James Cook University
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Develop expertise in enhancing the lives of others by acquiring critical skills in social work that address the unique and complex challenges faced by individuals, families, groups and communities.
Course overview
Enhance your current qualifications and gain the critical skills to improve the lives of others, working towards creating a just and equitable society. This specialist postgraduate professional qualifying course, recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers, is designed to give you valuable opportunities to gain practical professional experience in social work practice and social welfare agencies in Australia and overseas.
Acquire hands-on experience working with individuals, families, groups and communities through on-campus classes and/or residential workshops. JCU’s world-class lecturers provide consistent support and regular feedback to help you get the most out of your learning experience.
Students complete a series of essential core subjects, tailored to the unique and complex challenges of individuals, families, groups and communities. Subjects consider global and contemporary Australian issues and international perspectives with those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Work while you study with JCU’s flexible delivery options. You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning for one field education placement if you already have significant social welfare and human services experience.
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
From $1,164 (CSP)
What you will study
To complete the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), you must complete 48 credit points.
- Foundations for Social Work Practice
- Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Skills and Frameworks for Practice
- Advanced Social Work Theory
- Field Education 1 Part 1 of 2
- Field Education 1 Part 2 of 2
- Working with Children and Families
- Community Development
- Social Policy Analysis
- Advanced Research Methods
- Advanced Contemporary Practice
- Professional Development for Social Work Practice
- Advanced Social Work Practicum Part 1 of 2
- Advanced Social Work Practicum Part 2 of 2 (six credit points)
Entry requirements
- AQF level 7 bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline other than Social Work that includes a minimum of 1 year full-time study in social and behavioural sciences or equivalent.
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 outcomes
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) graduates are highly employable and make a difference in various settings. You could pursue a career as a social worker in government and non-government organisations throughout Australia or internationally. Graduates find employment in hospitals and community health, mental health, child protection and youth and family services. You could work in various occupations, such as case work with individuals and families, community work and development roles or social policy, research and advocacy roles.
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $9,314 (Commonwealth supported)
Estimated annual tuition fee in 2025: $$27,169 (domestic full-fee paying place)
A student’s annual fee 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
The Australian Government allocates certain numbers of Commonwealth Supported Places to 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.
