Course overview
This course will give you the skills to work with individuals, groups and communities to address barriers that impact quality of life; to promote positive relationships; and to advocate for human rights and social change – including at societal, policy and legislative levels.
This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.
Career outcomes
In Australia, social and welfare professional jobs are expected to grow by 25% by 2035.¹
For detailed information, read our article on social work careers.
Careers
- Social worker
- Community cultural development officer
- Community liaison officer
- Support/outreach officer
- Mental health worker
- Welfare case worker
Industries
- Healthcare
- Aged care
- Community corrections and juvenile justice
- Disability and rehabilitation
- Refugee services
¹ Source: Jobs and Skills Australia – Employment Projections
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Why study at Curtin?
Five Stars Plus
Curtin continues to achieve a QS Five Stars Plus rating – the highest possible for a tertiary institution. (QS Stars)
Highly ranked course
Curtin ranks first in Australia for skills development; and first in WA for full-time employment, overal experience and learner engagement for Social Work (undergraduate). (Good Universities Guide 2026)
Work experience
You'll develop your professional identity through practical, supervised fieldwork placements.
Hear from our students
"The community within the Social Work degree makes it special. Spending hours with like-minded people who constantly support each other is really motivating. I have been able to develop an array of skills allowing me to be confident in an area like counselling but also in a project development role. This level of diversity and transferable skills obtained within my degree has made me feel prepared to move into my professional career in either counselling or mental health intervention development."
Jarra Kittow
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
What you will learn
Throughout your studies, you’ll develop the skills and values needed to work with children, young people, adults, the elderly, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
You will learn how people engage with each other, their communities and society, drawing on knowledge from diverse disciplines such as health, economics, philosophy, politics, psychology and sociology.
You’ll also complete two supervised work placements (totalling 1,050 hours), applying your learning in work environments and developing your professional identity. (Note that during your placement, you may be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment.)
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:
- any course-specific requirements
- course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
- English language requirement.
I am an international student
Studying on an Australian student visa? See entry requirement details for international students.
Minimum ATAR entry required
This course requires you to achieve a minimum ATAR/selection rank to be considered for entry, but does not guarantee selection.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Entry pathways
There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved.
Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Special consideration
If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Commonwealth-supported first-year fee
$9,400*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
ApplyLocation and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.