Title: Bachelor of Social Work
Provider: James Cook University
Campus Location(s): Online, Townsville, Cairns
About
The Bachelor of Social Work at James Cook University (JCU) prepares students for a career in social work by focusing on empowering individuals, families, groups, and communities. It covers psychology, social welfare practices, and the factors leading to deviance and crime.
The program includes 1,000 hours of required field placement, providing essential real-world experience. JCU's approach has a strong emphasis on working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as international and tropical contexts.
Provider
James Cook University is known for its dedication to research and education with a strong emphasis on the tropics, sustainability, and Indigenous communities. It aims to create graduates who are equipped to make a difference in challenging areas of importance globally and locally.
Key Takeaways
- Ranked #1 in Queensland for full-time employment in social work.
- Entry requires an ATAR of 62 or a VET qualification, Certificate III.
- Features extensive field placement with 1,000 hours of professional experience.
- Courses focus on diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
- Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, ensuring eligibility for professional registration.
Course Structure
The course spans four levels, each building upon the foundational knowledge and skills required for professional practice.
- Level 1 introduces the basics with subjects like "The Political World: An Introduction to Political Science," "Australian Society: An Introduction to Sociology," and "Human Rights, Social Justice, and the Law." It also covers "Foundations of Social Work," "Lifespan Development and Psychology for Social Welfare Practice," "Social Policy and Social Work," "Deviance, Crime and Society," and "Australian People: Indigeneity and Multiculturalism."
- Level 2 focuses on specialised topics including "Foundations of Social Work Research," "Women, Power and Society," "Migration, Ethnicity and Belonging," and "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Skills and Frameworks for Practice." It also addresses "Interpersonal Skills," "Professional Ethics," "Organisational Practice," and "Community Work."
- Level 3 delves into "Group Work," "Working with Children and Families," "Eco Social Justice," and includes a significant practical component, "Field Education 1," worth 9 credit points. Additional subjects are "Professional Skills for Social Work Practice" and "Developing Research Proposals."
- Level 4 rounds off the course with "Conducting Research and Program Evaluation," "Field Education 2" also worth 9 credit points, "Advanced Social Work Theory," "Social Work and Mental Health," "Professional Identity and Social Work Practice," and "Social Work Practice in Contemporary Contexts."
The course is available at JCU Cairns and JCU Townsville, offering internal or mixed-mode attendance.
Distance Education Travel Requirements
Distance education students in the Bachelor of Social Work program must fulfill specific attendance requirements to meet the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation standards. This includes a mandatory 20 days of face-to-face, on-campus attendance throughout the entirety of the course. This requirement ensures that students engaging in distance learning receive comparable practical training and interpersonal skills development as those attending classes on campus.
Additionally, the course structure may necessitate more than the minimum on-campus days due to the demands of specific subjects. This approach highlights JCU's commitment to a holistic education that prepares students for professional practice.