Frequently Asked Questions

• Why undertake a double degree? What professional qualifications will I gain?
• What are my career prospects?
• What are the relative advantages of the on-campus and off-campus learning modes?
• What is fieldwork? How is fieldwork integrated into the course?
• Will practical experience help my studies?
• What will I learn from the Arts and Social Work Subjects I Study?
• Why study Social Work at Monash?

Why undertake a double degree? What professional qualifications will I gain?

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) has eligibility requirements – members must have completed 4 years of university studies. Monash University offers the unique opportunity for students to do this, and in the process to gain two degrees (the BA and the BSW). The double degree contains the equivalent of two full years of Arts studies and two full-years of Social Work studies. 

What are my career prospects?

Monash Social Work graduates have an excellent record in gaining employment. Social Work is one of the fastest growing professions in Singapore and it provides a wide range of employment opportunities. For example social workers find work as probation officers, family counsellors, child protection workers and school counsellors. They work in hospitals and community health centres, mental health services and palliative care programs. They also work in community development, in policy development and in management in human service organisations.

What are the relative advantages of the on-campus and off-campus learning modes?

The BA/BSW is available both on-campus and off-campus. How do you choose between them?

Off-campus learning is designed for people who have difficulty in attending on-campus lectures. The only on-campus attendance requirements are for two workshops per year, held in February and June. Off-campus study is attractive therefore to applicants already in the field who wish to increase their career prospects; for parents who wish to study while caring for children; for people whose work commitments preclude regular class attendance; and for people living in rural areas. The introduction of on-line discussion groups has enhanced the opportunities for off-campus students to communicate with each other and with staff.

On-campus students have class attendance requirements. However they can enjoy the general benefits of student life and the on-campus facilities. They can also access support from staff and fellow students more readily.

What is fieldwork? How is fieldwork integrated into the course?

Students undertake 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. Placements may be undertaken part time.

Will practical experience help my studies?

Although it is not an entry requirement, applicants are strongly advised to obtain some practical experience, as a volunteer or in paid employment in some area of the human services, before studying social work subjects in the second year of the BA/BSW. This will help students to apply class-room learning to issues they are likely to encounter in the field. Further advice is available from the Department.

What will I learn from the Arts and Social Work Subjects I Study?

The double degree allows students to learn the skills of critical analysis while deepening their knowledge within certain 'disciplines’ offered or approved by the Arts Faculty such as:

• sociology
• history
• languages
• English, literature and cultural studies
• philosophy
• anthropology
• political science
• Australian studies
• gender studies
• psychology

The double degree also offers the opportunity for students to gain a professional qualification in social work. The Monash Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) course is approved by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), and graduates are eligible for membership of the Association. The course was reaccredited in late 2001 and the BA/BSW granted accreditation at the same time. The Australian Association of Social Workers is the professional organisation for Australian social workers.

Why study Social Work at Monash?

The Department of Social Work, established at Monash University in 1973, has become one of the most respected social work schools in Australia. In 1989 we introduced the first flexible learning degree in Social Work in Australia. Many thousands of students, from all parts of Australia and overseas, have graduated and gone on to work as professional social workers. We have an international reputation for research into areas such as child abuse and family violence, and corrections.