Charles Darwin University
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Become a professionally recognised social worker equipped with skills in counselling, case management and community development. This 4-year degree combines theoretical knowledge with 1000 hours of supervised field placements, preparing you to work with individuals, families and communities to promote social change and empowerment.
Applicants must meet one of the following: successful completion of Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training with ATAR of at least 60, completion of Certificate III or higher qualification, at least 0.5 year of higher education study, STAT score of 140, or completion of a recognised tertiary preparation course. English language proficiency is required, with minimum IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0) for international students. Pre-field education placement requirements include criminal record checks, working with children clearances, fitness-to-practice assessment, immunisation requirements, and Applied First Aid qualification.
The course comprises 26 core units and 2 elective units totalling 320 credit points. Core units cover foundational areas including Introduction to Human Services, Communication Skills, and Social Work Skills A and B (with compulsory 5-day intensives). Students study psychology across the lifespan, global sociology, and Indigenous perspectives. Advanced units focus on community development, social work theory and practice, social policy, research methods, and engagement with individuals and families in partnership. Specialised units address ethics and social justice, mental health practice, building safe communities, loss and grief, regional and remote practice, and legal issues. The curriculum includes two 30-credit point field education placements (1000 hours total) providing supervised practical experience.
Charles Darwin University is ranked #4 in Australia for undergraduate employment outcomes and #3 for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023). CDU lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice, bringing real-world experience to the classroom. The university offers flexibility with full-time and part-time study options, on-campus and online delivery, and strong support for students. CDU's commitment to First Nations perspectives and regional/remote practice prepares graduates for diverse social work contexts across Australia.
Graduates are eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and can pursue diverse career paths including child protection, counselling, youth work, community development, policy work, hospital and primary health services, mental health, women's and men's services, housing, faith-based services, addiction services, private practice, schools, aged care, and corrections. The strong employment outcomes and competitive starting salaries reflect high demand for qualified social workers. Graduates can work locally in communities, regionally across Australia, or internationally in humanitarian aid and development sectors.
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