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Yes. On completing the Bachelor of Social Work you are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the professional body for social workers in Australia. AASW eligibility is the recognised benchmark for practising as a qualified social worker.

IHM’s Bachelor of Social Work holds provisional accreditation with the AASW (2022 – December 2026), the standard status for new social work programs while their first cohorts progress. Graduates of provisionally accredited programs are not disadvantaged - you are eligible to apply for AASW membership on the same basis as graduates of fully accredited programs.

You complete 1,000 hours of supervised field education, in line with AASW Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS 2024). Placements are split across two blocks in the later years of the degree, in at least two distinctly different practice settings so you graduate with breadth of experience.

Social work placements are generally unpaid, as they are a supervised learning requirement of the degree. Eligible students may access the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Prac Payment during placement periods, and IHM’s student support team can help you plan finances, timetables and work commitments around placement blocks.

Placements are arranged by IHM's field education team with partner organisations across mental health, child protection, community services, aged care and NDIS settings. Your preferences, location and career interests are taken into account, but final matching balances learning requirements, supervisor availability and the ASWEAS requirement for two different practice settings.

Yes, many students work part-time. Outside placement blocks the timetable is designed to leave room for work and family commitments. During full-time placement blocks you should plan for reduced work hours. International students must also observe the work limits attached to their student visa.

Regional placements can be arranged where a suitable partner organisation and qualified supervision are available, and they are often rich learning experiences with strong employment pathways. Talk to the field education team early if you are interested in a regional placement.

Before starting placement you will typically need a Working with Children Check, a National Police Check, and - depending on the setting - NDIS Worker Screening and evidence of immunisations. The field education team guides you through exactly what your placement site requires and when.

Graduates work in mental health support, child protection and family services, hospitals, aged care, disability and NDIS services, refugee and migrant support, and community development. Entry-level social work roles in Australia commonly start around $70,000–$85,000 plus superannuation, with experienced practitioners and senior roles earning more. Demand for qualified social workers is projected to keep growing.

Membership is not legally required to work, but many employers expect AASW eligibility and membership brings professional recognition, resources and development opportunities. The AASW offers discounted student membership while you study and a reduced new-graduate rate in your first years of practice - see aasw.asn.au for current fees.

Domestic students can discuss part-time and flexible study loads with our enrolment advisors, which extends the course duration. International students on a student visa are generally required to maintain a full-time study load.

Yes. IHM assesses applications for credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL) for relevant previous study, such as community services or welfare qualifications. Credit is granted in line with accreditation standards - field education hours generally cannot be replaced by credit. Contact an enrolment advisor for an individual assessment.

You are supported by a placement supervisor at the agency and a liaison from IHM’s field education team, with regular check-ins throughout. If issues arise - academic, personal or at the placement site - raise them early: IHM's student support services, counselling and academic staff can adjust plans, mediate concerns or arrange an alternative placement where needed.

Yes. The Bachelor of Social Work is CRICOS-registered (03407G) and open to international students at IHM's Melbourne campus. English language and academic entry requirements apply, and our enrolment advisors can guide you through visa and application steps.