University of Newcastle
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Prepare for professional practice in social work through a qualifying degree that integrates theory, research, practice and extensive professional placements.
Course overview
The University of Newcastle's Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an entry-level professional qualification for graduates seeking to become qualified social workers. The program integrates social work theory, practice, research and professional values, preparing students to work with individuals, families, groups and communities across a range of practice settings. Throughout the course, students develop an understanding of social justice, ethics, cultural responsiveness and evidence-informed social work practice.
The curriculum combines academic study with authentic learning experiences, including 1,000 hours of supervised professional placement embedded throughout the program. Students apply their knowledge in real-world settings while developing professional skills in communication, critical reflection, ethical decision-making and culturally responsive practice. The University offers a flexible learning model designed to help students balance study with work and other commitments.
The program is provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the AASW, providing the recognised qualification required for professional social work practice in Australia.
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 $1,243 (CSP)
What you will study
The Master of Midwifery (Graduate Entry) program consists of 160 units of core courses. Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth 10 units.
Core courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.
- Social Work Identity, Values and Ethics
- Critical Practice for Child Protection
- Decolonising Social Work
- Skills for Professional Practice
- Social Work and the Law
- Violence, Abuse and Trauma
- Critical Practice for Health and Wellbeing
- Research and Evaluation for the Social Services
- Advanced Skills for Clinical Practice
- Critical Practice For Sustainable Systems
- Social Work Placement 1 (30 units)
- Social Work Placement 2 (30 units)
Entry requirements
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a 160-unit postgraduate qualification, with entry available for applicants who have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
- Bachelor Honours Degree or Bachelor Degree or higher qualification in a related field, that contains at least one year, or the equivalent, of full-time studies in the social and behavioural sciences, OR
- UON Graduate Certificate in Human and Social Services.
Related fields include human services, social sciences, social and community welfare, youth work, psychology, nursing, allied health and education.
To be accepted into the program, international students must also score a minimum of 7.0 or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, or equivalent, upon application.
English language requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. The English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy contains further information regarding English language proficiency requirements. Contact the university for more details.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7
Contact the university for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of courses you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will have:
- A comprehensive understanding of the professional and ethical standards that regulate social work practice, demonstrate social work values and uphold ethical responsibilities as outlined in the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) Code of Ethics, 2020.
- A commitment to engaging in partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples based on respect for their cultural knowledge, experiences and wisdom, recognising and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonisation and institutionalised racism on these communities.
- The necessary skills and confidence to advocate, collaborate and lead policy and practice promoting fair and equitable access to social, health, economic, environmental and political resources.
- A respectful and inclusive approach to practice, a critical awareness of cultural safety and the ability to apply an intersectional lens in work with individuals from diverse identities and backgrounds.
- Formulated and able to clearly articulate a framework for reflective practice integrating a critical understanding of contemporary social work theory and research.
- The ability to critically engage with power, using it responsibly and compassionately to consider the needs, strengths, goals and preferences of people the university work with and the potential impact of professional decisions on their outcomes.
- Constructed a nuanced understanding of the role and purpose of social work, as well as a growing sense of identity as a professional social worker.
- They need skills and confidence in reflecting critically on their own and others' practice, applying an understanding of critical reflexivity to practice and demonstrating an awareness of their own values, beliefs and behaviour, as well as personal responsibility for their practice.
- An understanding of the importance of being active learners open to new and emerging knowledge, research and evidence, as well as continuously monitoring their skills, knowledge and expertise to maintain, improve and broaden their professional development.
Career outcomes
Social work offers many fields of practice that lead to diverse career pathways. In Australia, social workers are generally employed in several industries, including:
- Social worker
- Case manager (Child Protection, Out of Home Care, Housing, Addiction, Disability)
- Community Development Officer
- Policy adviser
- Counsellor
- Mental Health Clinician
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $19,886 (Commonwealth Supported Places)
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $56,816 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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 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 courses 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 program.
