The Australian Government has introduced a new professional pathway for psychology and social work (including youth work, counselling and community work) degrees, from 2021.

What is a professional pathway degree?

Professional pathway degrees are those degrees in psychology and social work that are accredited by an accrediting body and lead to professional employment. Further information on each of the professional pathways is available at www.education.gov.au/professional-pathways

Which UNSW programs are professional pathway programs?

Psychology

  • 3632 Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
  • 3435 Bachelor of Psychological Science
  • 4722 Bachelor of Psychological Science / Law
  • 4721 Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) / Law
  • 4518 Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

Professional Pathway Psychology units of study are Behavioural Science units (with FOE codes starting with 0907) that contribute to courses of study that lead to a bachelors degree, honours degree or masters degree in psychology with a course structure that makes it compulsory to study the units relevant to professional registration as a psychologist by the Psychology Board of Australia, and which itself represents a pathway to professional registration as a psychologist.

Social Work

  • 4033 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
  • 4045 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts
  • 4787 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Law
  • 4034 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Criminology & Criminal Justice
  • 3322 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Social Science*

*This program was formerly 4044 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Research and Policy. Students who remain enrolled under 4044 BSW(Hons)/BSR&P will remain eligible for Professional Pathway charging whilst in the program.

Professional Pathway Social Work units of study are Human Welfare Studies and Services units (with FOE codes starting with 0905) that contribute to courses of study that lead to a bachelors degree, honours degree or masters degree in social work accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

How much will my fees be if I am in a professional pathway program?

Please see the Commonwealth Supported Fees page for details.

For students enrolled in a Professional Pathway Psychology degree, all units in Behavioural Science (fields of education (FOE) codes starting with 0907) will be considered part of the professional pathway charged at $8,301 (commencing) or $7,105 (grandfathered) in 2023. Other units in the Professional Pathway Psychology degree will be charged at their nominal rate.

For students are enrolled in a Professional Pathway degree in Social Work, all units in Human Welfare Studies and Services (FOE codes starting with 0905) will be considered part of the professional pathway charged at $8,301 (commencing) or $7,105 (grandfathered) in 2023. Other units in the Professional Pathway Social work degree will be charged at their nominal rate.

Please see the information the Department of Education has published regarding Pathway Programs.

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