Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The program combines foundational social science and professional social work subjects with applied practice and research. Core areas include social work practice and intervention, human development and behaviour, social policy and social justice, ethics and professional responsibility, and introductory social work research methods.

Students engage with specialised topics such as family and child welfare, mental health, ageing and disability, substance use, community development, and working with Indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Coursework emphasises client assessment, casework and case management, group work, advocacy and working across multidisciplinary teams.

A central component is supervised field education: students complete multiple structured placements in community, health or government agencies so they can apply classroom learning in real-world settings and develop professional practice skills. Many students also undertake simulated practice and skills workshops, professional communication and reflective practice exercises throughout their studies.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically offered on the basis of secondary school completion (or equivalent) with an acceptable Australian tertiary entrance rank or recognised alternative qualifications. Mature-age applicants and those with relevant life or work experience may be considered through alternative entry pathways.

Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English; some form of literacy/English requirement is normally part of entry. Successful applicants must be able to meet the professional clearance requirements for field placements, which commonly include a criminal record check, child protection clearance or working with children check, and up-to-date immunisations.

Selection may also consider a personal statement, referee reports or an interview to assess suitability for professional practice. Specific admissions criteria can vary by campus and delivery mode, so prospective students should check the university's entry information for the campus or study pathway they plan to use.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for employment across a broad range of settings including community and non-government organisations, health services, mental health teams, child protection and family services, aged care, disability services, schools, corrections and policy and program development roles. Social work skills are also transferable to advocacy, case management and community development positions.

Many graduates move into specialist practice areas or leadership and policy roles after gaining experience. The degree provides the foundation for further postgraduate study in social work, social policy, counselling, family therapy or research-related degrees for those wishing to specialise or pursue academic careers.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt has a strong applied focus with an emphasis on professional practice and extensive support for field education, making it particularly suited to students seeking hands-on learning. The university operates across multiple regional campuses and offers flexible delivery options, including online study, which is helpful for students living outside major cities or balancing work and study.

The program places particular emphasis on preparing practitioners for work in rural, remote and Indigenous contexts, supported by partnerships with community organisations and health services. Students benefit from dedicated placement coordination, skills laboratories and access to academics with professional experience in social work practice, policy and research.

Overall, the Charles Sturt Bachelor of Social Work is designed to develop ethical, reflective and practice-ready graduates equipped to meet the complexities of contemporary social work across a variety of settings.