La Trobe University
Master of Social Work
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Examine and understand various aspects of social work, including practice, policy, education, research and more.
Course overview
La Trobe's Master of Social Work gives you the skills and knowledge to turn your passion for social justice into a thriving career. Whether you're looking to advance your career or move into a rewarding new field, you'll gain the hands-on expertise to help people in need.
Learn from world-class academics with extensive backgrounds in social work practice, including specialists in addiction, child and family welfare, disability and mental health. Explore the various roles undertaken by social workers, including direct practice, social policy, education and research, community development, counselling and organisational planning.
Under the supervision of an experienced social worker, you'll put your knowledge into practice by completing two 70-day placements. Through our partnerships with Eastern Health, Northern Health and Alfred Health and community partners, you'll work in real industry settings and gain valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences of social workers.
Graduate ready to work effectively in various social policy, community and direct practice areas in government, community
and the private sector. Social workers are in high demand globally, meaning your career could take you anywhere. You can also choose to extend your professional practice and undertake research in professional or community settings through a Social Work Professional Doctorate.
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 qualify for the award of Master of Social Work, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across two years.
- Academic Integrity Module
- Fields of Social Work Practice A
- Law, Human Rights and Ethics in Social Work Practice
- Pathways Into C21 Social Work
- Program Design and Evaluation
- Social Work With Individuals, Families & Groups: Applications A
- Social Work With Individuals, Families & Groups: Applications B
- Professional Practice 1 (30 credit points)
- Evidence-Informed Practice in Child and Family Service Delivery
- Fields of Social Work Practice C
- Inclusion in Communities
- Leadership in Social Work
- Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy
- Social Work Applications C
- Professional Practice 2 (30 credit points)
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- Successful completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
WAM - Weighted Average Mark (WAM) 60%
Specialisation - completion of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, which contains at least one year or equivalent full-time studies in the social and behavioural sciences. Examples of social and behavioural sciences areas include, but are not limited to, arts, Indigenous studies, social sciences, psychology, education, nursing, law and allied health areas.
So that you know, meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee a place offer. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and limited places may be available.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for previous study is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Reflect critically on theory and social work practice, demonstrating mastery of theoretical knowledge.
- Articulate a professional social work identity, both independently and as a member or leader of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment.
- Demonstrate advanced interpersonal and communication skills for autonomous, accountable practice and demonstrate capacity to make and justify ethical and socially responsible decisions.
- Investigate, analyse, consolidate and synthesise complex social work information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories and ideas to develop sound professional practice, inclusive and respectful of multiple worldviews, differences and diversity.
- Advocate for progressive social change, including global political concerns around environmental and social challenges arising from inequities, cultural differences and diversity, particularly as they impact human rights, social and economic justice.
- Articulate and critically appraise Western and First Nations worldviews, acknowledging ongoing impacts of colonisation and identifying the benefits of First Nations relational ways of knowing for all.
- Design, implement& and critically evaluate consumer and community-informed research, projects and programs and creatively influence innovative future practice, social reform and policy.
- Interpret and transmit knowledge, research and practice effectively to a wide variety of audiences using a variety of media and appropriate technologies.
- Respond creatively to new situations in social work practice and pursue professional learning in social work.
Career outcomes
- Senior Social Worker
- Mental Health Social Worker
- School Counsellor
- Child and Family Support Worker
Fees and CSP
Estimated fee in 2025: $9,314 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Estimated fee in 2025: $28,200 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fees are based on a standard full-time study load of 120 credit points.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of subjects 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.
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 the subjects 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.
