Master of Advanced Social Work

What you will study

Students must complete 100 credit points to earn the Master of Advanced Social Work. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth 12.5 credit points.

Compulsory subjects

Students must complete the following core subjects:

• Practice-Based Research
• Social Work Research Project (25 credit points)

Electives

Students must select five elective subjects:

• Advanced Trauma Perspectives
• Implementation Science in Theory
• Implementation Science in Practice
• Ageing Health and Human Services
• Psychosocial Oncology
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Complex Child and Family Welfare
• Suicide Prevention
• Service Navigation Theory
• Disability in Context

Entry requirements

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have the following:

• An undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (typically a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work) which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (or equivalent).
• At least two years of documented relevant work experience.

You must also:

• Submit a personal statement outlining your motivations for undertaking this course.
• Nominate a professional referee.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection. 

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in several ways, including a recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• IELTS – 7.0, with no band less than 7.0
• TOEFL – 94+, with writing 27; speaking 24; reading 24; listening 24
• Pearson – 72+, with a written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 72
• Cambridge – 185+, with no skill less than 185

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Primary Health Care, the graduate researcher will be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge that includes recent developments in one or more disciplines.
• Independently investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.
• Independently design and execute a substantial piece of research that makes a contribution to knowledge within their field.
• Disseminate research findings effectively in the professional arena.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to research ethics and integrity.

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this course, you will have developed the ability to engage in a critical reflection of your own practice and be able to lead effectively in this sector, with the capabilities and skills to build important connections between people and organisations.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $16,992 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total course fee in 2026: $35,684 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.

Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

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

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.