Research

Globally recognised for our research strengths and innovations in teaching, our impact-driven research transforms lives and shapes the future.

School of Social Sciences

Social Work

Discipline Lead | Linda Briskman

Accredited Social Work programs at Western Sydney University are framed by commitment to social justice, human rights and decolonising pedagogies. Western supports the Global Definition of Social Work as a practice-based profession and academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people.

Teaching is embedded in Social Work research, classified by Excellence in Research for Australia as being of world standard, and attracting a large PhD cohort. Students are equipped to work across the whole-of-life, addressing challenges and enhancing wellbeing. Graduates gain employment in a range of settings. As well as being committed to cultural diversity in Western Sydney, the Social Work team works nationally and globally, championing diversity in multiple forms including sexuality, (dis)ability and Indigeneity. We embrace global grand challenges such as environmental justice, criminal justice, refugee rights and challenging racism. We welcome students from every country and value their contributions.

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Academics for this Discipline

Acknowledgement of Country

With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Dharawal, Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands (Greater Western Sydney and beyond).