Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Social Sciences
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 2
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 422402
- Program code 4046
- CRICOS code 110659H
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ATAR/2026 lowest selection rank
- 83.0 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $17,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $88,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $50,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $276,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Field experience
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Overseas study options
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AASW accreditation
91É«ÇéƬ is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We're moving to a new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar from 2028. While your degree structure and requirements will remain the same, the duration of your studies may vary depending on when you commence your degree prior to 2028.
Find out what this means for you.
Admissions update for international students
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Social Sciences is a five-year double degree when studied full-time. The program prepares you to improve lives by working directly with vulnerable individuals and driving political change. Discover how social workers and social scientists shape genuinely transformative experiences for us all.Ìý Ìý
Build experience across diverse human services such as mental health, social work counselling, community work, sociology, psychology, and working with Indigenous communities. You’ll also analyse and understand myriad political, international, social, environmental, and economic challenges using social research skills and real-life experience. Ìý
Experience practical and theoretical classes under direct guidance from industry professionals and current social workers. In addition to two social work placements, you’ll have opportunities for social science projects and internships in Australia and overseas. Graduate with real connections, real experience, and skills accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.  
Key features
Practical experience, here and overseas Ìý
Work experience is essential to learning and experiencing the world beyond the classroom. This degree includes two social work field placements and opportunities for social science internships and international projects. You’ll gain distinct experience working in metropolitan and rural Australia or in one of our partnering countries overseas. 
Purpose-driven community 
Become part of a collective dedicated to resolving personal, local, and global challenges. Diverse classmates, teachers, researchers, and practitioners support your goals and share knowledge. Dive deeper into the social work and social science areas where you’re driven to have the most impact.
Research for your future Ìý
Social work careers evolve with society’s changing needs. With advanced research and analysis skills, your professional development can adapt to future changes with confidence. In your final year, you’ll produce a thesis or advanced professional portfolio based on your independent research.  Ìý
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Empower yourself with an education that meets formal accreditation standards. Upon graduation, you’ll meet the benchmarks set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (the professional body for social workers) and be eligible for their membership. Ìý
Why study at 91É«ÇéƬ?
- We're ranked #3 in Australia andÌý#27 globally for social sciences and managementÌý(QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026)
- Increased employability with an Honours qualificationÌý
- Practical classes and at least two work placementsÌý
- Accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)Ìý
- Strong focus on international studies and exchange opportunitiesÌý
- Benefit from strong social work industry connectionsÌý
- Join a supportive, open, and inclusive communityÌý
- Connect with a global alumni network  Ìý
Want to see more from 91É«ÇéƬ Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
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- The 2026 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026.
- The 2026 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2026 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2026 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a 91É«ÇéƬ Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At 91É«ÇéƬ, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at 91É«ÇéƬ, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.Ìý
HSC PlusÌý
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred 91É«ÇéƬ degree.Ìý
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)Ìý
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level.
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen 91É«ÇéƬ degree.
Admission pathways
There's more than one way to get to 91É«ÇéƬ. We offer a range of admission pathways that recognise different experiences, strengths and circumstances, helping you find the right way into university. Explore 91É«ÇéƬ admission pathways to discover your options or speak with our Future Student Advisers for personalised support.
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on the IEO index of , are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or hold an eligible humanitarian or protection visa. This pathway provides early offers and early conditional offers with a reduced ATAR entry requirement for your preferred 91É«ÇéƬ degree.
Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme
At 91É«ÇéƬ Arts, Design & Architecture, you’ll find the freedom and support to shape the future you want. Through a Portfolio Entry submission, you can showcase your passions, strengths and creative potential alongside your academic resultsÌý– giving you another way to stand out and boost your chances of admission to an eligible bachelor’s degree of your choice. A strong portfolio could help you secure an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR requirement. For more information and portfolio submission guidelines, visit 91É«ÇéƬ Portfolio Entry.
Entry programs for Indigenous Australians
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Program and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
University Preparation Program
This pre-university program is designed for high school leavers with an ATAR of 50 or above who have experienced educational disadvantage, as well as people aged 20 and over who are looking to return to education without an ATAR. Visit the entry requirements tab on our webpage to check your eligibility. You'll study specially-designed introduction university courses and discipline-specific courses in a supportive environment that will prepare you for a university degree.
This degree is eligible for the TAFE/VET Pathway. If you've completed a relevant TAFE/VET qualification, you may be eligible for automatic credit transfer. For more details, visit our TAFE/VET Pathway page.
English language requirements
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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.Ìý
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, 91É«ÇéƬ assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.Ìý
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please for more information.
Please for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
International Admissions Diversity Pathway
If you do not meet the academic entry requirement for this degree, you may be considered for admission through the International Admissions Diversity Pathway (IADP) which provides eligible applicants an additional 5 points towards their International ATAR* for admission assessment.ÌýÌý
Applicants from will automatically be included in our new International Admissions Diversity Pathway (IADP). No separate application is required.Ìý
For more information, including , visit our admissions webpage.ÌýÌý
*Up to a maximum international ATAR of 99.95.
91É«ÇéƬ College
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . 91É«ÇéƬ College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your 91É«ÇéƬ journey with confidence. 
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at 91É«ÇéƬ. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Study areas
Combine your interests for a unique career connected to your talents and passions. In a double degree, you focus on two areas of expertise to graduate with more knowledge, skills, and career options. Despite the name, it's not double the workload. A double degree combines the core components of two programs. You'll graduate with two certificates sooner than studying two consecutive degrees.  
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A solid foundation Ìý
In your first year of study, you’ll begin building the stability to adapt within a diverse field that is constantly changing. Discover new interests and contexts while developing the foundations of your future social work practice. You’ll have guidance throughout the program from social workers experienced in teaching, practice, research, and policy.  ÌýField education Ìý
Work experience is essential to learning and experiencing the world beyond the classroom. This degree includes two work placements to develop your insights, confidence, and essential practical skills. You’ll gain distinct experience working in metropolitan and rural Australia or in one of our partnering countries overseas.  ÌýFuel your passion Ìý
Dive deeper into the area where you’re driven to have the most impact. You’ll be able to focus your efforts and interpersonal skills in fields such as community health, child welfare, or clinical social work. You’ll also have opportunities to gain expertise in various areas of practice and in research fields such as social work theory and policy studies. ÌýResearch for your future Ìý
Social work careers evolve with society’s changing needs. With advanced research and analysis skills, your professional development can adapt to future changes with confidence. In your final year, you’ll produce a thesis or advanced professional portfolio based on your independent research.  Ìý´¡³¦³¦°ù±ð»å¾±³Ù²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô â¶Ä¯Ìý
Empower yourself with an education that meets formal accreditation standards. Upon graduation, you’ll meet the benchmarks set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (the professional body for social workers) and be eligible for their membership. Ìý -
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- Environmental humanitiesÌý
- Geographical studies  Ìý
- Global development  Ìý
- Human resource management Ìý
- Indigenous studies Ìý
- International business 
- International studies
- Innovation, strategy and entrepreneurshipÌý
- Marketing  Ìý
- Media, culture & technology  Ìý
- Politics and international relations Ìý
- Sociology
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Full program structure
In the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Social Sciences, you’ll study core components in social work and choose a specialisation in social sciences. The program consists of approximately 40 individual courses. As a full-time student, you’ll typically study eight courses a year. You can study part-time and also take advantage of a flexible study load.  For detailed information on the full program structure,
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Whether you want to study more or fewer courses in any term, the choice is yours. Our flexible academic calendar means you can graduate faster or take your time to study abroad, complete an additional internship, or fit your study around other commitments.Ìý
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Broaden your horizons and study overseas for a term. Choose an international exchange at one of 91É«ÇéƬ’s 300 partners in more than 30 countries. 91É«ÇéƬ encourages a global mindset, which means overseas study can count towards your degree. You may also be eligible for financial support to help cover international studies costs.Ìý
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Whether you have a learning difficulty or could benefit from extra guidance, you’ll find free 91É«ÇéƬ academic skills support such as toolkits, tutors, and workshops. 91É«ÇéƬ Arts, Design and Architecture students and academics are supportive, diverse, and inclusive – it’s easy to ask for advice.
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Future careers
More than just a foot in the door or a pathway towards landing your first job, this degree will set you up with the professional and creative skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your career. Turn your time with us into a future that celebrates your passion and purpose. 
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From much-needed mental health support to child protection, case management, social justice, human rights advocacy and community development – the potential for true change and impact as a social worker is limitless.  Ìý
- Caseworker Ìý
- Counsellor Ìý
- Policy analyst  Ìý
- Research officer Ìý
- Project manager Ìý
- Special care worker Ìý
- Social policy adviser Ìý
- Social research officer Ìý
- Social worker Ìý
- Welfare worker Ìý
- Youth worker Ìý
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- Advocate Ìý
- Campaign manager Ìý
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade official Ìý
- International business consultant Ìý
- Local government official Ìý
- Non-government organisation official Ìý
- Policy analyst Ìý
- Political adviser Ìý
- Political journalist Ìý
- Project officer Ìý
- Program manager Ìý
- Research consultant Ìý
- Research officer Ìý
- Tourism and trade adviser Ìý
- United Nations official Ìý
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the Ìýand you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January.ÌýFor more information about application deadlines, please visitÌýÌýor ourÌýhow to apply for undergraduate studyÌýpage.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýourÌýÌýservice.* We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Undergraduate offers to international students are issued throughÌýgroupedÌýoffer rounds.ÌýYou can find the offer release schedules, application deadlines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the international admissions information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the   for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. For details, visit the under 18 international students page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student ContributionÌý
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place isÌýan indicationÌýonly of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on the courses you select within your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to capsÌýdeterminedÌýby the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.Ìý
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or whenÌýrequired) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated averageÌýusing historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý91É«ÇéƬ fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/programÌýinclude tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costsÌýfor international students, visitÌý.Ìý
Scholarships
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading universityÌý
#19 Worldwide
91É«ÇéƬ is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings,Ìý2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University AwardÌýseven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future LeadersÌý& Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
