Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Course overview

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (CRICOS course code 082207F) is a Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) offered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (CRICOS provider code 00098G). The program spans five years (260 weeks) and is taught in English. It is classified under Field of Education 090501 – Social Work, part of the broader Society and Culture category. The dual qualification means graduates receive two bachelor honours degrees, integrating social work practice with criminological theory. This equips students to address complex social issues such as crime, inequality, and justice from both a welfare and legal perspective. UNSW is a government-owned university established in 1949, consistently ranked among the world's top universities. The course is CRICOS-registered, ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international students. All data presented here is drawn from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.

What you'll study

This combined degree covers two interconnected fields: social work and criminology. In social work, students learn about human welfare services, counselling, community development, and social policy. The criminology component examines crime causation, criminal justice systems, punishment, and prevention. At the honours level, students also undertake a research thesis or project, developing advanced analytical and research skills. Graduates typically find employment in government agencies, non-profit organisations, correctional services, child protection, and community health. The curriculum is designed to meet professional accreditation standards for social work in Australia, while the criminology element offers a critical understanding of crime and justice. Course content is updated to reflect current social issues and evidence-based practices.

Duration and study mode

The course duration is 5 years (260 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time, on-campus program delivered in English. As a dual qualification, students complete requirements for two separate honours degrees simultaneously, often sharing elective or core subjects to reduce total study time compared to completing them separately. Study is typically undertaken over two semesters per year, with breaks in between. UNSW may offer additional support for international students, such as academic skills workshops and language assistance. The standard full-time load is 48 credit points per year (or equivalent). Students should plan for a significant time commitment given the combined nature of the degree.

Fees (indicative – set by The University of New South Wales (UNSW))

The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$245,500. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities fees) are approximately A$5,000, bringing the estimated total to A$250,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor living costs or the visa application charge. For the most current and accurate fee information, always visit the UNSW website directly. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so it's wise to compare options. HeadStart Academy provides this data free of charge as a research tool.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International applicants typically need to demonstrate completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent, with a strong academic record. English language proficiency is required: IELTS overall score of 6.0-6.5, with no band below 5.5-6.0 (or equivalent test). Some students may need to complete foundation or pathway programs; check with UNSW for approved alternatives. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) may also consider relevant work experience or prior study. For detailed and up-to-date entry criteria, refer to the UNSW website or contact their admissions office.

Work component

This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 20 weeks (approximately 140 total hours, at 7 hours per week). This could involve industry placements, internships, or clinical experiences in social work agencies, correctional facilities, or community organisations. The work component allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks, and meet accreditation requirements for social work. UNSW's Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture coordinates placements across various public and private sector partners. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for unpaid or paid work; generally, Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks.

Delivery locations

The course is delivered at The University of New South Wales – Kensington campus, located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales. Kensington is about 6 km from Sydney's city centre, well-served by public transport including buses and light rail. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant multicultural population, over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, and typical living costs: weekly rent A$300–500 for shared housing, groceries A$80–150, and a transport pass around A$40–50. The Kensington campus offers modern facilities, libraries, and student accommodation options. Studying in Sydney gives access to a wide range of social work and criminal justice organisations for placements and employment.

Student visa

To study this course in Australia, international students need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires supporting evidence including a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of English proficiency, sufficient financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Once enrolled, visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It's important to comply with visa conditions to avoid cancellation. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For tailored guidance, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs. The ESOS Act protects international students' rights, ensuring quality education and consumer protections.

How to apply

1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Society and Culture), and location (NSW). Compare UNSW and other institutions offering similar programs. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the UNSW website to review entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, language test results, and any other required documents. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application online. Ensure you have OSHC and meet financial evidence requirements. Start the process early to allow for processing times.

Start your journey to studying in Australia by researching your options on HeadStart Academy. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and our data comes from the official CRICOS register.

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