La Trobe University > Courses > Social work

Social work

Why study social work?

Make a difference by helping people thrive. With the practical skills and knowledge from a social work course, you can help work towards a socially just and equitable society. The strong human rights and social justice focus of our course will prepare you for a range of leadership roles and is widely regarded by employers as offering a contemporary and highly sought after qualification.

We have an extensive network of prospective employers in Australia and overseas, which offers a greater diversity of practical work placement as part of the course - we have community services partners in the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and across Europe.

Accreditation

La Trobe designs its courses with your future career in mind and partners with a range of professional organisations for accreditation and registration. Refer to the detail for each course below to see what professional registration and membership options exist.

Career opportunities in social work

90-95% of graduates find employment in their field within six months of graduation.*

You can expect to work in schools, hospitals, community health centres and government departments in the areas of child and family services, counselling, child protection, disability, ageing, mental health, refugees and settlement, youth, substance abuse, mediation and rehabilitation.

*Annual survey of graduates conducted by our School of Social Work and Social Policy

Your study experience

Alternative pathways

We offer flexible entry and exit pathways to current and prospective students. You may enter the program at different year levels depending upon your qualifications.

Social work placements

Working alongside experienced professionals is a critical part of your Social Work education. In each of the final two years of your course you will complete a 70 day block placement. Here you will be supervised by a qualified and experienced social worker and will work towards developing the skills required for professional practice. You will have the opportunity to work in diverse and challenging fields of practice including community development, advocacy, research, mental health, education, child and family, disability, health and youth.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

You can apply to take one placement overseas. We have partnerships with a number of international organisations in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia and China.

Find out about the experiences of one of our students.

My goal is to become a social worker because I have the need to help others.

Ms Cloe Chenevier,