate, access, recognise and critically evaluate the reliability of sources of evidence and to apply that information in appropriate settings. They will also learn to apply relevant information in practice and to evaluate the outcomes of that application in a range of health and community care contexts.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will be versed in the core value of academic and professional integrity and understand their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, health consumers, the wider community and the environment.
- Lifelong Learning
Consistent with the AASW Practice Standards, graduates will acquire the skills needed to engage in life-long learning, including the further development of their critical thinking skills. They will appreciate how continual learning is necessary for inspiring positive change for individuals and groups in a range of health and community care settings.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will develop the skills needed to work independently in order to uphold professional standards and will also develop the ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
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- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
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Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 24 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 23 June 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
| Trimester 3 | 20 October 2026 | 19 October 2026 |
