Adelaide University
Master of Social Work
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Acquire a deep understanding of political and behavioral sciences.
Course overview
The Master of Social Work is suitable for individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant or related field and wish to upskill for a career in social work.
You’ll study advanced courses in social work policy, social work practice skills, ethical decision-making, human rights-based practice and more.
Our comprehensive range of courses enable you to dive deep into a wide-range of theories and approaches – giving you the skills needed for social and human services work across diverse populations.
Throughout your studies, you'll have numerous opportunities to apply your learning in real-world settings. Simulations of professional interactions in purpose-built, state-of-the-art studios and up to 1000 hours of industry placements will allow you to refine your professional social work skills.
These experiences ensure you graduate with the advanced knowledge, techniques and professional skills necessary to excel in your social work career.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 60 units for all Core courses.
- 36 units for all Work integrated learning.
Core courses
Complete 60 units for ALL of the following:
- Social Work and Policy Practice
- Contemporary Practice Theories for Social Work
- Social Work Practice Skills
- Ethical Decision Making
- Innovation and Research
- Innovative Social Work Practice with Children and Families
- Mental Health and Social Work Practice
- Human Rights Based Practice and Community Development
- Leadership in Social Work
- Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
Work Integrated Learning
Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:
- Social Work Practicum 1 (12 credit points)
- Social Work Practicum 2 (12 credit points)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) degree or higher from a recognised higher education institution with a minimum of one year full-time (or equivalent part-time) studies in the social and behavioural sciences (including, but not limited to, human services, community services, social science, psychology, Aboriginal studies, public or community health).
Applicants holding a completed Australian bachelor or master level qualification in social work are not eligible for entry.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
The first year of study is designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to core social work theory, skills, principles and perspectives. You’ll complete courses covering social work and policy practice, contemporary practice theories for social work, social work practice skills, ethical decision making and Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
In second year, you’ll build professional skills and explore practical approaches in social work, with courses in:
- Human rights-based practice and community development
- Innovation and research
- Innovative social work practice with children and families
- Leadership in social work
- Mental health and social work practice.
To ensure you're fully prepared for your career, the program includes up to 1000 hours of hands-on industry placements taken across two years.
Career outcomes
The fields and sectors employing social workers are as varied as the populations they assist. Potential areas of work include:
- Aged Care
- Child and Family Services
- Community Centres
- Disability Services
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Government Agencies
- Social Policy
- Healthcare (hospitals, out-patient clinics, community and allied health settings)
- Hospice and End-of-life Planning
- International and Humanitarian Organisations
- Justice and Corrections
- Mental Health Support Services
- Non-profit Organisations
- Research and Academia
- Schools and Educational Settings
- Addiction and Substance Misuse Settings
- Veterans’ Affairs.
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount for full-time study (1.0 EFTSL - 48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.
