This is a field that can lead to a fulfilling career of helping people and improving their quality of life.
Social work students at Griffith University will be trained to understand people, putting their skills to work for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
The course will suit students who are passionate about:
Equity
Diversity
Ethical practice
Human rights
Social justice
Learning outcomes include:
Becoming highly proficient in all core areas of social work theory and practice
Developing critical thinking and reflective skills
Becoming equipped for practice, grounded in the values and ethics of the profession
Students will be groomed to become:
Ethical and innovative thinkers
Effective communicators
Problem solvers
Change facilitators
Leaders
Griffith students have the advantage of being taught by expert staff with experience in all areas of the social work profession.
Many of the lecturers at Griffith have won university awards for their outstanding teaching.
Students will develop broad and coherent knowledge, as well as skills from areas like:
Society and social arrangements
Human services provision
Counselling approaches and techniques
Human behaviour and development
Specialised social work courses
Students will also be able to choose from a wide variety of electives, including:
Environmental Sustainability
Children and Youth
Child and Youth Mental Health
Positive Psychology
Media, Politics and Public Opinion
Migration, Settlement and Integration
Conflict and Forced Displacement
Adolescent Development
Introduction to Sexual Health and STI
Crisis and Disaster Communication
Gender, Crime and Justice
Contemporary Issues in Ageing
There are two field placements that students will undergo, giving them the chance to put their academic knowledge and skills into practice, as well as develop new skills and experience social work practice in the real world.
The Griffith program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and graduates can apply to be registered under the association, subject to meeting any additional requirements stipulated.
There are many flexible career paths for graduates, who can be employed in government and non-government agencies and found wherever inequality and social problems exist.
Career opportunities
There is a broad range of roles available, including:
Casework
Counselling
Advocacy
Key areas to work in:
Child protection
Youth work
Child and family welfare
Youth and adult offenders
Disability
Hospital and community health settings
Mental health
Employment and income support
Community development work
Counselling
Aged care
Work with migrants and refugees
Policy planning and development
Management and administration
Research
Private practice