The disciplines of Education and Social Work each have a long tradition at the University of Sydney. The Faculty of Education and Social Work was established in January 2003. On amalgamation comprised two schools from the former Faculty of Education and a new school - Social Work and Policy Studies - which was formerly part of the Faculty of Arts. In January 2006 it was re-structured to form a one-school faculty.

The Faculty is located in three buildings with modern facilities for the training of educators and social workers. Specialist facilities include a bio-mechanics laboratory, computer laboratories, a dance studio, two drama studios, visual arts workshops, specialist laboratories for science and technology education, a television studio and well equipped lecture and tutorial rooms.