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Pursuing a postgraduate degree in social work can help enhance your career prospects, support your personal and professional development and help foster networking opportunities. With 47,700 social workers currently employed in Australia and the health and social services sector expected to expand substantially in the coming decade, opportunities for career progression in the field are promising.

The demand for energised and skilled social workers is robust, with employment figures projected to reach 23.2 per cent over the next five years.

Perhaps you’re passionate about social justice issues and want to work with vulnerable people and communities, or you’re interested in initiating change on a policy-level. Wherever your journey takes you, a postgraduate social work degree can equip you with the skills to enjoy a thriving career in a meaningful industry.

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Why study social work?

Develop in-demand healthcare skills

Studying social work can help you develop transferable and in-demand skills that apply to a range of roles and sectors in healthcare. You’ll gain the tools, knowledge and insights that allow you to help people who need it most. Interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, effective communication and establishing an ethical, evidence-based practice are among the many skills you’ll acquire through your postgraduate social work education. Advancing your career with a social work degree allows you to address various aspects of social welfare, complex health systems and support client wellbeing, making you a valuable asset in the roles you pursue.

Gain a high-quality education

In Australia, the high standards of postgraduate social work education ensure that graduates are equipped with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and ethical grounding needed to thrive in different workplaces. Many universities offer accredited courses that are recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), such as the University of Canberra’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying). AASW-accredited courses are highly regarded nationally and globally. Practical field placements afford you the opportunity to build your professional practice skills and to immerse yourself in dynamic work environments. Furthermore, some courses also offer a placement experience overseas, offering a unique learning opportunity to expand your health system knowledge, cultural diversity and health policy differences abroad.

Enjoy flexible study modes

Social work courses are designed with flexibility in mind. This means postgraduate courses can fit around your needs, helping you to balance work, study and life. Some programs offer multiple intake periods throughout the year and delivery modes are typically varied. These may include full-time and part-time options, online and in-person learning as well as blended learning options. Advancing your career with a social work degree is a straightforward process, with adaptable courses and the option to begin your studies when it suits you.

Lead a career with compassion and purpose

From hospitals and mental health clinics to aged care facilities, rehabilitation centres and schools, the possibilities to make a tangible difference are plenty in the social work field. Obtaining a qualification in Australia can help you serve people with compassionate care and enjoy a purposeful career, improving the lives of people in dire and challenging situations. You’ll also have the skills to confidently step into change-making roles where you can be instrumental in policy planning and development. A social work degree instils you with empathy, ethical responsibility and a social justice framework where you can be positioned to lead, build a rewarding career and make a lasting difference.

Top Australian universities for postgraduate social work courses in 2025

Using university rankings can help you narrow down your options when exploring where you want to study. Social work falls under the life sciences and medicine category and here are the top Australian universities that ranked highly in that subject area according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Things to consider before studying a postgraduate social work course

There’s a lot to weigh up when it comes to pursuing postgraduate social work study. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding what aligns with your personal and professional needs:

• • Advantages

  • Career progression pathways
    
    A postgraduate qualification can open doors to diverse and advanced roles in the social work field. Many roles are client-facing, such as a school social worker, while others are administrative or non-clinical, with a focus on instigating social change on a local or broader scale. Examples of these roles include policy advisors or engagement officers.

  • Opportunities for specialising
    
    There are unique opportunities to specialise in a niche social work area depending on your strengths and interests. This gives you the chance to seek further credentialing to shape your career path in the direction of your choice. Examples of social work specialisations include becoming a mental health social worker, clinical social worker and disability social worker.

  • Benefit from hands-on learning
    
    Supervised field placements give you hands-on experience in real-world social work settings. Getting a first-hand idea of what social work roles entail is a great way to hone your interests and discover areas where you can develop your professional practice skills. You can consolidate your learning with placements in hospitals, schools or government departments.

  • Flexible study modes
    
    There are flexible options when it comes to completing your studies. Many social work courses offer on-campus, online or blended learning modes, as well as the option to study part-time if needed. Finding the right course and delivery mode can make all the difference when it comes to successfully balancing your personal and professional needs.

• • Challenges

  • Financial considerations
    
    Fees associated with completing your studies can add up quickly. These include the bigger course fees as well as the costs related to study materials, field placements and any extra resources you may need to support your learning. Consider whether you can make this financial commitment to advance your career and explore financial support options that may be available to you.

  • Substantial time commitment
    
    There is also a considerable time commitment involved with completing a postgraduate degree in social work. If you’re enrolled full-time, you’ll be committing to approximately two years of study, while a part-time study load may take up to five years or more. Finishing your coursework, assessments and attending field placements will likely require some adjustments to your schedule.

  • Field placement requirements
    
    Completing your field placements is a great learning experience, however if you’re relying on finishing your studies completely online, this is a non-negotiable requirement of any social work course. Mandatory placements can be a time-consuming and logistically difficult aspect of the course, which you’ll need to consider whether you can commit to in order to gain your qualification.

  • Emotional demands
    
    Social work involves working with people facing significant challenges and hardships. This can be an emotionally taxing experience as a student, as you’ll be at the forefront of encountering complex and distressing cases, which may include homelessness, abuse and mental health crises. As such, building your emotional resilience is essential to thrive in this field.

Career outcomes for postgraduate social work courses

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The social work field affords professionals exciting career opportunities in a range of roles. Here is an overview of the various career paths available to social workers:

Case manager

Otherwise known as case workers, case managers coordinate and oversee the needs of complex clients, arranging health, housing or legal services and facilitating care with other professionals or agencies.

Child and family support worker

Assists families and children in crisis, including situations of neglect, abuse or mental health challenges with an aim to support their welfare and safety with accommodation, financial or legal aid.

Community worker

Community workers develop and implement programs that support social inclusion, equity and local engagement. These social workers are advocates for social change and are involved with local community members on a grassroots level.

Engagement officer

Helps to foster connections between organisations and related communities to build social health awareness, coordinate outreach programs and liaise with cultural or diverse groups in various occupational settings.

Mental health social worker

Also called mental health support workers, these professionals typically hold additional mental health credentials and provide counselling support to people with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and addictions.

Policy advisor

Consults with stakeholders such as research groups or government departments to help shape social policies and advocate for systemic social change to improve community wellbeing.

School social worker

Works within the school system to support students with behavioural or social challenges, such as social inclusion, bullying or domestic concerns which may impact their learning and wellbeing.

Social worker

Supports people and families navigate hardship, such as poverty, homelessness, financial struggles or abuse. They provide resources and counselling services to support welfare, safety and quality of life.

Youth worker

Helps younger people and adolescents with family, school, social or personal challenges, such as gender identity, social isolation, addictions or homelessness. Youth workers connect young people with resources and help them build resilience, confidence and life skills.

Sectors for social workers

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Social workers can seek roles in a variety of sectors, including:

Aged care

Hospice, residential care or palliative care, supporting the emotional and social wellbeing of the elderly population.

Child protection services

Encompassing assistance services for child wellbeing, children’s commissions or correctional services to prioritise the holistic needs of children.

Community organisations

Local and domestic groups aimed at improving equity, welfare and social outcomes for communities.

Disability services

Support with access to disability-specific services, access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), assessment, counselling, case management and advocacy.

Education

Working in schools and education sectors collaborating with students, parents and staff to advocate for student learning and wellbeing.

Family welfare agencies

Foster care, residential care and adoption agencies supporting the emotional, psychological and developmental needs of children and families.

Government agencies

Operate in policy development or advisor roles to design, evaluate and implement policies that drive social change and support vulnerable groups and communities.

Healthcare services

Public and private hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health settings to help patients navigate healthcare systems and support health decisions.

Humanitarian organisations

Recovery, advocacy and support with international aid, refugee and immigration, emergency and disaster relief for vulnerable or marginalised groups.

Legal systems

Correctional facilities, justice and legal systems facilitating the successful rehabilitation and integration of people into the community.

Mental health services

Counselling and mental health support for individuals struggling with mental health conditions in various settings, including private practice.

Non-government organisations (NGOs)

Broad or niche areas of health, human rights and social justice organisations, advocating for equitable access and improved quality of life.

Rehabilitation centres

Support for people with their physical health, such as post-surgery recovery, providing counselling, grief support and coordinating discharge plans to optimise patient care.

Research and academia

Contributes to the social work field with research advancing niche areas such as aged care, disability, child welfare and cultural diversity.

Women’s health services

Tailored counselling and resource support for women, such as sexual health support, trauma-informed care, parenting, pregnancy and perinatal health support.

Youth support services

Practical support and guidance with case management, counselling and employment avenues for young people in schools, legal systems and community settings.

Salaries for social work careers

Social worker salaries in Australia vary significantly depending on factors such as region, professional experience, credentials and area of specialisation. SEEK and Talent.com data show the average annual salaries for various social work roles and related key employment growth trends.

Case manager

Average annual salary: $88,000

Entry-level positions start at $80,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $114,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 25.2 per cent over the next five years.

Child and family support worker

Average annual salary: $80,000

Entry-level positions start at $71,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $96,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 23.2 per cent over the next five years.

Community worker

Average annual salary: $83,000

Entry-level positions start at $62,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $93,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 21.9 per cent over the next five years.

Engagement officer

Average annual salary: $90,000

Entry-level positions start at $80,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $114,000 per year.

Mental health social worker

Average annual salary: $97,000

Entry-level positions start at $86,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $121,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 23.2 per cent over the next five years.

Policy advisor

Average annual salary: $105,000

Entry-level positions start at $99,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $139,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 8.7 per cent over the next five years.

School social worker

Average annual salary: $88,000

Entry-level positions start at $73,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $100,000 per year.

Social worker

Average annual salary: $95,000

Entry-level positions start at $83,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $116,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 23.2 per cent over the next five years.

Youth worker

Average annual salary: $78,000

Entry-level positions start at $71,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $96,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 23.2 per cent over the next five years.

Frequently asked questions about postgraduate public health courses

How long is a postgraduate social work degree?

Most postgraduate social work degrees are available at the master’s degree level. However, some universities offer courses at the graduate certificate and graduate diploma level. Each degree has a different duration depending on the specific course level and if completed in a part-time or full-time capacity.

For example, the University of Melbourne’s Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work takes one year part-time to complete with several annual intake dates. The typical study load for this course level is around 15-19 hours per week for each unit and involves four units in total. The University of Western Australia’s Graduate Diploma in Advanced Social Work is a one year full-time course or it can be completed over four years part-time. It requires a study time commitment of approximately 46 hours per week, over a 13-week duration and involves eight units in total. This equates to about 10 hours per week and includes time for assessments and coursework combined.

As mentioned, the most common postgraduate pathway for social work is to complete a Master of Social Work (Qualifying). In general, these courses take two years to complete if enrolled full-time or up to five years part-time. The study load is typically between 25-30 hours per week at a full-time capacity.

Master’s degrees in social work include academic coursework, assessments and practical field placements. These supervised placements usually total a minimum of 1,000 hours and are often divided into two separate practical experiences. Placements are an essential component of social work master’s degrees and ensure graduates are prepared for professional practice.

What are the differences between studying social work online and on campus?

Deciding whether to study online vs on-campus comes down to what works best for your lifestyle, learning preferences and personal commitments. Both options are designed to deliver the same core knowledge, practical skills and recognised qualifications, so whichever path you choose, you’ll arrive at the same destination. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the structure and social interaction of face-to-face classes, you can feel confident that your degree will be held in the same regard and prepare you equally well for your future career.

Completing an online social work degree is a great option if you need flexibility to balance your education with work, family or other commitments. It allows you to learn at your own pace and from any location. On-campus study may be suitable if you thrive in structured learning environments and enjoy face-to-face interaction with peers and academic staff. Many universities offer social work courses that have the flexibility of a blended approach, with units delivered both online and on campus.

Regardless of whether you choose to study online or on campus, all accredited social work master’s degrees include mandatory field education placements. These placements must be completed in person, giving you hands-on experience and an opportunity for workplace learning where you can apply your new skills in genuine professional social work environments.

Be sure to check with your chosen institution about the study modes they offer and explore what flexible options are available to help you tailor your studies to suit your study needs and lifestyle.

What are the prerequisites for a postgraduate social work degree?

The entry requirements for postgraduate social work degrees vary, depending on course level.

The Graduate Certificate of Advanced Social Work requires the completion of a prior AASW-accredited bachelor or master’s degree in social work and a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.

The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Social Work requires a relevant bachelor's degree or graduate certificate in social work, child protection or mental health practice and a minimum of two year’s experience working as a qualified social worker.

Most Master of Social Work (Qualifying) courses require a completed bachelor’s degree in a related field, with a minimum of one year of studies in human behaviour or social science.

The related fields that apply to most social work degrees include:

• Anthropology
• Community health
• Counselling
• Criminology
• Human services
• Indigenous studies
• International relations
• Nursing
• Political science
• Public health
• Psychology
• Sociology

To confirm the entry requirements for your specific course, check with your institution for the most accurate and current information.

How much does a social work degree cost?

Postgraduate social work degrees prices can vary depending on the course level, university and whether you’re enrolled in a CSP course or full-fee course. Universities list their fees either by unit, an indicative annual amount or by the total course figure, typically on the course page or specific course handbook. Here is an overview of the course costs for postgraduate social work degrees in Australia:

Graduate certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work from the University of Melbourne costs $16,000 for a full-fee paying place.

Graduate diploma

The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Social Work from the University of Western Australia costs $21,700 for a full-fee paying place.

Master’s degree

The least expensive social work master's degrees are the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) from Australian Catholic University and the University of New England and the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) from Charles Sturt University. These courses are CSP courses costing $9,312 indicative for the first year.

The majority of Master of Social Work (Qualifying) courses in Australia are CSP courses costing $9,314 indicative for the first year.

The most expensive course is the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) from the University of Southern Queensland, which is a full-fee paying course costing approximately $28,320 for the first year.

What are the payment options for postgraduate social work course fees?

Studying social work at the postgraduate level can be costly, however, there are financial support options available which can help you manage your tuition fees as well as support during your field placements.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme available to higher education students to assist with tuition fee costs. It applies to full-fee paying courses and is repayable once your income exceeds the annual repayment threshold. You can either ask your employer to withhold a portion of your pay to cover your compulsory repayments, which is known as a PAYG (Pay As You Go) deduction, or make payments at tax time. You can also make voluntary payments at any time of year which will pay off your loan in a shorter time. There are specific Australian citizenship, residency and enrolment requirements related to FEE-HELP eligibility.

A CSP is a subsidised place at university covered by the Australian Government. CSP courses are partially funded by the government and are offered at a reduced cost, which is known as the student contribution amount. This amount can be deferred with a HECS-HELP loan if needed.

From mid-2025, the Australian Government will implement the Commonwealth Prac Payment, designed to support students undertaking practical placements as part of their CSP course requirements in vocational training and higher education. The eligibility criteria currently targets students who face significant financial pressure during their mandatory practical placements. If eligible, this means that during social work field placements, you’ll receive weekly payments of $331.65 benchmarked to the single Austudy rate, which helps offset non-tuition costs like travel and accommodation.

The support options available to you, which include FEE-HELP, CSP courses and the Commonwealth Prac Payment can help alleviate some of the financial burden related to pursuing postgraduate social work study. It’s advised to confirm with your institution to see if you’re eligible for financial support depending on your specific course and personal circumstances.

What skills do graduates gain by studying a postgraduate social work course?

Each course level of postgraduate social work study delivers varying skills and knowledge. In general, the graduate certificate course level introduces you to social work theory, practice and principles, while the graduate diploma course level builds and expands on these topics in greater depth. The most comprehensive course level is the master’s degree, where you’ll gain advanced knowledge of different social work topics, with the opportunity to integrate your knowledge in your field placements.

Here is an overview of the types of skills you may acquire from postgraduate social work degrees across different course levels and universities:

Graduate certificate

• Develop written communication, independent learning, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Establish management and collaboration skills that support working with diverse people, families, groups and organisations
• Demonstrate an understanding of social, linguistic and cultural diversity within communities, including Indigenous cultures and beliefs
• Exhibit a strong commitment to human rights, social inclusion, ethical practice and environmental sustainability
• Undertake leadership and practice-based research roles within the field of social work, while engaging in critical reflection on their own professional development
• Apply research and inquiry skills to address complex social health challenges within diverse workplaces and broader communities

Graduate diploma

• Understand advanced social work theory, practice and research methods to address complex social issues
• Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and ethical practice standards across various social work contexts
• Understand how health and human development impact social work practice across the lifespan
• Develop skills in research methodology and applied research in social work settings
• Engage in self-reflection to assess and improve professional practice
• Illustrate expertise and advanced knowledge in specialised areas such as community practice, professional supervision, Indigenous policy, mental health, family-centred practices and cultural, organisational and community child protection practices

Master’s degree

Ethical and reflective practice

• Apply and integrate social work values, ethics and principles in diverse practice settings
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making guided by human rights and social justice

Communication and interpersonal skills

• Communicate effectively with clients and across various platforms, including interdisciplinary teams
• Build collaborative relationships with clients, communities and stakeholders

Critical assessment and intervention

• Conduct assessments and deliver evidence-informed interventions tailored to client needs and contextual factors
• Use research and evaluation skills to inform and improve practice

Inclusivity and cultural competence

• Work inclusively with diverse populations, with particular sensitivity to Indigenous communities and marginalised groups
• Understand and address systemic inequality through culturally competent and intersectional approaches

Policy development and advocacy

• Analyse, develop and influence social policies at local, national and global levels
• Apply intersectional and critical frameworks to understand and address policy impacts

Leadership and collaboration

• Provide responsive and accountable leadership in complex social environments
• Engage in team-based and cross-sectoral collaboration

Field placement experience and applied practice

• Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience through field placements
• Apply holistic, sustainable, and justice-oriented approaches in real-world social work contexts

Professional practice development

• Commit to continuous professional learning, research-informed practice and professional supervision that supports career development
• Cultivate intellectual curiosity and adaptability in a changing social work practice landscape

What specialties are available for postgraduate social work courses?

Most social work courses are generalist courses that cover a broad spectrum of social work theory, ethics and human rights practices. The coursework, coupled with direct experience in field placements, gives an integrated understanding of how social workers operate and improve the welfare of people across different groups and settings.

Once qualified as a social worker, you have the opportunity to further develop your career by pursuing specialist practice areas. This advanced skill set enables you to better support clients with complex needs and helps you deliver care that is targeted to specific groups. The AASW offers pathways for accreditation in several niche areas, recognising the enhanced skills and competencies required for specialised practice.

For example, social workers can become Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (MHSWs) after meeting specific experience and training requirements. A MHSW is a recognised mental health service under Medicare and practitioners with this credential can offer Medicare-rebatable services to clients under GP referral.

In this example, obtaining further specialised credentials can support client reach and may offer career-boosting opportunities, such as working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams or establishing a private practice.

To achieve accreditation in these areas, you must meet specific experience and training requirements outlined by the AASW. This process ensures the integrity of the profession and highlights the advanced skills necessary to provide high-quality services in your chosen specialty.

The AASW-accredited disciplines include:

• Child protection
• Clinical
• Disability
• Family violence
• Mental health
• Older persons
• School
• Supervisor credential

Do postgraduate social work students have to complete a placement?

As a postgraduate social work student, you are typically required to complete one or more field placements as a core component of your degree. These placements are one of the most valuable and rewarding learning experiences you’ll have over the duration of your degree. They serve an essential purpose where you can bridge your theoretical knowledge with important practical experience. You can build your confidence and showcase your social work skills in real-world settings. You will also be supervised by qualified social workers and collaborate with health and other industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience working with individuals, families, groups and communities across diverse areas.

Social work field placements are also a critical requirement for your professional accreditation, as set out by the AASW. This means that studying a degree which includes field placements ensures you are job-ready and enables you to meet the industry requirements to become a qualified practicing social worker in Australia.

How many social work placement hours will I need to do?

Students completing a social work master’s program in Australia are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised field education to meet the accreditation standards established by the AASW. Your social work placement hours are typically fulfilled through two placements, each comprising 500 hours, however this may vary between universities.

There are a variety of settings in which you can complete your field placements. Some examples include mental health centres, housing and welfare services, schools, hospitals, non-government organisations and correctional facilities. You’ll have a valuable opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and develop your practical skill set while engaging with a diverse range of demographics under professional supervision.

How hard is a postgraduate social work degree?

Like most postgraduate degrees, you can expect to be challenged and rewarded while you complete your studies. The end goal is worthwhile and achievable, especially if you’re committed to a career that supports people, develops you professionally and offers many valuable experiences.

The academic content, time commitment, requirement for field placements and inherent emotional demands all contribute to some of the challenges associated with postgraduate social work courses. You’ll need to ensure you’re viewing or attending lectures, workshops, completing assignments and contributing to online discussion forums for your study units. For a Master of Social Work (Qualifying), each week will typically require a study commitment from you of between 20-40 hours per week, inclusive of independent study, depending on the course structure and your individual learning style.

Most universities will require you to have a completed National Coordinated Criminal History Check and pass a Working with Children or Vulnerable People check relevant to your jurisdiction and where you will complete your placements. Each state and territory have their own requirements as follows:

• Australian Capital Territory: Working With Vulnerable People Check
• New South Wales: Working With Children Check
• Northern Territory: Working With Children Clearance
• Queensland: A valid Blue Card
• South Australia: Working With Children Check
• Tasmania: Working with Vulnerable People Check
• Victoria: Working With Children Check
• Western Australia: Working With Children Check

You may also be required to have a current first aid certificate, a valid driver’s licence and any workplace-specific checks completed in order to safely and successfully participate in your field placements.

Throughout your study journey, however, you’ll be well supported every step of the way. From the enrolment process, while completing your course and during your field placements, if you need help at any stage, you can feel reassured that support is available to you.

Before taking on postgraduate study, it’s a good idea to think about whether you can manage the workload and take some time to reflect on how it may fit with your personal circumstances and career goals.

Your rewarding social work career starts today

With diverse career opportunities and the chance to help positively change people’s lives, now is an ideal time to join Australia’s rewarding social work sector.

GlobalHealth Education offers social work courses through our university partners, giving you the flexibility to take on study around your work and life. Gain valuable, globally-recognised skills with an AASW-accredited course and start your study journey today.

Select the above social work course to enquire and connect with a Student Enrolment Advisor. They can provide support with your query and guidance on your enrolment process.