University of Canberra
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 32-36 months
Empower your passion, drive change and transform lives.
Course overview
The online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a professionally and globally recognised degree governed by the AASW and is designed for those wanting to move into social work practice and become a professional social worker.
This accessible, flexible and accelerated course provides students with the specialised knowledge, skills and experience to meet the complex and evolving needs of people, communities and the environments in which they live.
By learning through case scenarios, simulated settings and in-person intensive components, you will be able to immediately apply your learnings from the online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) to practice across a diverse range of fields and community settings.
Course highlights
- Developed to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) governed by the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW).
- A professional and globally recognised Master of Social Work degree, so that you can work within Australia or internationally.
- Learn from social work practitioners who are actively involved in the industry.
- Immediately apply what you have learned in practice through a field education placement.
- Experience dedicated support at every stage.
- Start anytime and study social work online – intakes are open every two months.
Key facts
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Online comprises 12 units, including six coursework units, four intensive units and two field education placements.
Coursework units
- Social Work in Global, Regional and Local Contexts
- Working with Diverse Communities
- Psychological Health across the Lifecycle
- Ethical and Legal Contexts of Social Work Practice
- Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice
- Policy Development, Leadership and Organisational Practice
Intensive units
- Theoretical Approaches to Social Work Practice
- Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice
- Working with Families, Children and Young People
- Groupwork Practice in Social Work
Field education placement units
- Field Education Placement 1
- Field Education Placement 2
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), applicants must have:
- An Australian Bachelor’s degree or equivalent or a higher-level qualification in a related field from a recognised tertiary institution.
- Completed at least one year of full-time study or equivalent, at a minimum of AQF Level 7 in social sciences and human behaviour.
Examples of related areas of study include:
- Psychology, research and policy studies
- Allied health, including midwifery, occupational therapy, nursing, audiology, health promotion, physiotherapy and pharmacy
- Counselling and therapeutic studies, including play therapy, rehabilitation, drug and alcohol work, counselling, art therapy, music therapy, disability and inclusion
- Clinical areas such as child development, medicine, emergency services and working with older people
- Education and teaching
- Indigenous studies, culture and human diversity, media, gender studies, social theory and population studies
- Human resource management and marketing studies, including diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, leadership and coaching, managing people and change management, negotiation, regulations and ethics
- Community services, human services, social welfare and youth work.
English language requirements
You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who have completed a three-year Bachelor of Social Welfare or Bachelor of Community Services and have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience may be eligible to receive credit for up to 25% of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), which is the equivalent of four units. Recognition of Prior Learning applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the course convener.
Career outcomes
UC’s online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will prepare you for a fulfilling career in social work. Whether you’re pursuing a career in healthcare, aged care, community services, research or policy and planning, the MSWQ will provide you with the skills to work across a diverse range of community settings. The career outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- Social worker
- Case manager
- Family support worker
- Community worker
- Engagement officer
- Policy advisor
- Youth worker
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per coursework or intensive unit in 2026: $3,481.25 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative cost per placement unit in 2026: $10,443.75 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course cost in 2026: $55,700 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative fees shown are based on a part-time study load of 12 units.
Student fees 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.
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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
