Edith Cowan University
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Study online to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a career as a professional social work practitioner, capable of working in Australia and internationally. This program includes 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork placements to refine your skills.
Course overview
Social workers play a vital role in advocating for social justice, equality and human rights across diverse communities. They are dedicated to standing alongside individuals and groups, working tirelessly to enhance the well-being of society as a whole. This is particularly important for marginalised and vulnerable populations who often face systemic barriers and inequities in accessing necessary resources and support.
By providing direct services and creating community programs, social workers help individuals navigate complex systems, whether it's in healthcare, education, housing, or legal assistance. Their efforts go beyond immediate assistance; they also focus on empowering individuals by fostering resilience and advocating for systemic changes that can lead to long-term improvements in quality of life.
Social workers engage in outreach, education and advocacy to raise awareness about social issues and to challenge injustices that affect their clients. They strive to give a voice to those who are often unheard and work to dismantle the biases and structures that perpetuate inequality. Ultimately, their commitment to promoting social welfare reflects a deep belief in the dignity and worth of every person, aiming to create a more equitable society for all.
Key facts
What you will study
The course has 10 units of study. Each unit is valued at 20 credit points.
First teaching period
- Building Effective Relationships Alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Social Work Foundations and Fields of Practice
- Social Work Theory and Ethics
Second teaching period
- Social Work Placement 1 (40 credit points)
- Social Work and Participatory Practice for Structural Change
Third teaching period
- Mental Health, Loss, Grief and Trauma
- Transdisciplinary Research for Practice
- Social Work, Governance and Social Policy
Fourth teaching period
- Addressing Violence and Abuse as Social Workers
- Social Work Placement 2 (40 credit points)
Entry requirements
Academic Admission Requirements (Band 8)
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants must hold a relevant three-year degree in a related field (other than social work)* which includes at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (studies of the individual and society) or equivalent.
This includes programs in human services, social sciences, behavioural sciences, counselling and psychological sciences.
Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline.
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
Requirements from 01-JUL-2025:
All applicants are required to hold a three-year Bachelor's degree in a related field (other than social work) that includes at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (studies of the individual and society) or equivalent, such as community and human services, sociology, behavioural sciences, counselling, or psychological sciences.
Alternatively, applicants with a three-year bachelor's degree in any field who have also completed one year of additional studies in social sciences in a postgraduate qualifying program or are part of an AQF postgraduate course may meet the entry requirements for the course.
English Language requirements (Band 5)
According to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) requirements, international applicants for this accredited course must provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement. Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:
- IELTS Academic has a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
- Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum scores in each section of the test:
- 24 for listening
- 24 for reading,
- 27 for writing,
- 23 for speaking.
Note: English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date. Additional requirements about the acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings may apply.
ECU's minimum English standard requirements for this course may be satisfied with one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree from an approved country.
- Completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian education provider (or equivalent).
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You can get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you must provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Please reach out to the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Critical systemic reflection on a complex body of social work discourse, knowledge, theory, and values, including research methods and Aboriginal cultural context, is needed to demonstrate social work practice knowledge competency.
- Apply cognitive, practice, reflective and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories related to social work practice.
- Apply communication and collaboration skills to create effective change in social work domains of practice and contribute to professional practice, scholarship and society.
- Critically reflect and understand the use of self in social work practice, including high-level self-management skills to initiate, plan and implement a substantial aspect of social work practice in workplace contexts.
Career outcomes
- Case Manager
- Child and Youth Worker
- Community Engagement Officer
- Education and Career Support Consultant
- Human Rights Advocate
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator
- Migrant and Refugee Settlement Officer
- Policy Adviser, Public Servant
- Public Health Consultant
Fees and FEE-HELP
Total course fee in 2025: $25,200 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total course fee is based on a study load of 10 units.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
