Study Social Work and Human Services
Embrace a career that makes a difference
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- Gain extensive real-world experience through placements and professional learning.
- Study in Cairns, Townsville or online*, with small class sizes and dedicated academic support.
- Understand the unique needs of northern Queensland and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Apply your learning to the issues affecting people, families and communities.
- Graduate ready to make a difference in government, education, health or community sectors.
- Become a qualified social worker with the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying).
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville, Online*
Starts: February, May, September
Entry requirements:** ATAR: 60
English (Units 3/4,C)
*Some compulsory on-campus attendance is required for online students.
**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as community services, youth work and disability support, with opportunities across government, non-government and community organisations.
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville, Online*
Starts: February, May, September
Entry requirements:** ATAR: 62
English (Units 3/4,C)
*Some compulsory on-campus attendance is required for online students.
**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
Gain credit with the following qualifications:
- Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
- Diploma of Alcohol and other Drugs – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
- Diploma of Child Youth and Family Intervention – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
- Diploma of Community Development – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
- Diploma of Community Services – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
- Diploma of Counselling – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
- Diploma of Mental Health – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
- Diploma of Youth Work – 8 subjects (or one year full-time equivalent study)
What career possibilities are there?
You could find employment as a social worker, youth worker, health policy officer, mental health counsellor, child protection officer and more.
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville, Online*
Starts: September
Entry requirements:** Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. social work, human services, allied health, nursing, psychology, public health, education, information technology, data or health informatics, or a closely related field); or Other qualifications and/or at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience deemed equivalent by the College.
*Some compulsory on-campus attendance is required for online students.
**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2027 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
Enhance your career opportunities across health, community and human services by developing digital care capabilities that support service delivery, innovation and improved access to care.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Townsville
Starts: February
Entry requirements:* Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree at this or another university that includes at least one year of full-time studies in social and/or behavioural sciences; or an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in any discipline plus at least one year full-time study at a minimum undergraduate level in social and/or behavioural sciences; or equivalent.
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2027 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
Build on your qualifications to pursue a broader range of roles across community, government and non-government human services organisations.
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville, Online*
Starts: February, May, September
Entry requirements:** Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. social work, human services, allied health, nursing, psychology, public health, education, information technology, data or health informatics, or a closely related field); or Other qualifications and/or at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience deemed equivalent by the College.
*Some compulsory on-campus attendance is required for online students.
**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
Apply trauma-informed approaches to support individuals, families and communities across mental health, community and human services settings.
Fast facts
Location: Townsville
Starts: September
Entry requirements:* Completion of an AQF Level 7 bachelor's degree in any discipline; or Other qualifications and/or at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience deemed equivalent by the College.
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You can advance your career in leadership, program coordination and specialist human services roles across government, community and non-government organisations.
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville, Online*
Starts: February, September
Entry requirements:** AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline other than Social Work that includes a minimum of 1 year full-time study in social and behavioural sciences; or equivalent.
*Some compulsory on-campus attendance is required for online students.
**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
Graduates are equipped for roles in aged care, public housing, domestic violence support, education, Indigenous health, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, hospitals and more. Career paths include social worker, school counsellor, health services manager, youth worker and health policy officer.
"The course is well-structured, supportive and offers flexible study options that make it easier to balance study with work and other commitments. A major highlight was going on a field trip to Thailand, which gave me the opportunity to experience social work through a different cultural lens."
Leilani Cannon
Bachelor of Social Work – Student
"The structure of my course has been incredibly supportive in helping me balance my studies with other commitments. The availability of online collaborations allows me to participate without disrupting my personal and professional life. This flexibility enables me to manage my time effectively, ensuring I can attend classes and engage with my peers while still fulfilling family and work responsibilities."
Krys Bickley
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) – Student
"I work at ACT for Kids as a social worker and therapist. I come from an Aboriginal family – I’m the first person in my family to go to university. Studying Social Work was great because it gave me the opportunity to work with other Indigenous families. This career is so rewarding and interesting. You won’t regret it."
Wesley Bennet
Bachelor of Social Work – Alumni
Choose your JCU course, confirm that you meet the entry requirements, and note the QTAC code or course code.
If applying for entry into a bachelor's degree please submit your application via QTAC. For all other applications please apply via the JCU Application Portal.
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