Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry)

What you will study

To complete the Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry), you must complete 72 units.

Year 1

• Social Work Theories
• Social Work with Diverse Populations
• Engaging in Professional Contexts
• Practice with Individuals
• First Placement (nine credit points)
• Social Work Research in Practice Settings
• Social Work with Groups and Communities

Year 2

• Trauma and Resilience
• Professional Practice in Mental Health
• Complexities in Work with Children and Families
• Social Issues and Social Policy
• Integrity in Social Work Practice
• Final Placement (nine credit points)
• Social Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification and have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study in Social and Behavioural Sciences. For students entering the degree program, we advise using the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) definition that social and behavioural sciences refer to topics that focus on psychology and human development and the relationship between individuals and society. Entry requirements are guided by many courses identified in the Academy of Social Sciences. Examples include the following, but not restricted to: Anthropology, Community Development, Counselling, Criminology, Geography with a human/social focus, Indigenous Studies, International relations, Philosophy, Political Sciences, Psychological sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Nursing and post-graduate nursing studies, Educational sociology, Social Policy and Mental health and wellbeing.

Degrees that are included in the Academy of Social Sciences that are not consistent with the ASWEAS definition of social and behavioural sciences and therefore do not satisfy the prerequisite entry into the Master of Social Work include courses such as archaeology, economics, accountancy, commerce, film making and media studies.

If students are unable to meet the entry requirements as set out above, then they are required to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual as a pathway into the Master of Social Work.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Practice as a professional social worker in a knowledgeable, competent, reflective and responsible manner.
• Understand and assess the complex individual, family, societal and systemic factors that contribute to the issues experienced by people who use social work services.
• Articulate the theory, rationale and methods involved in various professional practice approaches and demonstrate the ability to apply these approaches differentially.
• Identify, interpret and respond professionally to the significant social justice issues facing Australian society and the international community.
• Show awareness of the historical, cultural and interpersonal contexts that affect how First Nations Australians approach social work services and demonstrate ways of moving toward mutual trust and engagement.
• Conduct, analyse, interpret and contribute to the current research on social issues, social policy and social work practice.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning as a critically reflective practitioner.

Career outcomes

• Community Services Project Officer
• Social Worker
• Case Manager
• Advocacy Worker
• Mental Health Worker
• Social Research Officer
• Youth Pathways Project Officer

Fees and CSP

Annual indicative fees in 2025: $9,314 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Indicative yearly fee in 2025: $27,216 (Domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative annual fee is based on a full-time study load of 36 units.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

• The number of topics studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of topics.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change.

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 only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is 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 the topics 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.