About Us

Australian Catholic University (ACU National) was created in 1991 through the union of four Catholic tertiary institutions with experience and conventions going back to the mid-1800s. ACU National is a public University, established by the Australian government. The degrees are equivalent to those of other public institutions in Australia and are recognised world-wide.

Bachelor of Arts(ANU)/Bachelor of Social Work (ACU)

Available at

  • Australian National University
    and Canberra Campus ACT

BA/BSW

96cp from ANU
Minimum duration: 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time.

160cp from ACU National
Minimum duration: 4 year full-time or equivalent part-time.

Graduates will receive two awards, a Bachelor of Arts from ANU and a Bachelor of Social Work from ACU National.

The aim of the joint degree program is to provide an education in social work that is informed by a critical understanding of the social science disciplines and that is oriented to the professional values and practice of the social work profession.

This course educates social workers according to the standards set by the Australian Association of the Social Workers (AASW). The course provides a broad, contextual professional education, based on the analysis of social processes and human behaviour.

This professional education will inform social work practice in its purpose of:

  1. protecting vulnerable members of society;
  2. empowering individuals to determine and change the conditions in which they live;
  3. facilitating the participation of individuals, families, groups and communities in the decisions affecting their lives;
  4. helping change social institutions and policies that constrain development;
  5. contributing to a more equitable distribution of resources in society.

Professional Recognition

All graduates of the program are eligible for membership of the AASW.

Career Opportunities

  • Administration and policy positions
  • Community services
  • Community organizations
  • Corrective services
  • Health
  • Policy formation
  • Political science
  • Program planning
  • Rehabilitation
  • Social action
  • Social administration
  • Social service
  • Social work
  • Sociology

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To find out course fees, intake dates, entry requirements and more details about courses and the Institute please click on the Enquiry button and complete our form.