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