Program Overview

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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a postgraduate coursework degree that provides students with the skills and knowledge to work in a diverse range of practice contexts, including urban, regional, and remote settings, as well as international environments. This provisionally accredited course enables graduates to become members of the Australian Association of Social Workers and join a growing and diverse community of CDU social work alumni.

Duration and Intake

• Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
• Intake: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Locations: Casuarina campus, Online

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), applicants must have successfully completed:

• A recognized bachelor's degree in any field
• The equivalent of one year of full-time study in behavioral or social science units, which can be included in the completed degree or in the form of additional qualifications at a Higher Education Diploma level or higher

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work undergraduate degree accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers are not eligible for entry into this course.

English Language Requirements

Domestic Students

Domestic students must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements. This can be met by:

• Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language
• Successful completion of at least 0.5 FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language
• Completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE
• Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse
• Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined

International Students

International students must also satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements. This can be met by:

• Completion of secondary education taught and assessed in English in a recognized English-speaking country
• Completion of three years or more of full-time tertiary study taught and assessed in English in a recognized English-speaking country
• Undertaking an approved English language test and obtaining the minimum requirements

Course Structure

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) comprises 160 credit points, including:

• Core units in social work
• Two 500-hour field placements

Core units include:

• Introduction to social work contexts and critical approaches to practice
• Culturally responsive practice with families, individuals, and groups
• Social work theory and integrated methods
• Community development
• Advocacy, research, social policy, and social change

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Drug and alcohol support
• Family violence
• Working with children and families
• Refugee and humanitarian contexts
• Social policy
• Justice
• First Nations organizations
• Not-for-profit sector
• Government sector, including child protection, health, education, residential, and aged care
• International development
• Social policy and research

Professional Recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), making it an entry qualification into the social work profession. Graduates are eligible for membership with the AASW.

Fees

• Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for students who meet specific residency requirements
• Full fee-paying places are available
• International tuition fees apply for international students, with the annual fee for full-time study in 2026 being AUD $36,480

Why Study Social Work at CDU?

CDU offers a unique opportunity to study social work, with:

• A #1 ranking in Australia for postgraduate social work employment outcomes
• A #3 ranking in Australia for social work starting salaries
• Flexible study options, including online, on-campus, part-time, and full-time study
• Theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained through placements and intensive units
• Graduates becoming culturally competent specialists ready to create change in local communities, families, and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad.