The program is a four year program of two terms per year that includes a range of core social work courses and a number of courses from cognate disciplines such as psychology, sociology and Indigenous studies. From 2011 onwards there are two field education experiences undertaken at the beginning of the third year of the program (12 weeks equivalent full time work) and the final term of the fourth year (16 weeks equivalent full time work). The field education experiences are undertaken in a human service organisation in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers, are usually unpaid, and supervised by a qualified social worker. A full-time study load comprises of four courses per semester (excluding the field education semesters) and there is a compulsory on campus residential school attached to one  social work course in each term. From 2011 onwards these residentials comprise three day blocks delivered from both Noosaville and Rockhampton campuses.

All students entering the program enrol in the Bachelor of Social Work. Those who choose to terminate their studies and exit early will (providing all relevant courses have been satisfactorily completed) be eligible for an Associate Degree (Human Services) at the second year exit point (96 credit points) or a Bachelor of Human Services at the third year exit point (144 credit points).  All students progressing successfully through the Bachelor of Social Work degree program will be eligible for interim awards of an Associate Degree Community Welfare at the two year completion point (96 credit points) and a Bachelor of Community Welfare at the three year completion point (144 credit points).