Build the specialist interpersonal skills to secure a career in social work
Social work is a practice-based field dedicated to improving the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals, families and groups, who face challenges such as poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, discrimination and social injustice. As these issues are ongoing in society, the demand for skilled social workers is predicted to remain high with the sector requiring professionals who can adapt to environmental and societal change.
UNE offers undergraduate and postgraduate social work courses that equip you with qualifications, knowledge and the practical skills required for working with individuals, groups and communities who experience marginalisation, isolation or discrimination. We place a particular emphasis on social work in rural and remote communities, and issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including child protection and the law. Because of our extensive experience in training adults for constantly changing workplaces, social work at UNE is designed around an interactive problem-based learning approach that will prepare you for the challenge of being an agent of change in the 21st century.
Most of our students choose online learning, where they become part of a community of adult learners who use their life and work experiences to create networks for their futures. On-campus learners can access housing, sports and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in social work. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the Social Work courses on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
At the heart of community services is a desire to help people – to promote social justice and inclusion, and enable people to flourish. UNE's flexibly delivered Bachelor of Community Services will enable you to develop the skills to empower…
- 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Criminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
Become an agent of positive change in diverse communities with UNE's conditionally-accredited Bachelor of Social Work. With an emphasis on social work in rural and complex community environments, our flexibly delivered course will equip you with …
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
- On Campus
Explore the social contexts of welfare, community service and health work with UNE’s Diploma of Community Welfare and Wellbeing. Build on your existing industry experience, vocational qualifications, or interest in welfare and community service work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Supporting those in need is one of the most rewarding career pathways you can pursue. Along with a wide range of job options, working in health and social care can bring a sense of fulfilment, especially if you want to make a difference to the lives …
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a program of study for people from a broad range of backgrounds who want to begin developing skills for future careers or further study. Designed in response to rapid workplace and…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Youth and community work is a rapidly growing sector in Australia and working in this field provides the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Our new Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work is designed to help you…
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Online
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
One Health recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, and the need for collaboration among multiple sectors to promote optimal health outcomes for all. By recognising the interconnectedness of these three fields,…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Whether you are new to professional counselling or want to safeguard your career with an industry-recognised qualification, UNE's Graduate Diploma in Counselling gives you real-world skills and knowledge, underpinned by a strong philosophical…
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
The One Health concept focuses on the holistic, connected approach to health, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Today, we understand much more about infectious diseases than we did pre-2020. We know that…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
At the heart of a career in counselling is a desire to help others. Build on the skills acquired in your previous degree or professional experience with UNE's accredited, flexibly delivered Master of Counselling. Underpinned by a humanistic…
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
One Health is a rapidly emerging discipline in public health, representing a multidisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Examining these connections can help us to identify the root…
- 0.5 or 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Build on your existing knowledge and passion for social justice and human rights with practical experience and flexibly delivered case-based learning. Gain the skills necessary to address barriers, inequality and injustices faced by marginalised and …
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- On Campus
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
2024 Health scholarships
Starting a UNE Health course in 2024? Get up to $12,000 toward your studies. For more information about the range of health scholarships and subsidies available, register your interest now.
What our students say
The amount and quality of support I have received from UNE is overwhelming. As an international student, my journey and transition has been smooth from the moment I gained admission.
Natasha Jutas, Bachelor of Social Work studentFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Social Work
With demand for human services professionals strong and rising, UNE’s social work study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes to the social welfare industry. Strengthen your position as a socially conscious leader in social and community work. Explore your options now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's community service experts will help you develop skills in counselling, community development, and crisis intervention and prevention. Be future-fit for the evolving field of community care for Indigenous people that is focused on…
UNE's community service experts will help you develop skills in counselling, community development, and crisis intervention and prevention. Be future-fit for the evolving field of community care for Indigenous people that is focused on culturally appropriate and community-led care.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's community care experts will help you develop the transferable knowledge and practical skills to prepare for a role in the aged care industry. Explore ageing from a theoretical perspective and learn to employ a person-centred framework in…
UNE's community care experts will help you develop the transferable knowledge and practical skills to prepare for a role in the aged care industry. Explore ageing from a theoretical perspective and learn to employ a person-centred framework in your practice, ready to succeed in this growing field.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young…
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young people in a caring profession.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Social Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop your ability to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community with UNE's highly regarded social work and community teaching team. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of welfare that is forecast to focus on equity…
Develop your ability to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community with UNE's highly regarded social work and community teaching team. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of welfare that is forecast to focus on equity and resilience.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Social Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
| Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Undergraduate Certificate in Health and Social Care | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development | Specialisation | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE’s established reputation in counselling and develop your listening and communication skills. Study recent, evidence-based, techniques and therapeutic approaches and be prepared for the challenges you’ll face in your counselling career. Explore the integration of tech into the field.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Master of Counselling | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Diploma in Counselling | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new…
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new initiatives in rehabilitation are researched.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Learn from UNE’s expert educators and develop the essential knowledge and nurturing skills required to apply a person-centred approach to assisting those with a disability, as well as their families and carers. Future proof yourself and prepare for…
Learn from UNE’s expert educators and develop the essential knowledge and nurturing skills required to apply a person-centred approach to assisting those with a disability, as well as their families and carers. Future proof yourself and prepare for a career in which you will be in high demand.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Gain the advanced knowledge you need to become an expert in environmental public health with UNE. Develop multi-disciplinary analytical and research skillsets in the One Health approach and meet demand for experts in public health ready to tackle…
Gain the advanced knowledge you need to become an expert in environmental public health with UNE. Develop multi-disciplinary analytical and research skillsets in the One Health approach and meet demand for experts in public health ready to tackle issues such as climate change and natural hazards.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Health (One Health) | Minor | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Diploma in Public Health (One Health) | Minor | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Public Health (One Health) | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Become an expert in the rapidly developing field of global public health with UNE. Using the interdisciplinary One Health approach, build the research, collaboration and communication skills needed to succeed as you prepare to face disease outbreaks …
Become an expert in the rapidly developing field of global public health with UNE. Using the interdisciplinary One Health approach, build the research, collaboration and communication skills needed to succeed as you prepare to face disease outbreaks and environmental hazards at a global level.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Health (One Health) | Minor | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Diploma in Public Health (One Health) | Minor | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Public Health (One Health) | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Learn from UNE’s highly regarded mental health academics and be introduced to recent and future advancements in the study of emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. With UNE, you’ll build the practical and research skills needed in the fast-changing worlds of science, research and education.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Social Work
By studying social work with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of government and NGOs. With the need for technical expertise set to rise, professionals with skillsets in health, wellbeing and community care can find work in a variety of urban and rural settings.
- Social worker
Provide counselling, support, and advocacy services to individuals and families facing various challenges, including mental health issues, substance abuse, or domestic violence. - Child protection practitioner
Work with government agencies or non-profit organisations to ensure the safety and well-being of children in at-risk or abusive environments. - School counsellor
Support students in their academic and personal development, addressing issues such as bullying, academic challenges, and mental health concerns. - Mental health counsellor
Aid individuals with mental health disorders, helping them manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being. - Substance abuse counsellor
Assist individuals struggling with addiction to overcome substance abuse through counselling and support programs. - Community outreach coordinator
Plan and implement community programs, outreach initiatives, and support services to address local social issues. - Policy analyst
Advocate for social policy changes, research social issues, and develop programs aimed at improving the well-being of communities. - Non-profit program manager
Oversee and manage social service programs for non-profit organisations, ensuring they meet the needs of their target populations.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Health
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
