Social Work as a field of study investigates and advances both community health and individual well-being. It studies the knowledge of human and community development, social policy and administration, interpersonal relationships, and the impact of social, political, and psychological variables on our society.

The study of Social Work relies on numerous scientific theories and ideas that are borrowed from various human sciences like anthropology, social education, management, ecology, economics and much more and students pursuing a degree in social work are likely to be taking courses in topics including chemical dependency, human behaviour, interpersonal skills, values, ethics, and social justice.

A few of the issues that Social Work seeks to address include poverty, social inequality, persecution, abuse, a lack of access to quality healthcare, and an inadequate education. In addition, the qualities and skills that social work graduates might develop include empathy, active listening, social perception, persuasion, cooperation, critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

Study levels:

There are a few different types of Social Work degrees. To be a social worker, one will need to apply for a course at an accredited college or university which is offered at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate level via degrees, certificates and diplomas.

The different study levels under Social Work include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Policy
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Science in Social Work
• Bachelor of Science in Global Humanitarian Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services
• Master of Arts in Social Work
• Master of Science in Social Policy
• Master of Science in Social Work
• Master of Social Work
• Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work or Doctorate in Social Work
• Diploma / Certificate in Social Work

Specialisations:

Students of Social Work have a variety of specialisation options in addition to the fundamental programmes that are offered. These, however, will vary depending on the institution and the programme. Social Work specialisations that are accessible to students include:

• Mental Health or Clinical Social Work
• Children and Family Social Work
• Health or Medical Social Work
• School Social Work
• Substance Abuse
• Developmental Disabilities
• Advocacy and Community Organization
• Justice and Corrections
• Public Welfare
• Disaster and Crisis Intervention
• Leadership and Development in Social Services

The following are some sub-specialization tracks that students might wish to think about taking in addition to core modules and specialisations.

• Geriatric Social Work
• Substance Abuse or Addictions
• Migration Studies
• Military Social Work

Employability:

Although there are numerous types of social workers, direct service social workers and clinical social workers are the two most common categories. The clinical social workers work to identify and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional problems whereas the direct-service social workers assist people in overcoming obstacles in their daily lives.

Additionally, among other categories of social workers include child, family, and school social workers, medical and public health social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, community social workers, and military social workers.

Popular job titles include:

• Community Development Officer
• Community Social Worker
• Counsellor
• Criminology Specialist
• Geriatric Social Worker
• Human Services Case Manager
• Labour Welfare Specialist
• Lecturer/Professor
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Medical Social Worker
• Mental Health Social Worker
• Military Social Worker
• Probation Officer
• Rural Development Officer
• School Social Worker
• Social Scientist
• Social Security Officer
• Welfare Officer