Course Overview

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at La Trobe University in Bundoora, Victoria, Australia is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

37,480

Staff Ratio

18.0:1

International

24.0%

Career Prospects

Employment Rate

72.0%

of graduates employed

Avg Starting Salary

£34,760

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page Official fee page

Home Tuition

A$18,025

per year, maximum student contribution 2027 (indicative) Official fee page

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

Foundations of Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Academic and Research Skills
Quantitative Methods
Introduction to Theory and Practice
Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

Intermediate Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) topics
Applied Methods and Tools
Group Project
Two optional pathway modules
Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

Advanced Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

Subjects

Current Year 12 graduates ATAR This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations. Regional Adjustment Applicants whose residential address is classified as RA2 or higher using the Australian Statistical Geographic Standard - Remoteness Area (ASGS-RA) (2021) qualify for a regional adjustment. For more information, refer to the La Trobe University's Rural and Regional Student Access Scheme (RRSAS) . Subject adjustment A study score of 25 in Economics, any Humanities, Legal Studies or Psychology equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to La Trobe University Equity schemes information and the La Trobe University website Recent Year 12 graduates ATAR This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations. Work Recognition Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a VTAC Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course. Regional Adjustment Applicants whose residential address is classified as RA2 or higher using the Australian Statistical Geographic Standard - Remoteness Area (ASGS-RA) (2021) qualify for a regional adjustment. For more information, refer to the La Trobe University's Rural and Regional Student Access Scheme (RRSAS) . Subject adjustment A study score of 25 in Economics, any Humanities, Legal Studies or Psychology equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to La Trobe University Equity schemes information and the La Trobe University website Applicants with Higher Education study Entire academic record This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. Work Recognition Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a VTAC Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course. English language test selection Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information. Regional Adjustment Applicants whose residential address is classified as RA2 or higher using the Australian Statistical Geographic Standard - Remoteness Area (ASGS-RA) (2021) qualify for a regional adjustment. For more information, refer to the La Trobe University's Rural and Regional Student Access Scheme (RRSAS) . SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to La Trobe University Equity schemes information and the La Trobe University website Applicants with VET study Entire academic record This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. Work Recognition Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a VTAC Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course. English language test selection Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information. Regional Adjustment Applicants whose residential address is classified as RA2 or higher using the Australian Statistical Geographic Standard - Remoteness Area (ASGS-RA) (2021) qualify for a regional adjustment. For more information, refer to the La Trobe University's Rural and Regional Student Access Scheme (RRSAS) . SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to La Trobe University Equity schemes information and the La Trobe University website Applicants with work and life experience Entire academic record This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. Work Recognition Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a VTAC Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course. English language test selection Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information. Regional Adjustment Applicants whose residential address is classified as RA2 or higher using the Australian Statistical Geographic Standard - Remoteness Area (ASGS-RA) (2021) qualify for a regional adjustment. For more information, refer to the La Trobe University's Rural and Regional Student Access Scheme (RRSAS) . SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to La Trobe University Equity schemes information and the La Trobe University website | Current Year 12 graduates Immunisations Prior to commencing a placement, students are required to meet all of the requirements of the degree in relation to immunisation. Students must visit a medical practitioner who will complete and sign the Immunisation and Health Record form. Further information will be provided post enrolment. Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Working with Children in Victoria Police record check Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Victoria Police national police record checks Mask fit testing Prior to commencing a placement, students may be required to complete an annual mask fit test. Further information will be provided post enrolment. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check Prior to commencing a placement, students will be required to complete a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check. For information please refer to the Services Victoria website . Further information will be provided post enrolment. Inherent requirements Core Participation Requirements are abilities, attributes and behaviours that are required to undertake learning activities and professional experience in your course. La Trobe University wants you to understand the Core Participation Requirements of your course so you can: - determine if you may need support during your studies
and - make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you The Core Participation Requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are listed on the La Trobe course page . These requirements are provided for your information and are not entry requirements. Recent Year 12 graduates Immunisations Prior to commencing a placement, students are required to meet all of the requirements of the degree in relation to immunisation. Students must visit a medical practitioner who will complete and sign the Immunisation and Health Record form. Further information will be provided post enrolment. Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Working with Children in Victoria Police record check Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Victoria Police national police record checks Mask fit testing Prior to commencing a placement, students may be required to complete an annual mask fit test. Further information will be provided post enrolment. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check Prior to commencing a placement, students will be required to complete a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check. For information please refer to the Services Victoria website . Further information will be provided post enrolment. Inherent requirements Core Participation Requirements are abilities, attributes and behaviours that are required to undertake learning activities and professional experience in your course. La Trobe University wants you to understand the Core Participation Requirements of your course so you can: - determine if you may need support during your studies
and - make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you The Core Participation Requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are listed on the La Trobe course page . These requirements are provided for your information and are not entry requirements. Applicants with Higher Education study Immunisations Prior to commencing a placement, students are required to meet all of the requirements of the degree in relation to immunisation. Students must visit a medical practitioner who will complete and sign the Immunisation and Health Record form. Further information will be provided post enrolment. Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Working with Children in Victoria Police record check Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Victoria Police national police record checks Mask fit testing Prior to commencing a placement, students may be required to complete an annual mask fit test. Further information will be provided post enrolment. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check Prior to commencing a placement, students will be required to complete a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check. For information please refer to the Services Victoria website . Further information will be provided post enrolment. Inherent requirements Core Participation Requirements are abilities, attributes and behaviours that are required to undertake learning activities and professional experience in your course. La Trobe University wants you to understand the Core Participation Requirements of your course so you can: - determine if you may need support during your studies
and - make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you The Core Participation Requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are listed on the La Trobe course page . These requirements are provided for your information and are not entry requirements. Applicants with VET study Immunisations Prior to commencing a placement, students are required to meet all of the requirements of the degree in relation to immunisation. Students must visit a medical practitioner who will complete and sign the Immunisation and Health Record form. Further information will be provided post enrolment. Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Working with Children in Victoria Police record check Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Victoria Police national police record checks Mask fit testing Prior to commencing a placement, students may be required to complete an annual mask fit test. Further information will be provided post enrolment. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check Prior to commencing a placement, students will be required to complete a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check. For information please refer to the Services Victoria website . Further information will be provided post enrolment. Inherent requirements Core Participation Requirements are abilities, attributes and behaviours that are required to undertake learning activities and professional experience in your course. La Trobe University wants you to understand the Core Participation Requirements of your course so you can: - determine if you may need support during your studies
and - make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you The Core Participation Requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are listed on the La Trobe course page . These requirements are provided for your information and are not entry requirements. Applicants with work and life experience Immunisations Prior to commencing a placement, students are required to meet all of the requirements of the degree in relation to immunisation. Students must visit a medical practitioner who will complete and sign the Immunisation and Health Record form. Further information will be provided post enrolment. Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Working with Children in Victoria Police record check Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Victoria Police national police record checks Mask fit testing Prior to commencing a placement, students may be required to complete an annual mask fit test. Further information will be provided post enrolment. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check Prior to commencing a placement, students will be required to complete a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check. For information please refer to the Services Victoria website . Further information will be provided post enrolment. Inherent requirements Core Participation Requirements are abilities, attributes and behaviours that are required to undertake learning activities and professional experience in your course. La Trobe University wants you to understand the Core Participation Requirements of your course so you can: - determine if you may need support during your studies
and - make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you The Core Participation Requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) are listed on the La Trobe course page . These requirements are provided for your information and are not entry requirements. | Year 12 prerequisites Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language or at least 25 in English other than EAL. Non-Year 12 prerequisites Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Source: CourseSeeker (Australian Government), retrieved September 2026. Always confirm the current requirements with the university.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

37,480

Total students

Staff Ratio

18:1

Students per staff

International Students

24%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Four seasons

Safety Index (indicative)

7.8/10

Transport

Good (close to station or regional airport)

Social Scene

Friendly community

University Stats

Total Students37,480

Student-to-Staff Ratio18:1

International Students24%

Safety Index (indicative)7.8/10

Career & Outcomes

Graduate Employment

72%

Employed after graduation