Title: Bachelor of Social Work (External)
Provider: Flinders University
Campus Location(s): Bedford Park, South Australia; Online
About
Flinders University's Bachelor of Social Work (External) program is aimed at creating a fair and inclusive society. Students gain knowledge, skills, and values from psychology, sociology, and social policy.
The degree includes 1,000 hours of field placement for hands-on experience. Students learn to apply social work theories across various disciplines, preparing them for significant social challenges worldwide. The course's design allows for flexibility, supporting both local and remote students through online delivery and intensive on-campus sessions.
Provider
Flinders University is dedicated to social justice and innovation in education. It focuses on delivering degrees that are not only academically rigorous but also practically oriented. With a strong emphasis on research and practical learning, Flinders aims to prepare students for impactful careers in social work and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- No prerequisites or assumed knowledge for entry; selection rank starts at 70.00.
- Course includes essential professional or clinical placements, possibly away from the enrolled campus.
- Guaranteed entry for students with a selection rank of 80.00 or a Diploma or higher.
- Course duration is 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Course Structure
The degree is structured across four years, with a focus on intensive field placements in the third and fourth years.
- Year 1 introduces core subjects such as the basics of social work, interpersonal skills, Indigenous studies, psychology, sociology, and health systems. The subjects include 'Understanding Democracy in Australia', 'Psychology 1A', 'Introduction to Social Work', and 'Sociology of Everyday Life'.
- In Year 2, the curriculum advances with topics on social policy practice, human social development, working with groups and communities, and social work theories. Subjects for this year are 'Social Policy Practice', 'Human Social Development', 'Groups and Communities', 'Social Work Theories', 'Intersectionality and Social Work', 'Practicing Social Work', 'Research and Evaluation', and 'Human Service Law and Practice'.
- Year 3 deepens practical skills through an intensive field placement and subjects focusing on professional judgement, decision making, mental health, and the well-being and protection of children and families. This includes 'Field Education 1', 'Professional Judgment And Decision Making', 'Decolonising Social Work', 'Children and Families: Well-being and Protection', 'Identity, Self and Agency', and 'Mental Health'.
- Year 4 rounds off the degree with advanced theories, addressing violence and abuse, another intensive field placement, and 'Sustainable Social Work'. Students also choose option topics in areas like ageing, public health, Indigenous studies, global inequality, and Australian politics, allowing for specialisation in areas of interest.
Competitive students may transfer to the Honours program in the fourth year.
Distance Education Travel Requirements
The Bachelor of Social Work (External) at Flinders University includes a specific requirement for distance education students to attend the Bedford Park campus in South Australia for 20 days of face-to-face learning. These sessions are structured as intensives, making it feasible for students from regional, remote, and interstate areas to participate. This on-campus attendance is crucial for fulfilling the AASW's accreditation requirements and ensures that students gain practical skills in social work practice.