Bachelor of Social Work (4 semester accelerated degree)

Entry Requirements

The Australian Association of Social Workers requires that students complete a minimum of eight full time equivalent semesters of university study to qualify as a social worker. Students become eligible for the Monash accelerated BSW program if they have completed a degree or the equivalent of two years full time of university study with appropriate subjects.

These subjects include at least one year in each of the following:

• study of the individual (in subjects such as psychology, behavioural studies, personality)
• study of society (in subjects such as sociology, anthropology, politics, economics, history, philosophy)
• students also need to show some evidence of study of indigenous Australians. This does not need to be a full subject.

In addition, students from universities other than Monash need to provide evidence of at least a credit average in their previous study. Whilst not a formal entry requirement, we also prefer that students can display some evidence of voluntary work experience in the welfare or related fields even if of a short duration.

Teaching Methods and Assessment

A wide variety of teaching methods is used in the course. These include lectures, small group discussions, and experiential programs where students are given an opportunity to develop and practice skills in interviewing. Assessment methods include written assignments, class and take-home examinations, group projects and submission of video and/or audiotapes. Students are also given detailed coursebooks and readings.

Course Content

On-campus and off campus study

The BSW and the BA/BSW are offered both on-campus and off-campus. The on-campus courses are offered at Caulfield and involve regular class attendance. Students are able to enjoy the general benefits of student life and the on-campus facilities. The off-campus program requires attendance at twice-yearly workshops, however it is designed for people with difficulty in attending regular on-campus lectures. It is particularly attractive to applicants already in the field who wish to increase their career prospects; for parents who wish to study while caring for children; and for people living in rural areas.

Workshops for off campus students

Two compulsory workshops are held per year for off-campus students, usually in February and June on weekdays. Each workshop is of 2½ days duration for part time students and 5 days for full time students. The workshops are designed to enable students to acquire skills and to clarify theoretical and practice issues, and to ensure that students have face to face input from lecturers. Students must meet their own travel and accommodation costs. The Caulfield campus is centrally located with plenty of transport, accommodation and restaurants.

Fieldwork

Students must complete two 14-week field placements during their degree. These are undertaken in human service agencies, and are supervised by agency staff. The placements make for a long academic year and students should ensure that they are able to fit the placements in with their other commitments. Off-campus students may undertake the placements part time; under special circumstances on-campus students may do the same. Please note that all students will be subject to a police check before undertaking a placement.

What are my career prospects?

Our graduates have an excellent record in gaining employment. Social Work has been identified as one ofthe fastest growing professions and it provides a wide range of employment opportunities.

For example Monash graduates find work as family counsellors, child protection workers and school counsellors. They work in hospitals and community health centres, mental health services and palliative care programs. They work in youth services, neighbourhood houses and in services for migrants and refugees. They work with youth and adult offenders, and with people who have drug and alcohol problems. They also work in community development, in policy development and in management in human service organisations.

What professional qualifications will I gain?

The Monash Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), and the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work (BA/BSW), are approved and accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Graduates are eligible to practice as social workers in Australia and in many other countries.