What will I study?

Course structure

The BHSc/BSW course brings together the new Bachelor of Health Science program and the two-year accelerated Bachelor of Social Work program. The BHSc component of the course uses a combination of traditional and problem-based learning (PBL) teaching methods. Unifying cases are used where appropriate to integrate topics across units within a semester.

In the first year of the course, students undertake the normal first year of the BHSc program, wherein they cover a broad range of introductory concepts about health and social care. In second year, students continue with their health science major sequence in health promotion and community capacity building and commence their introductory social work units. Third year represents a shift in emphasis, with students finishing off their health science major sequence and focussing more on social work, including their first social work field placement. The fourth year is exclusively social work units. All units are compulsory.

Fieldwork

Students are required to complete fieldwork in the Social Work component of the course (14 weeks full-time or equivalent in years 3 and 4) and will also be expected to attend half-day site visits.

Course outline for the Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Social Work

Course objectives

The BHSc/BSW course prepares graduates to work as entry-level social workers, or as health promotion or community  development officers.  The curriculum focuses on:

• knowledge and skills for social workpractice
• knowledge and skills for health promotion and community devlopment practice;
• the social, ethical, economic, political, biological and environmental context of illness, health and wellbeing; and
• critical thinking, research and evidence-based practice.

Duration of the course

The BHSc/BSW is a four-year (full-time) course. Part-time study is also possible.

Campus

The BHSc/BSW is offered at the Caulfield campus of Monash University.

Professional accreditation

The BHSc/BSW is approved and accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Graduates are leigible to practice as social workers in Australia, the United Kingdom and in many other countries. Graduates of the BHSc/BSW are also eligible for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association, and the Public Health Association of Australia.