This major is designed for young adults wishing to pursue a career in social work, a helping profession that promotes human and community well-being, underpinned by a commitment to uphold human dignity, social justice and social changes. The programme produces social work practitioners who are competent, reflective, and ethical in professional practice.

What You Will Be Studying

This major enables students to evaluate and align their personal values with the value base of the social work profession, and to acquire knowledge, skills, understanding and competence in reflective professional practice. Upon successful completion of this major, student should be able to:

• evaluate and align their personal values with the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practise accordingly;
• integrate the liberal arts perspective that enriches understanding of the person-in-environment context of professional practice with critical analysis and assessment of interpersonal, bio-psycho-social, cultural and environmental factors;
• explain the use of comparative theories of working with individuals and families, groups, organisations and communities;
• use communication skills differentially and creatively across client populations, colleagues and communities;
• apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes and integrate new ideas into practice;
• demonstrate the skills to practice without discrimination, with respect and knowledge of clients’ characteristics, cultural beliefs and contexts;
• apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice;
• describe the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply advocacy and social change strategies that advance social and economic justice;
• conduct research studies and evaluate and apply research findings to provide creative solutions to practice within the community, with an aim to engage in evidence-based practice; and
• demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence in practice through reflection to accomplish discovery and innovation in social work practice.

Based on its learning objectives, this major has the following main components:

• College Core Courses
• Social Work Core Courses
• Social Work Elective Courses
• Concurrent Practicum

Upon graduation, you will have the competence to practise as a professionally qualified social worker in a variety of settings through which human services are delivered (e.g. social services agencies, schools and health care institutions); work in the field of human resources (e.g. customer service and staff training); or pursue further studies in social work or related fields (e.g. psychology and education). You will also be eligible to apply for social work positions as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in government and non-government organisations.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are qualified to register with the Social Workers Registration Board as Registered Social Workers (RSW). This qualification is recognised by the majority of societies throughout the world.