Master of Social Work

What you will study

To earn the Master of Social Work, students must complete 72 units. Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth 4.5 units.

Core courses

• Social Work and Policy Practice
• Contemporary Practice Theories for Social Work
• Social Work Practice Skills
• Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
• Ethical Decision Making
• Innovation and Research
• Innovative Social Work Practice with Children and Families
• Mental Health and Social Work Practice
• Human Rights-Based Practice and Community Development
• Leadership in Social Work
• Social Work Practicum 1 (13.5 units)
• Social Work Practicum 2 (13.5 units)

Entry requirements

A completed bachelor's degree or higher level qualification of at least three years equivalent full-time study duration, with a minimum of one year, or the equivalent, of full-time studies in the social and behavioural sciences (including, but not limited to, human services, community services, social science, psychology, Aboriginal studies, public or community health) from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent. Selection will be competitive and based on Grade Point Average.

Applicants holding a completed Australian bachelor's or master's level qualification in Social Work are not eligible for entry.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit transfer (study credit) formally recognises your prior learning and work/life experience. It can be granted for specific courses (subjects) or a block of courses where your previous qualification or experience is equivalent to the learning.

So, what counts as prior learning? It can be from one of the following providers:

• Recognised higher education provider.
• TAFE or other recognised VET provider.
• A professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or other similar body.
• Work experience.

Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

On completion of this degree, you will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values and ethics.

Building on knowledge and skills already attained through previous study, you will explore topics such as:

• Social Work Values
• Ethics and Identity
• Human Rights
• Current Social Issues
• Mental Health
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
• Child Protection
• Cross-Cultural Practice

Career outcomes

Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights.

Careers to consider:

• Aged care worker: provides personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living.
• Community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure the growth, health and vitality of a region.
• Correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders.
• Domestic violence victim services officer: counsel, investigate and report on incidents of domestic violence.
• Disability services officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities.
• Social planner: a pivotal role in creating liveable, sustainable communities; social planners create strategic policy and action that policy in order to meet the needs and wants of the people.

Fees and CSP

Estimated annual fee in 2025: From $16,992 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The estimated annual fee is calculated based on a study load of 36 units or 1.0 EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Study Load).

Student fees may vary depending on:

• 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.

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 unit 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.