University of Melbourne

What you'll study

This combined program integrates core social work professional education with a broad Bachelor of Arts curriculum. Social work components cover foundational and advanced practice skills, social policy, ethics and human rights, research methods for practice, and culturally responsive practice including Indigenous approaches. Practice learning is central: students complete a sequence of supervised field education placements in community agencies, health services, schools and government settings, supported by reflective practice seminars.

The arts component enables study across disciplines such as sociology, psychology, politics, history, languages and cultural studies. Typical social work subjects include:

• Foundations of Social Work Practice – values, theories and core helping skills.
• Social Policy and Social Justice – analysis of policy contexts and advocacy.
• Research Methods for Social Work – qualitative and quantitative approaches for practice evaluation.
• Practice with Individuals and Families – assessment and intervention approaches.
• Community Development and Organisational Practice – working with groups and systems change.
• Field Education / Practicum – extended supervised placements in professional settings.

Electives in the Bachelor of Arts allow you to tailor study to areas such as social policy, human rights, mental health, development studies, languages or Indigenous studies, providing a multidisciplinary context for social work practice.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and typically requires completion of an undergraduate degree. Applicants on the combined pathway normally commence the Bachelor of Arts and then progress into the professional master component when academic and prerequisite requirements are met. Selection is based on academic achievement, a statement of purpose or personal statement, and usually referees; relevant paid or voluntary experience in community or human services is highly regarded.

All applicants must meet professional suitability requirements for placement, which commonly include a criminal history check, working with children verification, and immunisation or health screening as required by placement providers. International applicants must meet English language competency requirements set by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible for professional accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers and work across a wide range of settings. Typical roles include:

• Clinical or casework social worker in mental health, child and family services, hospitals and aged care.
• Community development officer or program coordinator in non‑government organisations.
• Policy analyst or advisor in government departments and advocacy organisations.
• School welfare officer, youth worker or family support practitioner.
• Researcher or evaluator in social research institutes and universities; pathway to doctoral study for those pursuing academic careers.

Why study at University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne offers an integrated, research‑informed professional social work program with strong links to industry and community partners across health, government and the non‑profit sector. The course combines rigorous practice education through organised field placements with the intellectual breadth of a Bachelor of Arts, enabling graduates to work effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary environments.

Students benefit from experienced teaching staff, access to the University’s research centres and networks, and a metropolitan location that provides a wide range of placement opportunities and professional connections.