University of Wollongong
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Seamlessly integrates advanced social theory with hands-on, community-engaged practice to empower emerging leaders committed to fostering meaningful social change.
Course overview
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make important contributions that benefit individuals and communities.
Throughout the degree, you will build on prior study of the individual and society and further develop your interest in social justice, human rights and social development to earn a professionally accredited social work qualification.
UOW social work graduates enter the workforce with practical experience earned through supervised professional placements. Your UOW degree will ensure you’re ready to promote social change and development and will help you make a difference in the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.
This course balances practical skills, concepts and theory, as well as hands-on experience in professional practice, equipping you with strong communication and community engagement skills, developing your understanding of social work methods and honing your social research and policy development abilities.
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
What you will study
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires the successful completion of at least 96 credit points as specified below. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth six credit points.
Core subjects
Students must complete the following core subjects:
- Critically Reflective Social Work Practice
- Diversity in Social Work Practice
- Human Service Systems and Policy Development
- Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Law, Ethics and Social Justice in Social Work Practice
- Professional Practice Placement I (12 credit points)
- Working with Children, Young People and Families
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities
- Social Change through Group and Community Work
- Contemporary Responses to Mental Health and Disability
- Social Work and Health Care
- Research Methods
- Professional Practice Placement II (12 credit points)
- Advanced Social Work Practice
Entry requirements
A recognised bachelor's degree in social sciences, psychology, public health, education, nursing, or a related undergraduate qualification with at least one year of Social Science content (i.e., studies of the individual and society) completed in the last 10 years.
If qualifications are older than 10 years, applicants may still be considered if they have current, relevant work experience.
English Language Requirements
All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University's English Language Requirements, which differ by course.
Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge and OET for specific health-related courses.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.
UOW values lifelong learning and recognises various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page on their website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of the course. Students graduating from this course will be able to: Critically review social work theories and frameworks.
- Integrate advanced knowledge of the human services system, the law and concepts of human rights and social justice into the social work approach.
- Design, implement, justify and articulate social work interventions at the individual, group, family, community and societal level and plan effectively across human service systems.
- Assess different value systems and ethical frameworks and reflect critically on your professional practice.
- Evaluate using social work values and ethical frameworks your decision‐making processes and judgments in the context of practice.
Career outcomes
- Access and Equity Advisor
- Aged and Disability Officer
- Case Manager
- Community Development Officer
- Disability Services Manager
- Domestic Violence Advocacy Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
- Family Relationship Coordinator
- Social Worker
- Welfare Officer
Fees and CSP
Total indicative course tuition fee in 2026: $19,072 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Tuition fees in 2026: (domestic full-fee paying place)
- Session fee: $12,940
- Total course tuition fee: $51,758
Session fees are for one session per year, as shown. The total course tuition fees shown are indicative and based on the normal course length and progression.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
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'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – 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 subject you're enrolled in.
- Dependent 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.
