Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts program at UNSW integrates the study of social work with a broad-based arts education. This dual degree equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, preparing them for diverse career opportunities that require a combination of social work expertise and arts-related disciplines.

Curriculum: UNSW’s curriculum for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts program combines core courses in social work with a variety of arts subjects. Students study foundational social work theories, ethics, and practices alongside courses in humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. This dual-degree structure allows students to explore their academic interests across multiple disciplines while gaining specialized knowledge in social work.

Research Focus: Research in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts program at UNSW emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to social issues and community development. Students have opportunities to engage in research projects that bridge social work with arts disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, and cultural studies. This interdisciplinary research focus enables students to critically analyze complex social phenomena and contribute to innovative solutions.

Industry Engagement: UNSW fosters strong connections with industry partners and social service organizations to enhance students’ practical learning experiences. Through field education placements, students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under professional supervision. Industry engagement opportunities also include internships, workshops, and guest lectures from practitioners, providing students with insights into current trends and challenges in social work practice.

Global Perspective: The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts program at UNSW promotes a global perspective by exploring international social issues and practices. Students examine global social policies, comparative social work practices, and cultural diversity through coursework and international exchange programs. These experiences prepare students to work effectively in multicultural settings and understand global influences on local social issues.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: AUD $150

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 94 with a minimum of 23 in each section.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 64 with a minimum of 54 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.

UNSW offers a variety of scholarships to attract and assist international students. 

Merit-Based Scholarships: UNSW offers merit-based scholarships to international students with exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide financial support to cover tuition fees or living expenses.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are tailored for students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote diversity and cultural exchange among international students.

Faculty/Program Scholarships: Certain faculties or academic programs at UNSW offer scholarships to attract outstanding international students interested in specific fields of study. These scholarships may cover tuition fees or provide research opportunities.

Sports and Arts Scholarships: UNSW acknowledges the talents and achievements of international students in sports and the arts. Scholarships in these categories may be available to support students with exceptional abilities.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts program at UNSW are well-equipped for a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities that draw on their interdisciplinary skills in social work and arts disciplines.

Social Policy Analyst: Social policy analysts work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups to research, analyze, and develop policies that address social issues such as poverty, healthcare, and education. They use their understanding of social work principles and societal dynamics to influence policy decisions and advocate for systemic change.

Community Development Specialist: Community development specialists collaborate with communities to identify needs, implement programs, and promote social change. They work in nonprofit organizations, local government, or international development agencies to empower communities, build partnerships, and enhance social well-being through grassroots initiatives.

Human Rights Advocate: Human rights advocates champion social justice and equality by raising awareness of human rights violations, lobbying for policy reforms, and supporting marginalized populations. They work for human rights organizations, legal aid clinics, or international NGOs, using their social work skills to empower individuals and communities facing discrimination or injustice.

Cultural Liaison Officer: Cultural liaison officers facilitate communication and understanding between culturally diverse communities and service providers. They work in healthcare settings, educational institutions, or government agencies to ensure culturally sensitive service delivery, promote inclusivity, and address barriers to access faced by ethnic or linguistic minorities.

Researcher/Educator: Graduates can pursue careers in research and academia, conducting studies that inform social work practice, policy development, and community interventions. They may work in universities, research institutes, or think tanks, exploring topics such as social inequality, migration, mental health, or family dynamics.

International Development Consultant: International development consultants collaborate with global organizations and governments to design and evaluate development projects aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable development, and humanitarian aid. They apply their social work expertise to assess community needs, promote capacity-building initiatives, and foster cross-cultural understanding in diverse cultural contexts.

Family Therapist: Family therapists provide counseling and support to individuals and families facing interpersonal conflicts, emotional challenges, or life transitions. They use systemic approaches to address family dynamics, improve communication, and facilitate healing within family units, working in private practice, mental health clinics, or social service agencies.

Arts Administrator/Cultural Programmer: Arts administrators and cultural programmers manage arts organizations, museums, or cultural institutions, promoting artistic expression and community engagement. They may develop cultural programs, coordinate exhibitions or performances, and advocate for arts funding and accessibility, integrating their understanding of social contexts and community needs.

Policy Advisor in International Organizations: Policy advisors in international organizations such as the United Nations or World Health Organization use their expertise in social work and arts disciplines to develop and implement policies that promote social justice, health equity, and sustainable development globally. They collaborate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to address global challenges and advocate for human rights on an international scale.