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#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1
#1 in the world for sport science2
#1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction3
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Starting a new degree, such as a Bachelor of Social Work, might seem a little overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to consider, and you may have found yourself wondering what career opportunities will be available to you once you graduate.
To show you how it’s done, we sat down with Bachelor of Social Work graduate Augusta, whose work with vulnerable groups sparked an interest in pursuing a career in Allied Health.
Augusta’s journey into social work began while she was working as a disability support worker. She wasn’t sure what to do next, so she decided to enrol in a Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University.
‘I’ve always been passionate about working with people, although I was initially unsure in what capacity,’ Augusta shares.
The skills and knowledge Augusta acquired during her Bachelor of Social Work degree have transformed her career prospects.
'‘I’ve always been passionate about working with people, although I was initially unsure in what capacity.’ 'Augusta, Bachelor of Social Work Student Graduate,
Deakin University
‘Social work opens doors to numerous industries, including healthcare, disability services, business, the justice system, family support, counselling, and community development,’ Augusta reflects.
Currently in her final semester of the Bachelor of Social Work program, Augusta is completing her final placement as a social worker at a palliative care hospital. She’s also serving as an Operations Manager in a Social Services Organisation.
Her experience is a great example of some of the diverse career opportunities available to Bachelor of Social Work graduates.
The Bachelor of Social Work covers a huge range of topics, setting you up to thrive in various roles. You’ll study:
These subjects will give you a solid foundation in understanding what shapes social work practice.
On top of your coursework, the Bachelor of Social Work includes two hands-on practice placements in different social work settings. These placements add up to six months of full-time experience, giving you a great mix of academic learning and real-world practice.
‘These placements provide invaluable real-world experience in clinical environments and can open job opportunities upon graduation for those pursuing a career in social work,’ says current student Augusta.
Augusta feels that the course unlocked a range of skills that may have otherwise remained untapped.
Augusta shares, ‘I gained skills in psychosocial assessment, social work theories and approaches, counselling, risk assessment, strong communication skills, research skills, policy skills and the ability to empower clients in a way that they can transform their own lives.’
We know that in-person attendance can be difficult for all kinds of reasons. That’s why Deakin allows you to take this course on our flexible online learning platform. You can juggle work, study and various other commitments with ease; it’s work/life balance in practice.
The Bachelor of Social Work takes about four years to complete if you’re studying full-time, or longer if you decide to go part-time.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can even progress onto the embedded Honours year in your final year of study.
You can spread your studies out over a longer period, typically up to eight years. This flexibility is great if you have other commitments like a job or family responsibilities. No matter how long it takes, you’ll get the same awesome education and hands-on experience.
If you’re eligible, the embedded Honours year is a fantastic opportunity. It focuses on advanced research skills and lets you dive deep into specific areas within social work.
Completing the Honours year for a Bachelor of Social Work can really boost your career prospects and give you new opportunities to develop, especially if you’re interested in research, policy development, or even further study.
Work placements are a big part of the Bachelor of Social Work. They give you real-world experience and help shape your future career path.
These placements are key to unlocking great Bachelor of Social Work career opportunities, helping you build professional networks and apply what you’ve learned in real situations.
Finding and completing these placements can sometimes slow things down, but don’t stress – universities offer plenty of support to help you out.
To make sure you stay on track, you can chat to academic advisors and placement coordinators.
They can help navigate any obstacles and answer any questions you have about the Bachelor of Social Work program.
By staying proactive, you’ll be well-prepared for the awesome Bachelor of Social Work career opportunities waiting for you after graduation.
After successfully completing a Bachelor of Social Work, you can immediately become an accredited Social Worker as a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and practise professionally throughout Australia.
While there are many career opportunities available to individuals who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work, some paths may require additional education or certification.
Depending on your interests and personal career goals, you might want to consider a postgraduate degree in a related area to qualify for more senior managerial roles or explore a new field outside of Social Work entirely.
For information on further study on what you can study after a Bachelor of Social Work and to find a masters degree that suits you, visit our postgraduate degrees page.
After completing the Bachelor of Social Work, you’ll be a sought-after graduate. Time to put those skills to use.
As an accredited Social Worker, you can work in general and specialist fields, including:
Deakin social work graduates have gone into roles such as:
Social work is all about making a positive difference, helping people and communities deal with life’s challenges and adverse outcomes. Augusta’s journey highlights the diverse and fulfilling career opportunities that come with a Bachelor of Social Work.
If you choose to study at Deakin, not only will you have access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll also gain a Bachelor of Social Work degree that opens doors to unparalleled leadership, learning and career opportunities. This program includes industry placements to ensure you are well-prepared and confident in your skills.
Like Augusta, you might even find some new doors open for you, even before you graduate.
'‘I have already been offered several roles, despite not having finished just yet!’ 'Augusta, Bachelor of Social Work Graduate,
Deakin University
Augusta shares: ‘I have studied previously, and I can honestly say that this degree is worth it in terms of career outcomes. The skills and direct practice experience you gain are substantial and give you the confidence to work as soon as you graduate or work toward career progression. The degree is in a highly recognised and respected field, and it can be transferable across whichever industry you work in.’
A Bachelor of Social Work is well worth the investment if you’re passionate about helping people and making an impact in your local community. It also sets you up for a rewarding career in the industry, letting you do work you’re proud of.
Augusta notes: ‘If you are a great listener who wants to advocate for and empower people to live their best lives, I encourage you to consider studying social work.’
‘This Bachelor of Social Work degree has completely changed my perspectives in ways I had never thought possible. The career opportunities with this Bachelor of Social Work degree are limitless, and we need more social workers now more than ever. If you want to make a change or have an impact, no matter how big or small, this is the degree to get you there.’
If you want to make a difference and find a rewarding career, then a Bachelor of Social Work might be right for you.
