Social Workers help people through challenging circumstances such as homelessness, addiction, abuse, mental illness, poverty, aging and discrimination. Social Workers seek practical solutions to reduce stress and improve quality of life. This is intense work, but with that comes immense professional fulfilment. Our Social Work degree has a strong emphasis on practical skills. You will dive into professional practice courses right from the first year. You will gain expertise in a variety of practice areas, as well as in research and policy studies. You will participate in our field education program which includes opportunities for students to undertake their placement in Australia and in partnering countries. Placements are an integral part of the degree, as they allow you to apply classroom learning in real-life situations. The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours is a four year degree which includes studies in the areas of: social work practice social and behavioural sciences contextual studies Our Social Work courses will help you develop research skills, including research design and methodology. As part of the Honours requirement, every student completes either a piece of independent research by way of thesis or an advanced practice portfolio. Core courses The Bachelor of Social Work draws on the extensive expertise and experience of qualified Social Work practitioners to deliver a unique combination of scholarly and practise-based courses. Core courses in the Social Work program include: Introduction to Social Work Communication and Social Work Sociology and Anthropology Psychology Social Work Practice: Individuals/Families and Groups Research for Social Work Aboriginal People and Social Work Social Work Practice: Field Placement Socio-Legal Practice Social Work Practice in Organisations Honours streams In the fourth year of your Social Work degree you will enter one of two Honours streams: Honours Stream One - You will complete an enquiry based professional portfolio undertaken alongside your fourth year of study which integrates scholarship with your professional social work course and placement context. Honours Stream Two - You will conduct your own small practice, or conceptual research project, and have the opportunity to produce a research-based thesis.