皇家墨尔本理工大学

Become a social worker or psychologist. This social work and psychology double degree combines our two highly respected Social Work and Social Science degrees to give you a unique, broad grounding across both areas.

This degree will increase your knowledge and understanding of human development, and how such factors interact within individual, group, organisational, community and policy contexts. You will be prepared to think critically about the social world and to influence change through your practice, advocacy, or research. Social workers and psychologists often work side-by-side in organisations where a balancing act of expertise in both areas is required.

You will be prepared for employment in general social work practice and settings requiring an understanding of psychology. You will be equipped to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to address complex social problems.

This social work and psychology double degree combines the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).

Electives and program structure

Year 1

This double degree has its foundation in social sciences, psychology and social work. The core courses of politics, sociology, social theory and economics are shared with students from other degrees such as Global Studies and Planning.

Year 2

You will develop a solid grounding in the theory and practice of social work as well as cognitive and developmental psychology.

Year 3

Expand on the knowledge from previous years in the areas of biological psychology, mental health and public policy. You will also undertake a 70-day field education placement.

Year 4

Acquire a legal understanding of social work practice and working with violence and abuse, and study advanced courses on psychological assessment and psychopathology. You will also have the opportunity to take an elective course.

Year 5

Develop skills in program management and evaluation, influencing social policy and research. You will also undertake a 70-day field education placement and have the opportunity to take an elective course.

Career

Graduates are highly employable in human services organisations, community-based agencies, various levels of government and increasingly in corporate and private enterprise.

Graduates are prepared to work in direct practice with individuals and families, in community development contexts, and in social policy, advocacy, and research roles. There are ample opportunities to pursue different specialisations and interests.

With your working knowledge of social science, psychology and social work, you'll be eligible for a wide range of human services or community jobs in areas such as:

mental health
child protection
dispute mediation and industrial relations
health services and hospitals
human resource management
policy and advocacy work
community development projects
disability services
program and organisational development
immigration advice and referral centres
federal and state government departments (Centrelink, Department of Human Services)
youth and family services

Careers include:

social worker
psychologist
counsellor advocate
case manager
local area co-ordinator
child protection officer
human resource manager
social policy officer
policy adviser
community worker
community development manager
mediator