Study a Social Work degree in Australia

Why study a Social Work degree at Flinders University?

Flinders Social Work provides career-ready skills and knowledge to those people who are driven to create a society that is fair, supportive, and inclusive. We are South Australia's No.1 for full-time employment and median salary,^* in a field with over 40,000 workers (nationally) and very strong job growth projected through to 2025.^**

This professionally accredited degree will increase your confidence and enable you to have a career as an advocate for human rights. You can promote and support awareness of the injustices in today’s society, and by working with policies, people, families and communities, make a positive change.

Flinders Social Work degrees provide hands-on study and real-world placements to ensure our graduates are prepared for a challenging, rewarding career. Our overall quality of educational experience is rated No.1 in South Australia.^***

_{*No. 1 in SA in Social Work for full-time employment and median salary. (The Good Universities Guide 2021 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

** Social Work is projected to have strong employment growth through to 2023 (Job Outlook 2019)

***No. 1 in SA in Social Work for overall quality of educational experience. (The Good Universities Guide 2020 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)}

No 1. in SA
for overall experience in
Social Work

The Good Universities Guide 2020 (undergraduate),
public SA-founded universities only

No 1. in SA
in Social Work for median salary and learner engagement

The Good Universities Guide 2022 (undergraduate),
public SA-founded universities only

No 1. in SA
for student support in
Social Work

The Good Universities Guide 2020 (postgraduate),
public SA-founded universities only

Graduate work ready

Strong industry links and intensive work placements will help you gain the work-ready skills you need to achieve your career goals.

Diversified skill set

Broaden your career opportunities by developing a diverse range of skills including social policy and planning.

Learn from the best

Flinders’ field education program is staffed by a highly experienced team of educators and coordinators, and will give you highly desirable, practical knowledge.

Professional accreditation

Professionally accredited social work degree that qualifies you to work as a social worker in a wide range of health and social welfare services. Studying social work at Flinders University could lead you towards becoming a social worker, advocate, drug and alcohol cousellor, assessment officer or child protection practitioner.

“Looking into the learning journey with Flinders University, I think they do a great job in balancing the teaching distribution of theory and practice which will be delivered.

I have had positive placement experiences offered by Flinders University. In my placements I worked with children and young people in a multi-disciplinary working environment that includes teaching staff, wellbeing leaders, Pastoral Care Workers, Aboriginal Community Education Officers, parents and other relevant professions.

These practical working experiences give me the understanding of how the focuses of different parties can impact on the assessment and decision-making process, and influence on children and young people’s future development.

Plus, the teaching team is qualified and caring about students’ needs so that students not only receive academic support, but also social wellbeing support. All of these lead to a clear guide and growth in my professional development and career pathway.”

Wenyue Song
Master of Social Work, China

“Looking into the learning journey with Flinders University, I think they do a great job in balancing the teaching distribution of theory and practice which will be delivered.

I have had positive placement experiences offered by Flinders University. In my placements I worked with children and young people in a multi-disciplinary working environment that includes teaching staff, wellbeing leaders, Pastoral Care Workers, Aboriginal Community Education Officers, parents and other relevant professions.

These practical working experiences give me the understanding of how the focuses of different parties can impact on the assessment and decision-making process, and influence on children and young people’s future development.

Plus, the teaching team is qualified and caring about students’ needs so that students not only receive academic support, but also social wellbeing support. All of these lead to a clear guide and growth in my professional development and career pathway.”

Wenyue Song
Master of Social Work, China

Courses available in Social Work

New course Midyear entry

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Higher degree by research

Meet your Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator in Social Work at Flinders university, Dr Renae Summers.

Discover what it’s like studying Social Work at Flinders with international student Blessing.

“The special location of Flinders really adds on to its beauty. Flinders has a lake at its back yard – who else has one? It’s built on a hill, and covered with different kinds of trees and greenery. It’s so relaxing to walk around the lake when I feel tired from doing assignments. I’ve seen a koala walking near the Uni gym and climbing all the way up a tree!

Moreover, I have got so much support from different programs in Flinders. My interaction with International Student Services (ISS) team is the most important one. The inclusiveness, respect and diversity that ISS embraces really makes me feel welcomed, valued.

I myself became part of the volunteers at ISS to support other students. As a volunteer, I supported the Pilot Mentor Program for off-shore students by providing feedback, sharing experience of my previous Social Work Peer Mentor Program. ISS has created such a sustainable system for international students to grow together and support each other.

Sisly Li
Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry), China

“My degree has prepared me to be a voice to the voiceless, the oppressed, and vulnerable persons in the society. To practice in a way that promotes their empowerment, strength, rights, safety, and wellbeing.

I chose to study at Flinders University for a few reasons. It has always been the right fit for me because of the staff – both academic and non-academic – who are always willing to provide the extra support I need to belong and thrive in my new home.

The campus location vibrates with calmness and beauty, which is therapeutic in itself and further promotes a healthy and fresh environment that supports learning. Flinders University environment is quite a sight to behold. It is very much alive in the sense that it bubbles with the beauty of diversity. It shines with people from different cultures and belief systems.”

Blessing Abu Ogwuche
Master of Social Work, Nigeria

“I chose Flinders because it was one of two universities in Australia that offer graduate entry for people like me who have non-social science background. Flinders Master of Social Work opens the door for me to work as a social worker in Australia in many fields of practice.

Flinders campus has beautiful trees and nature and overlooks the sea which enables us to enjoy sunset. Flinders has the complete package from a beautiful campus to quality education. Students come from diverse backgrounds and professions, it really enriches the discussions we have in classrooms and tutorials because everyone contributes from their own unique perspective.

Our lecturers have both academic and professional backgrounds and therefore can teach from both theoretical and practical perspectives. My program incorporates two field placements that give students opportunities to have practical experience, where theories we have learnt in campus can be implemented in practice.”

David Ohtaka
Master of Social Work, Indonesia