Juris Doctor
The Juris Doctor program at La Trobe is a highly regarded three-year, full-time course....
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
INTAKE: March
Program Overview
La Trobe University in Australia offers a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program designed to prepare students for professional practice in social work. This four-year undergraduate program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework needed to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities facing social challenges and inequalities. The program emphasizes a strengths-based approach, social justice principles, and a commitment to human rights, equipping graduates to advocate for marginalized populations, promote social change, and contribute to building inclusive and resilient communities.
Curriculum: The curriculum of La Trobe University's Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program is comprehensive and designed to provide students with a solid foundation in social work theory, practice, and research. Core courses cover topics such as social work theories and methods, social policy and advocacy, human development and behavior, diversity and social justice, and professional ethics and values. Students also participate in field education placements throughout the program, gaining practical experience in social work practice settings under the supervision of qualified social workers. Elective courses allow students to explore specialized areas of social work practice or pursue interdisciplinary studies in related fields such as psychology, sociology, or public health.
Research Focus: La Trobe University has a strong research focus in social work and related fields, with faculty members conducting research on a wide range of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health, domestic violence, Indigenous rights, and refugee resettlement. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program have opportunities to engage in research activities, collaborate with faculty members on research projects, and participate in research seminars and conferences. La Trobe's research focus enhances students' critical thinking skills, evidence-based practice, and understanding of current social issues and interventions, preparing them to contribute to the evidence base and innovate in social work practice.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program at La Trobe University emphasizes industry engagement through partnerships with social service agencies, government departments, non-profit organizations, and community groups. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for field education placements, internships, and professional networking, allowing them to gain practical experience, develop clinical skills, and build professional relationships with social work practitioners and stakeholders. La Trobe's industry engagement initiatives ensure graduates are familiar with current social work practices, client populations, and service delivery systems, enhancing their employability and readiness for entry into the social work profession.
Global Perspective: As a globally focused institution, La Trobe University integrates a global perspective into its Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program. Students learn about international social issues such as globalization, migration, human trafficking, and social justice movements, gaining insights into the interconnectedness of local and global social systems. They also have opportunities to engage in international field education placements, study abroad programs, or research collaborations with international partners, broadening their understanding of social work practice in diverse cultural contexts and preparing them to work effectively as social workers in multicultural and global contexts. La Trobe's global perspective fosters students' cultural competence, empathy, and commitment to promoting social justice and human rights on a global scale.
Location
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
AUD 34000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 19 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 65 with a minimum of 65 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
La Trobe University is dedicated to fostering global talent and ensuring that international students have access to financial support through a range of scholarships.
Excellence Scholarships: La Trobe University offers Excellence Scholarships to high-achieving international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and can significantly offset tuition costs, making world-class education more accessible.
Regional Scholarships: Recognizing the importance of diversity, the university provides Regional Scholarships to international students from specific regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural exchange and global perspectives.
Destination Australia Scholarships: La Trobe University participates in the Destination Australia Program, which provides financial assistance to international students choosing to study in regional Australia. This initiative not only eases the financial burden but also promotes education in vibrant regional communities.
Sports Scholarships: For talented athletes, the Sports Scholarships at La Trobe University offer an opportunity to pursue both academic and athletic excellence. These scholarships support athletes in achieving their sporting goals while earning a degree.
Research Scholarships: International students pursuing research degrees at La Trobe University can apply for Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide financial support for postgraduate research students, enabling them to contribute to cutting-edge research in various fields.
Indigenous Scholarships: La Trobe University is fostering Indigenous talent from around the world. Indigenous Scholarships are available to support Indigenous international students in their pursuit of higher education.
Alumni Scholarships: International students with a family member who is an alumnus of La Trobe University may be eligible for Alumni Scholarships, providing a special opportunity to follow in their family's educational footsteps.
Study Abroad Scholarships: International students looking to participate in a study abroad program at La Trobe University can explore Study Abroad Scholarships. These awards make global education experiences more accessible.
Exchange Scholarships: La Trobe University encourages international exchange students to explore Exchange Scholarships. These scholarships facilitate academic and cultural exchanges, enhancing the global perspectives of students.
Graduates of La Trobe University's Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program have a diverse range of career options available to them in the field of social work, spanning various sectors and populations. With their specialized training in social work theory, practice, and research, graduates are well-equipped to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities facing social challenges and inequalities.
Social Worker in Child Welfare: Many graduates choose to work as social workers in child welfare agencies, providing support and intervention services to children, youth, and families involved in the child protection system. Social workers in child welfare assess family dynamics, conduct risk assessments, and develop intervention plans aimed at ensuring the safety, well-being, and permanency of children in care. They may provide counseling, advocacy, and case management services, collaborate with other professionals and community resources, and facilitate family reunification or alternative care arrangements for children in need of protection.
Mental Health Social Worker: Some graduates specialize in mental health social work, working in mental health clinics, hospitals, community health centers, or private practice settings. Mental health social workers provide assessment, counseling, and support services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or psychosis. They may conduct psychosocial assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide crisis intervention and ongoing therapeutic support to clients and their families. Mental health social workers also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community organizations to promote recovery, resilience, and social inclusion for individuals with mental illness.
School Social Worker: Graduates may pursue careers as school social workers, working in primary schools, secondary schools, or educational settings to support students' academic success, social-emotional development, and well-being. School social workers provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and support services to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. They collaborate with school staff, parents, and community agencies to address students' needs, facilitate access to resources and supports, and promote a positive and inclusive school climate conducive to learning and development.
Community Development Officer: Some graduates choose to work as community development officers, collaborating with communities to address social issues, build social capital, and promote community well-being and empowerment. Community development officers work for local governments, non-profit organizations, or community-based agencies, facilitating community engagement, capacity-building initiatives, and grassroots organizing efforts. They may coordinate community programs, advocacy campaigns, and social justice initiatives, mobilizing residents to address systemic barriers, advocate for policy change, and create positive social change at the local level.
Family Support Worker: Graduates may pursue careers as family support workers, providing assistance and resources to families facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, or substance abuse. Family support workers work for social service agencies, family support centers, or government programs, offering practical assistance, emotional support, and advocacy to families in crisis. They may help families access housing, financial assistance, childcare, or parenting support services, and provide education on healthy relationships, child development, and parenting skills to strengthen family functioning and resilience.
Aged Care Social Worker: Some graduates specialize in aged care social work, working with older adults and their families to address issues related to aging, health, and social support. Aged care social workers work in aged care facilities, hospitals, or community health centers, providing assessment, counseling, and support services to older adults experiencing health challenges, social isolation, or caregiving stress. They may advocate for aged care reforms, facilitate access to community services and resources, and promote aging-in-place options and quality of life enhancements for older adults in residential or community settings.
Policy Analyst/Advocate: Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts or advocates, working for government agencies, advocacy organizations, or research institutes to influence social policy and promote social justice. Policy analysts/advocates conduct research, analyze legislation, and develop policy recommendations on issues such as poverty reduction, human rights, social welfare, and equity. They may engage in lobbying, public education campaigns, and community organizing efforts to raise awareness, mobilize support, and advocate for policy changes that address systemic inequalities and improve social conditions for marginalized populations.
