Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Program Overview

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in social justice. Whether advancing in their current role or starting anew, students will gain practical insights to help those in need. The program explores various social work roles, including direct practice, policy, education, community development, and counseling.

Program Details

• Duration: 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
• ATAR: View all admission criteria
• Fees: First Year: $9,314 (Commonwealth supported place)
• Practical component: 1,000 hours
• Study mode: On campus
• Commencement: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Codes: Program code: 5177

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum is embedded in every degree. It is a distinguishing characteristic of Notre Dame and provides graduates with transferable skills that are integral to every industry, vocation, and profession, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and a purposeful life.

• PHIL6020 Ethical Issues in Professional Life; or
• PHIL6210 Philosophy of the Human Person

Real-World Experience

Students will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through practicum placements and internship programs, gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

First Year

• SOCW5001 Foundations for Social Work Practice
• SOCW5002 Interpersonal and Group Communication Skills for Social Work Practice
• SOCW5003 Social Work Practice in Child and Family Services
• SOCW5004 Law, Rights, and Ethics in Social Work Practice
• SOCW6001 Community Development and Social Change
• SOCW6002 Program Design and Evaluation
• SOCW6003 Professional Practice 1

Second Year

• SOCW6004 Critical Reflection on Social Work Practice
• SOCW6005 Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy
• SOCW6006 Social Work Practices for Diversity and Inclusion
• SOCW6007 Social Work Practices for Mental Health and Wellbeing
• SOCW6008 Leadership in Social Work
• SOCW6009 Professional Practice 2

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), graduates will be able to:

• Reflect critically on theory and social work practice demonstrating mastery of theoretical knowledge.
• Articulate a professional social work identity, both independently and as a member or leader of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment.
• Demonstrate advanced interpersonal and communication skills for practice that is autonomous, accountable, and demonstrates capacity to make, and justify, ethical and socially responsible decisions.
• Investigate, analyze, consolidate, and synthesize complex social work information, problems, concepts, and theories and apply established theories and concepts to develop sound professional practice that is inclusive and respectful of multiple worldviews and difference and diversity.
• Advocate for positive social change including global political concerns around environmental and social challenges arising from inequities, cultural difference, and diversity, particularly as they impact human rights and social and economic justice.
• Articulate and critically appraise Western and First Nations worldviews acknowledging ongoing impacts of colonization and identifying the benefit of First Nations relational ways of knowing for all.
• Design, implement, and critically evaluate consumer and community-informed research, projects, and programs and creatively influence innovative future practice, social reform, and policy.
• Interpret and transmit knowledge, research, and practice effectively to a wide variety of audiences using a variety of media and appropriate technologies.
• Respond creatively to new situations in social work practice and pursue professional learning in social work.

Practical Component

All students in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) are required to complete two practical courses as part of their degree – Professional Practice 1 and 2. These practicums mean every student completes a combined minimum of 1,000 hours of field education. This hands-on learning provides important opportunities for students to apply theory to practice and ensures they graduate job-ready.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public health and community sectors.

• Aged and disability officer
• Mental Health social worker
• Case manager
• Community organizer
• Policy and advocacy specialist
• Criminal justice social worker
• Welfare officer

Industries

• Public Administration and Safety
• Rural or remote health care
• Public or private hospitals
• Mental health
• Schools and Education
• Government
• Aged care

Professional Accreditations

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) has provisional accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for delivery in Fremantle and Sydney.

Admission Criteria

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English language proficiency.

• Current or previous university experience
• Discipline-specific requirements

Applicants must have a relevant Australian Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification completed within the last 10 years with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60% that contains at least one full-time year or equivalent (1FTE) of studies in the social and behavioral sciences. This may include studies in arts, social sciences, behavioral sciences, business, law, nursing, and allied health.

Fees & Scholarships

• Indicative fee: $9,314
• Scholarships: Scholarships can provide financial support while studying. There are numerous scholarships available to new or continuing students, across all study levels and campuses.

How to Apply

Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

• Fremantle & Broome: Email: fremantle.admissions@nd.edu.au Phone: +61 8 9433 0533 Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160
• Sydney: Email: sydney.admissions@nd.edu.au Phone: +61 2 8204 4404 Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is a social worker and what do they do?
  • Social workers are qualified professionals who help individuals, families, and communities with the practical, personal, and emotional impact of personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives.
  • They act to protect vulnerable groups, such as children and older people.
  • They work in community organizations, and national and international agencies that advocate for social change or support disadvantaged communities, groups, or individuals.
  • They can be part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams in hospitals and allied health services.
• How can I become a social worker?
  • Social workers need to have a university degree where they receive training and gain practical experience.
  • Qualification could be a four-year undergraduate degree or a postgraduate program, such as our two-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
  • Once qualified, social workers can become members of the professional body (AASW) and obtain accredited social worker status.
• What is the difference between a social worker and a psychologist?
  • Social workers deliver support, advocacy, and resources to address the social and environmental factors affecting individuals, families, and communities.
  • University training provides theoretical understanding and practical experiences, enabling social workers to engage with many stakeholders.
  • Psychologists explore human behavior and how our brains work. Clinical psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders and determine treatment.
  • In addition to a four-year undergraduate degree, psychologists need two further years of study in order to be registered. Clinical Psychologists must have completed additional postgraduate study.