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Bachelor of
Social Work

  • Delivery Mode: On Campus (Blended)

  • Accreditation: teqsa aasw

  • Units: 26

  • Course Duration: 4 Year full-time*
    Equivalent part-time

  • CRICOS Course Code: 108842E

  • On Campus: Total Tuition Fee: $80,000
    Per Semester Fee: $10,000
  • Melbourne
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*Internaltional students undertaking this course on student visa are required to study full time as per their visa requirement and ESOS Act 2000

Introduction

The Bachelor of Social Work emphasizes the wellbeing and building of relationships with individuals, families, and communities and linking the local with the global. The Bachelor of Social Work explores social care, health and wellness programs and initiatives that seek to locate and create systems and relationships that are preventative and educative in nature.

Graduates of the BSW will be able to influence local, national, and global social policy impacting all peoples and communities. The IHM Bachelor of Social Work offers significant interaction between students, their peers, social work academics, and social work/human services agencies that will provide the knowledge, skills and professional relationship building required to produce the quality and practice-ready graduates that are required by the social work profession.

IHM’s Bachelor of Social Work has 1,000 field education hours embedded in the course

This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.

The accreditation ascribed to the IHM Bachelor of Social Work Program of Provisional Accreditation (2022-2025) means that it is a new program which has not yet delivered its first graduates. Provisional accreditation does not impact graduates of the BSW course with this status. Graduates have the same eligibility and standing as graduates in fully accredited social work programs.

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Details about the Course

Course Details

The learning outcomes of the BSW course are founded on the AASW principles of human dignity and worth, social justice and fairness, and social workers working with and on behalf of individuals, families, groups, and communities to:

  • Increase their sense of well-being and social growth on an individual and collective level
  • Address interpersonal and personal conflicts
  • To enhance and enable participation with the larger society
  • Identify and eliminate systemic barriers to full recognition and involvement
  • Safeguard the weak against injustice and abuse

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is designed to sequence and stage learning across core units through major streams, providing a scaffolding approach to knowledge and skill development as well as increasing complexity in assessments and professional reflection. The design of the BSW is influenced by the course objectives, graduate qualities, and application of knowledge and abilities, all of which lead to field education placements and professional results and accreditation for individual students.

The curriculum framework includes major streams embedded across the program including:

  • Society and culture
  • Behavioral science and public health
  • Generalist social work practices
  • Specialist social work practices
  • Field education experience (1,000 Hours)
  • To complete the Bachelor of Social Work students must attain 256 credit points

The accreditation ascribed to the IHM Bachelor of Social Work Program of Provisional Accreditation (2022-2025) means that it is a new program which has not yet delivered its first graduates. Provisional accreditation does not impact graduates of the BSW course with this status. Graduates have the same eligibility and standing as graduates in fully accredited social work programs.

*International students are not permitted to complete more than one-third of their subjects online.

Frequently Asked Questions

The BSW program requires four years of full-time study.

Yes, it is accredited by the AASW for all graduates from 2022; see AASW accreditation web page Accrediated Courses

The AASW is the Australian Association of Social Workers. It is the professional association responsible for accrediting all social work courses in Australia and providing professional development, registration, and other resources.Yes, all graduates can apply for membership in the AASW.

No prerequisite experience is required, but students must have passed Year 12, Certificate 4, or equivalent.

The program has two intakes per year, beginning in March and July. The first intake will take place in July 2022.

Credit transfers are determined based on each student’s previous studies from a relevant Bachelor’s degree (social sciences). The BSW Course Coordinator can assist you with any credit-related queries.

If you possess a three-year BSW from another country, you may apply for credit for Years 1 and 2 of the IHM BSW (16 Units) and then complete Years 3 and 4. To discuss this possibility, contact the BSW Course Coordinator.

Students will be required to purchase some textbooks or e-books; these cost about $450 per year. Students complete two professional practice placements in the course and will also be required to pay for and complete pre-placement police and other safety checks, and will need to have their immunisation status updated to attend a health placement. Students will need to pay for travel costs associated with attending placements during the course.

Yes, there are two social work field placements, one in Year 3 of the BSW for 500 hours (15-20 weeks) and a final placement in Year 4 of 500 hours (15-20 weeks)

The IHM Bachelor of Social Work educates social workers in generalist social work practices (casework, support work, crisis interventions), mental health work, international human rights, community development, and societal change and social research.

Admission Requirements

Standard entry requirements for the BSW include Year 12 completion or Certificate IV completion or equivalent, studied in English, work and/or volunteer experience in human services will be considered alongside education requirements.

English Language Proficiency Entry Requirements has to be met by the student

English Language Proficiency
  • Academic IELTS level Overall 7.0 and no band less than 7.0 or equivalent scores in PTE/ other, OR
  • Direct entry through a pass in an Australian English for Academic Purpose (EAP) course with the minimum score of 70%, OR
  • As prescribed/ recommended by the AASW
Credits

Pathway entry with credits for Australian bachelor’s degree in Community Work, Youth Work, Human Services, or other Bachelor degrees.

Completion of an Australian VET Diploma in Community Services or Youth Work or Mental Health or completion of an Overseas BSW (verified) gives upto 8-unit credits across Year 1 / Year 2 of the BSW.

Unit credits from Australian bachelor programs can give up to 12 unit credits.

The accreditation ascribed to the IHM Bachelor of Social Work Program is provisional accreditation which is traditionally assigned to a new program which has not yet delivered its first graduates. Provisional and Conditional accreditation does not impact graduates of a course with this status. Graduates have the same eligibility and standing as graduates of fully accredited programs.

The accreditation ascribed to the IHM Bachelor of Social Work Program of Provisional Accreditation (2022-2025) means that it is a new program which has not yet delivered its first graduates. Provisional accreditation does not impact graduates of the BSW course with this status. Graduates have the same eligibility and standing as graduates in fully accredited social work programs.

English Language Proficiency Entry Requirements has to be met by the student

English Language Proficiency Entry Requirements
Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a program or course that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge, and skills necessary to achieve the program or course’s core learning outcomes while maintaining the academic integrity of IHM’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge, and skills required to progress and graduate from the social work program and must be met by all students enrolled in it.

Inherent requirements statement for social work is based on Australian Association of Social Workers ASWEAS accreditation and graduate attributes, is available for potential and current students to review when considering their suitability to study in the course, and informs student admission and progression. The following inherent requirements apply for social work:

Social Work is a profession accredited by Australian Association of Social Workers governed by practice standards, codes of ethics, professional conduct and professional boundaries where social work students are both accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in ethical behaviour in practice
  • Interact with individuals and groups in a professional manner in a range of organizational (community and allied health) settings
  • Demonstrate insight and capability to reflect on how personal behaviour impacts others and modify behaviour to ensure consistent professionalism

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Consistent with social work practice standards, codes, guidelines and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being of all

Adjustments must ensure the standards, codes, guidelines and policies are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of ethical and professional behaviour

  • Demonstrate appropriate behaviours with confidential information in classroom and field placements.
  • Demonstrate ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues
  • Working with others effectively, co-operatively and in a professional manner in diverse and changing academic and field placement settings

Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in the social work role.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate stability of behaviour by working constructively in a diverse and changing academic and field placement environment

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Behavioural stability means to be able to work individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Social Work students will be exposed to highly complex and potentially distressing situations in classroom and field placement settings, and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage themselves in these settings

Adjustments must ensure the standards, codes, guidelines and policies are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHMs Student Equity Officer.

Examples of behavioural stability

  • Demonstrate respect for other people (students, educators, service users and supervisors) and their role in the study/work team
  • Demonstrate the ability to accept direction and constructive feedback
  • Ability to seek constructive feedback, assistance and support as necessary

Social work is mandated by legislation and professional regulations to enable the delivery of safe and appropriate professional practice.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and compliance with Australian Law, professional regulations and scope of practice

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Knowledge, understanding, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements are necessary pre-requisites to field placements in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others
  • Compliance with these professional regulations and the Australian Law ensures that students are both responsible and accountable for their practice

Adjustments must be consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of legal knowledge and compliance:

  • Meet the requirements to be eligible for Australian Association of Social Workers
  • Comply with mandatory reporting requirements, work health and safety, anti-discrimination legislation and policies
  • Meet immunization health screenings, clearance and required safety checks prior to commencing field placements

Verbal:

Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide safe delivery of support.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences
  • Demonstrate the capability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner
  • Demonstrate the capability to provide clear instructions in the context of the situation
  • Demonstrate timely clear feedback and reporting

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships
  • The practice of social work depends on effective verbal communication with clients, community members and the professional team
  • Speed and interactivity of communication may be critical for client safety and support
  • Timely, accurate and effective communication is critical to client safety, response and management

Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safety and appropriate support. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of verbal communication

  • Participating in tutorial and classroom discussions
  • Interact appropriately in order to establish rapport, demonstrate engagement and build relationships
  • Responding appropriately in an exchange or encounter in field placement settings, eg interviews, meetings, supervision

Non-verbal:

Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to social work and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, honest and non-judgmental.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate the capability to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues in all learning environments, including the classroom, tutorial, and workplace settings
  • Demonstrate consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviours
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences

Justification of inherent requirement

  • The capability to observe and understand non-verbal cues that assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships
  • Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures that promotes trust in academic and professional relationships
  • Being sensitive to individual and/or cultural differences by displaying respect and empathy to others and developing trusting relationships
  • The capability to observe and understand non-verbal cues is essential for the safe and effective observation of client reactions to facilitate assessment and provide professional support

Adjustments must enable the recognition, initiation of or appropriate response to effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of non-verbal communication

  • Recognizing and responding appropriately in classroom and field placement situations
  • Awareness of culturally appropriate use of eye-contact, body gestures and physical contact when interacting with others

Written:

Effective written communication, in English, is a fundamental social work responsibility with professional and legal ramifications.

The student will need to

  • Demonstrate the capability to construct coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstances
  • Demonstrate effective use of electronic record keeping and data management systems

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Construction of written text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards are necessary to convey knowledge and skills in the understanding of relevant subject matter for professional practice
  • Accurate written communication, including record-keeping and case notes, is vital to provide consistent and accurate assessments and professional support in the field placement context

Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and clinical settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of written communications

  • Constructing written assignment to academic standards
  • Constructing case notes, assessments and other reports during field placement that meets professional standards

Cognition: Knowledge and cognitive skills

Consistent relevant knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide professional and competent social work practice.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate the capability to locate appropriate and relevant information
  • Demonstrate the capability to process information relevant to practice
  • Demonstrate the capability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Safe and effective social work practice is based on knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately

Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of knowledge and cognitive skills

  • Able to conceptualize and use knowledge in response to academic assessments
  • Apply knowledge of policy and procedures in field placement settings

Cognition: Language (Literacy)

Competent literacy skills are essential to provide safe and effective professional support

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate the capability to acquire information and accurately convey appropriate, effective information
  • Demonstrate the capability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information
  • Demonstrate the capability to understand and implement practice conventions to construct written text in a manner appropriate for the intended audience

Justification of inherent requirement

  • The capability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment, treatment and professional support
  • The capability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for the safe and effective professional support in the field placement context

Adjustments must demonstrate a capability to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of language/literacy skills

  • Able paraphrase, summarise and reference in line with appropriate academic and professional conventions
  • Able to convey spoken messages accurately and effectively in field placement settings
  • Produce accurate, concise and clear case notes that meet legal and professional practice requirements

Cognition: Numeracy

Competent and accurate numeracy skills are essential for effective social work practice.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate the capability to interpret and correctly apply data, and an understanding of numerical based concepts for evidence informed practice

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Competent application of numeracy skills is essential in social work to facilitate the effective provision of social work in field placement context

Adjustments must demonstrate a capability to interpret and apply concepts and processes appropriately in a timely, accurate and effective manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer.

Examples of numeracy:

  • Able to enter and collate client data accurately for recording and reporting purposes at field placement
  • Able to analyse research and project report data in academic and field placement settings

Effective relational skills are required in social work practice to make and maintain strong relationships with a range of individuals, groups and communities, professional colleagues, and organisations.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate ability to make and maintain strong relationships with clients/service users, academic staff, supervisors and student peers

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Highly developed relational skills are essential for effective relationships that ensure effective assessment, interventions and professional responses in the field placement context

Adjustments must ensure that student is able to demonstrate an acceptable level of effective relational skills. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer

Examples of relational skills

  • Build rapport with a client in order to engage them in an assessment whilst at field placement
  • Effectively use relational and interpersonal skills to manage relationships whilst at field placement

Social work practice requires self-awareness and a capacity for reflectivity in order to consider the effect of one’s own issues, actions, values and behaviours on practice.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately reflect on their professional performance. The ability to accept feedback on their professional practice and respond constructively

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Engagement in self-reflection and participation in supervision is a key teaching strategy in social work education which requires well developed understanding of oneself in order to appropriately engage in this activity. Working with service users and responding to them requires a well-developed understanding of oneself, and the ability to effectively manage one’s reactions to situations that may arise in the field placement context

Adjustments must ensure that student is able to meet reflective skills requirement and demonstrate an acceptable Minimum level of capacity for reflective skills. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer

Examples of reflective skills:

  • Identify when a practice issue is outside of one’s scope of expertise or when one’s practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions

Social work training and practice requires both physical and mental stamina at a consistent and sustained level.

The student will need to:

  • Demonstrate consistent and sustained levels of physical energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner and over time
  • Demonstrate the capability to maintain consistency and quality of performance regularly throughout the designated period of time

Justification of inherent requirement

  • Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform tasks in an assigned period to provide effective, safe and professional response in the field placement context

Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with IHM’s Student Equity Officer

Examples of sustainable performance:

  • Participating in tutorials, lectures and skills classes
  • Providing consistent field placement practice over a negotiated time frame
Where will this take me?

After completing the course, you can explore your career in the fields of:

  • Child and family services
  • Counseling
  • Child protection
  • Disability
  • Ageing
  • Refugee and Settlement
  • Mental Health
  • Rehabilitation
  • Mediation
Mandatory short non-credit units to be completed during the orientation week prior to the commencement of the course

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Foundational Knowledge and Skills
Semester 1:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Semester 2:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Social Work Theories and Practices
Semester 3:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Semester 4:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Social Work Practice Frameworks and Outcomes
Semester 5:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Semester 6:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Enhanced Social Work Practices and Systems Change
Semester 7:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
Semester 8:

Unit Code

Unit Name

Credit Points
The BSW Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) are as follows:
  • CLO 1.Demonstrate a sense of identity as a professional Social Worker.
  • CLO 2.Develop sound understanding of and commitment to Social Work values and ethics to guide professional practice.
  • CLO 3.Apply Social Work knowledge and intervention to respond effectively.
  • CLO 4.Demonstrate knowledge of human behaviour and society.
  • CLO 5.Display the ability to review, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge and values.
  • CLO 6.Practice effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • CLO 7.Ability to work with diversity and demonstrate respect for cultural difference.
  • CLO 8.Illustrate the importance of, and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Course Start Dates

Course Intake Course Start Date Course End Date Census Date Orientation Date
December 2024 16-12-2024 15-12-2028 13-01-2025 16-12-2024
February 2025 03-02-2025 09-02-2029 03-03-2025 03-02-2025
May 2025 05-05-2025 11-05-2029 05-06-2025 05-05-2025
August 2025 04-08-2025 10-08-2029 04-09-2025 04-08-2025
November 2025 03-11-2025 09-11-2029 04-12-2025 03-11-2025
February 2026 02-02-2026 01-02-2030 20-02-2026 02-02-2026
May 2026 04-05-2026 03-05-2030 25-05-2026 04-05-2026
July 2026 06-07-2026 01-07-2030 27-07-2026 06-07-2026
August 2026 03-08-2026 02-08-2030 31-08-2026 03-08-2026
International fee-paying: On Campus
Annual Fee : AUD $20,000
Total Tuition Fee : AUD $80,000
Administration* (Non-Tuition) Fee :

**Only applicable to international students.

 **AUD $250.00 (Non Refundable)

Fees are subject to change annually.

Pay upfront and Save 10%.

Applicable for International (1 year fee) and full-fee students. Not applicable for funding students.

Payment plans for the Bachelor of Social Work course are available.

i. Semester 1 fees paid on enrolment = AUD 10,250

ii. Semester 2 fees paid prior to the end of semester 1

iii. Semester 3 fees paid prior to the end of semester 2

iv. Semester 4 fees paid prior to the end of semester 3

The payment process for a particular course will continue until the 8th semester of the program.

*Books, equipment, and other materials are required to undertake the program and their cost is not included in the tuition fee.

*The Bachelor of Social Work course is accredited by AASW.

Fees, Charges and Refunds Policy Fees, Charges and Refunds Procedure Apply Now
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FEE-HELP is an Australian government loan program designed to assist eligible fee-paying students in paying their tuition fees for higher education courses at approved institutions. It operates similarly to the HECS-HELP scheme but applies to students undertaking fee-paying undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational education and training (VET) courses at approved providers.

Through FEE-HELP, eligible students can borrow funds from the government to cover all or part of their tuition fees, and they repay the loan through the taxation system once their income reaches a certain threshold. This system aims to make tertiary education more accessible to students by allowing them to defer their upfront tuition costs until they are earning a sufficient income.

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The best way to apply is to click “Apply Online” in the course page’s upper right corner
  • If you meet IHM’s eligibility requirements, an admissions counselor will contact you to schedule an interview
  • In the event that you do well in the interview, you’ll receive an offer letter for enrolment in the program
  • You will be invoiced for the course if you accept the offer letter
  • A Confirmation of Enrolment will be sent to you once you’ve paid the enrolment fee
  • You may apply for a subclass-500 student visa, to study on-campus in Australia
Institutional Partnership

Our partnerships are built through positive, transparent, and engaging collaboration, and we’re grateful for the strong relationships we’ve built over the lifetime of IHM. These partnerships may vary in their nature, but they all share the common fact that there’s mutual benefit and a strong sense of purpose to move the social work human services and healthcare industry forward.

We are keen to connect with industry partners regarding social work placements and joint projects of interest that benefit the learning experience for social work students at IHM. Partners may provide opportunities for students to engage in volunteering, paid work, professional practice placement, and apply for graduate employment roles upon qualifying. We also provide opportunities to upskill staff with the latest course.

We encourage NGO human service organisations, local, state and federal government departments, allied health and community service organisations interested in partnering with IHM to submit their expression of interest to become our partners, or contact Jody Laughton Field Education Coordinator or Dr. Rani Dasari Lead Academic Field Education on sw.placements@ihm.edu.au to discuss further.

Institutional PartnershipCorporate Profile

Head of School

Associate Prof. Lisa Hodge

Designation: Head of School

Email : lisa.h@ihm.edu.au

Course Coordinator

Dr Victoria Dessau

Designation: Course Coordinator

Email : victoria.d@ihm.edu.au

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