Federation University of Australia
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Qualified as a professional social worker and will have the skills and confidence to work with diverse populations to advocate for social justice and human rights.
Course overview
This course prepares you to work in human and community services in government bodies, non-government organisations, community and health services and more. You'll become confident working with migrants, people with alcohol, drug and mental health problems and in palliative care, child protection, youth services and much more.
You'll be exposed to challenging real-life situations for 140 days during your studies in social work settings and experienced professionals will mentor you. Then, once you graduate, you can become a qualified social worker, take up management positions or work in national or international policy development. A wide range of scholarships is also available to provide students with financial support. Visit our Scholarship page for details.
This is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification, an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been deemed to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.
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
19th July, 2027
What you will study
To complete the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), you must fulfil 240 credits.
Year 1
- Foundations of Social Work Theory
- Professional Social Work Practice
- Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities
- Social Policy, Development & Impact
- Social Work Practice in Diverse Contexts
- Social Work Field Education 1
Year 2
- Contemporary Social Work Theories and Practice
- Social Work Practice with Children, Young People and Families
- Law and Ethics in Social Work Practice
- Social Work Research
- Integrative Social Work Practice
- Social Work Field Education 2
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non-year 12).
- Successful completion of a relevant Bachelor's degree with at least one year of study or the equivalent of full-time studies in social and behavioural sciences.
Relevant Bachelor's degrees should have at least one year of study in any of the following disciplines:
- Human welfare studies and services, including social work, youth work, community work, welfare studies and counselling.
- Behavioural science, which includes psychology or behavioural science.
- Studies in human society, including sociology, anthropology, Indigenous studies, or gender-specific studies.
- Other disciplines such as political science, policy studies, family law, justice administration, legal studies, family and consumer studies, education with a focus on welfare, public health, health promotion, community health, public health, mental health nursing, or community nursing.
- Successful completion of an Australian Graduate Certificate in Social and Community Services.
English language requirements
Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.0, with no band less than 7.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking or International Second Languag Proficiency Rating (ISPR) test with an overall score of 3+ , L (4), R (3+), W (3+), S (4). or completion of a 3-year Bachelor degree (or equivalent) from the approved recognised English-speaking country list or equivalent.
Extra requirements
Essential requirements for enrolment or graduation:
Working with Children Check is compulsory. Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course.
A police record check is compulsory. Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course.
Students undertaking placement at some agencies will be required to undertake an NDIS Work Screening Check.
National Police Record Checks and NDIS Working Screen Checks are at the student's own expense.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcome
- Social Worker
Fees and CSP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 120 credit points (normally eight units) per year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
