Study Social Work

_{Jawaher Masawa, Bachelor of Social Work}

Why study Social Work at Flinders?

Pursue a career where you can make a real difference.

Social Work is a career for those who refuse to accept injustice. With a Bachelor of Social Work, Flinders will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle the toughest social issues facing our communities, such as homelessness, domestic violence, and racial inequalities.

When you study at Flinders, you'll experience an adaptable degree that incorporates learning from a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology and social policy. You'll learn from an experienced teaching team who will show you what life as a social worker can be like and where you can go with a Social Work degree. As a social work student, you'll graduate job-ready, completing a total of 1000 hours of placement, with opportunities both locally and rurally.

Social Work is an industry in high demand — join the community of Flinders Social Work graduates who have enjoyed diverse careers, including roles as a social worker, community development practitioner, policy officer, project officer, program coordinator, researcher, advocate and activist.

Change the world for the better at Flinders University. Explore your study options at Bedford Park, our City campus, and online.

Courses available in Social Work

New course Available online City Campus

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Higher degree by research

Up to 80% off fees due to Government subsidies*

Explore a range of postgraduate Sport courses with up to 80% off fees, including Master of Social Work and the Graduate Certificate in Leading Mental Health and Wellbeing.

^{*Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Support Places. Not all courses. Offer subject to change.}

No.1 in SA
in Social Work for full-time employment and overall educational experience.

(The Good Universities Guide 2023 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

No.1 in SA
in Social Work for full-time employment, learning resources, overall educational experience, student support and teaching quality.

(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

Learn online

Find your fearless at your own pace, from your own place.

With online study at Flinders, you can balance your study with the rest of your life — and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Learn more

Get inspired

Meet Tamika Perrott

Tamika Perrott, who studied a Master of Social Work at Flinders University, now works for Relationships Australia South Australia as a Senior Family and Relationships Counsellor.

Meet Bonnie Hand

Flinders University Social Work graduate Bonnie Hand and now works as a Senior Social Worker and Clinical Lead at Novita. Novita provides essential therapy and equipment to those living with a disability.

Meet Milijana Stojadinovic

Milijana Stojadinovic studied Social Work at Flinders and has gone on to become the Manager at headspace Port Adelaide, actively involved in making active change to individuals and communities.

Meet Ruka Taite

It's never too late to follow your dreams, and that's exactly what Ruka Taite did when he decided to study Social Work at Flinders University. Now, Ruka is a Team Leader at KWY in the reunification team, which reunites children with their families

Become a qualified social worker

_{Our Social Work degrees are accredited by the Australian Association of Social Work, qualifying you to work as a social worker in a range of health and social welfare services.}

Gain work experience while you study

_{Our team of teachers and mentors will guide you through our field education program, where you'll engage with the community - so when you graduate, you'll have the skills to step into a career.}

Enjoy flexible study options

_{You can build your studies to suit your lifestyle, career and goals. Study part-time or full-time, online or on-campus, and receive personalised support along the way.}

Grow your career

_{With employment growth projected at 23.2% for social workers through to 2026*, your skills and knowledge will be in demand.}

_{*National Skills Commission, 2021 employment projections for the five years to 2026.}

A career driven by passion

Flinders Social Work provides career-ready skills and knowledge to those people who are driven to create a society that is fair, supportive, and inclusive. We are South Australia's No.1 for full-time employment and median salary,* in a field with over 40,000 workers (nationally) and very strong job growth projected through to 2026.**

Social Work careers are not for the faint-hearted, but they are incredibly important and in high-demand. Social Work graduates work in government departments, hospitals, health and community centres, welfare agencies and many other organisations across the world.

Social Work graduates make a difference, and Flinders Social Work degrees provide hands-on study and real-world placements to ensure our graduates are prepared for a challenging, rewarding career. Our overall quality of educational experience is rated No.1 in South Australia.***

_{*No. 1 in SA in Social Work for full-time employment and median salary . The Good Universities Guide 2021 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only ** Social Work is projected to have very strong employment growth through to 2026 National Skills Commission 2021 ***No. 1 in SA in Social Work for overall quality of educational experience . The Good Universities Guide 2020 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only.}

Potential occupations:

Social worker - work directly with individuals and families
Community development practitioner
Policy officer
Project officer
Program coordinator
Researcher – undertake research that directly affects individuals and communities
Advocate
Activist

Employers:

Government, non-profit organisations and private organisations in the areas of:
Child protection
Health and mental health
Domestic violence
Homelessness
Families and Youth
Corrections
Ageing
Disability
Drug and alcohol
Rural and remote

Research to change the world

Flinders' Social Work research is world-standard#, and our Social Work Innovation Research Living Space (SWIRLS) is a leading national social work research centre, undertaking research that uses evidence and lived-experience, to create innovative solutions in and around social work.

SWIRLS' 'Living Lab' approach brings together skilled researchers, policy makers, social work practitioners and related professions to collaborate, innovate and co-design answers to complex social problems.

_{#Excellence in Research for Australia 2018}

Working towards a better society

With world-standard research, ever-deepening partnerships with major industry stakeholders, highly skilled teachers with practical social work experience and an embedded passion to solving the problems of social injustice, Flinders Social Work is determined to help the troublemakers change the world and work towards a more inclusive, fairer society.

“

Flinders University Social Work course offers all the academic and professional tools needed for students to achieve their goals. The environment of the campus and learning areas are very encouraging. With supportive and helpful teaching staff, and endless opportunities, studying Social Work at Flinders will help you to achieve your goals and help improve people’s lives"

Danielle Hanson, Bachelor of Social Work

Study Social Work

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Danielle Hanson’s decision to undertake a Bachelor of Social Work at Flinders University was born of a deep interest in people, and a desire to help them when life gets hard.

“Compassion and a general interest in people are two elements which made me gravitate towards this course; the practicality of the course and all the areas one can work in after graduation also appealed to me”.

Danielle is not alone. Social work contributes to a more just society, and many students are keen to see how they can help make their mark in this rewarding field. Flinders’ Bachelor of Social Work can take your passion and combine it with work ready skills to prepare you for a range of career options.

“My desired goal is to be in a job where I can utilise my degree and all the tools I learnt at university to my full potential, in a work environment that's challenging and rewarding”.

Your path could lead you towards becoming a social worker, advocate, drug and alcohol counsellor, assessment officer or child protection practitioner. Flinders’ teachers and mentors are highly experienced, and the course offers intensive work placements.

“Flinders University Social Work course offers all the academic and professional tools needed for students to achieve their goals. The environment of the campus and learning areas are very encouraging. With supportive and helpful teaching staff, and endless opportunities, studying Social Work at Flinders will help you to achieve your goals and help improve people’s lives”.

Study Social Work

Study a Master of Social Work

If you already have an undergraduate degree, our Master of Social Work will allow you to enter the profession and become a qualified social worker, building on your first degree.

A Flinders’ Master of Social Work opens the door to a meaningful career in a diverse, multiskilled profession. This professionally accredited degree will enable you to have a career as an advocate for a more just society. You can promote awareness of the injustices in today’s society, and by working with policies, people, families, communities, and systems, make a positive change.

Learn more about the Master of Social Work

“

I decided to study a Master of Social Work at Flinders because I believe that everyone in the society, irrespective of our differences in race, religious /cultural belief, age, ability, gender, sexuality or social economical class, all deserve a fair go in achieving their life goals. My degree has prepared me to be a voice to the voiceless, oppressed and vulnerable persons in society. And to practice in a way that promotes their empowerment, strength, rights, safety and wellbeing.

Blessing Abu Ogwuche Master of Social Work

“

In Flinders Master of Social Work, students come from diverse backgrounds and professions, it really enriches the discussions we have in classrooms and tutorials because everyone contributes from their own unique perspective. Our lecturers have both academic and professional backgrounds and therefore can teach from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Flinders campus has beautiful trees and nature and overlooks the sea which enables us to enjoy sunset. Flinders has the complete package from beautiful campus to quality education.

David Ohtaka Master of Social Work

“

I have always had a keen interest in social issues and social justice, and this course provided the opportunity to develop my skills and learning in these areas. I have had a very positive learning experience at Flinders University. I have developed my academic skills, gained a vast array of employability skills and broadened my critical thinking skills in both the area of study (social work) but also as a global citizen. I left with confidence in my knowledge and skills as a young social worker and have grown as a person from the University experience. I'm now working full-time as a social worker. I'd say to anyone, if you want an environment that inspires and supports your learning experience in a supported and welcoming community, then Flinders University is the place for you.

Tim Best Flinders Social work graduate

“

My social work degree has prepared me for my career in several ways and equipped me with numerous theories and tools that I can incorporate into my future practise when working with clients. I completed my first placement with Aged Care and Housing (ACH) where I had the privilege of working within a multi-disciplinary team with some extremely passionate, inspiring, hard working professionals. Working in their team allowed me to understand my role as a social worker and consequently, assisted me in developing my own social work identity.

Hayley Chenoweth Bachelor of Social Work student

“

Studying social work at Flinders has enabled me to fully acknowledge my personal strengths and facilitated my strong desire to help, support and empower people in a meaningful way. The placement experience and learning opportunities within the degree will focus your strengths and skills, increasing your confidence and enabling you to become an advocate for human rights and equality for all.

Pieter Verdonk Bachelor of Social Work student

Social Work FAQs

What is social work?

Social work is a career that makes a positive impact on society. Your career could see you working in child protection or with older people. You could become a disability advocate or a drug and alcohol counsellor. You will enhance the wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities and address inequality and injustice.

How do I become a social worker?

You can study a Bachelor of Social Work if you haven’t studied at university before or Master of Social Work if you have a previous university degree with social science qualifications.

Does Flinders offer a Graduate Diploma in Social Work or a Graduate Certificate in Social Work?

At Flinders we offer a variety of Social Work courses at postgraduate level; you can study a Master of Social Work, a Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual, or a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Responsive Practice.

Can I study social work online?

Yes, you can study the Master of Social Work online. The Bachelor of Social Work (External) allows online study, however, 20 days of face-to-face learning at Flinders University's Bedford Park campus is required.

What kind of social work jobs are offered in Adelaide?

Social work jobs in Adelaide include:

Government, not for profit and private organisations working in child protection, homelessness, domestic violence, mental health and wellbeing. You could work in policy development or research or within community centres or hospitals.

Can I apply for credit transfer if I’ve studied at TAFE or other institutions?

Yes, if you have studied at TAFE (or another RTO) you may be eligible for credit. Related areas include:

TAFESA Social Work
Diploma of Community Services
Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
Diploma of Mental Health
Diploma of Youth Work

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisers about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.

1300 354 633

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Apply for study in 2025

Study Social Work

Why study Social Work at Flinders?

Pursue a career where you can make a real difference.

Courses available in Social Work