Program Overview

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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an exciting and innovative course, designed to allow flexibility of study. This course will prepare graduates to work in a variety of human services settings such as aged care, disability, family and child wellbeing and protection, justice, hospital and health care, mental health, school and educational settings, research, and social policy.

About this course

Social work provides you with a lifelong career in the human services. It is a profession committed to social justice, professional and personal integrity and working collaboratively with people and communities. This course builds upon each person’s unique strengths and lived experiences and engages each person in a journey to empower them to achieve their full potential. It builds collaborative partnerships to overcome structural barriers and work for a more equitable, inclusive, and just society.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of an Australian bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field and completed at least one year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent, at a minimum of AQF Level 7 in social sciences and human behaviour. Examples of related fields of study in social sciences and human behaviour 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, and disability and inclusion
• Social Science, Sociology and Humanities
• 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
• History, human geography and art.

Additional admission requirements

To be eligible you must have a minimum 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 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.

Assumed knowledge

None.

Periods course is open for new admissions

Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International ---|---|---|---|---|--- 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 1 | 19 January 2026 | | 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 2 | 16 March 2026 | | 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 3 | 11 May 2026 | | 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 4 | 06 July 2026 | | 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 5 | 31 August 2026 | | 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 6 | 26 October 2026 | | 2027 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 1 | 18 January 2027 | | 2027 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 2 | 15 March 2027 | | 2027 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 3 | 10 May 2027 | | 2027 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 4 | 05 July 2027 | | 2027 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 5 | 30 August 2027 | | 2027 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 6 | 25 October 2027 |

Course requirements

Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (SCM501) | 48 credit points

Expand All | Collapse All __Required - Must pass 48 credit points as follows

• Social Work in Global, Regional and Local contexts PG (12012) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Working with Diverse Communities PG (12013) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Psychosocial Health Across the Lifecycle PG (12014) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Ethical and Legal Contexts of Social Work Practice PG (12015) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Theoretical Approaches to Social Work Practice PG (12016) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice PG (12017) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Policy Development, Leadership and Organisational Practice PG (12018) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Trauma Informed Social Work Practice PG (12019) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Working with Families, Children and Young People PG (12020) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Groupwork Practice in Social Work PG (12021) | 3 credit points — Level P
• Field Education Placement 1 PG (12022) | 9 credit points — Level P
• Field Education Placement 2 PG (12023) | 9 credit points — Level P

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes ---|---

• Demonstrate the autonomy, expert judgment, and adaptability necessary for leadership roles and a lifelong career in human services. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.
• Assess, design, and reflect on complex social work engagement strategies at an individual, group, community, and societal level. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.
• Plan, design and undertake social work research and evaluation. | UC graduates are professional: Use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.
• Evaluate decision-making processes and professional judgements within social work’s code of ethics. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.
• Analyse intersectionality and the forms of oppression that influence lived experiences and the implications for social work practice. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.
• Critically reflect on social work's engagement with and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ways of knowing, being and doing. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.
• Demonstrate and articulate social work knowledges, theoretical frameworks, and values in working with diversity and difference. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.
• Synthesise knowledge of social, economic, and ecological justice for application in social work practice. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways.

Placements requirements

Students will be required to undertake 1000 hours in field education. Students may be required to undertake field education outside their city of residence.

Awards

Award | Official abbreviation ---|---

• Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | MSWQ

Alternative exits

• HLC002 Graduate Certificate in Health Studies
  • Social Work in Global, Regional and Local Contexts (12012) | 3 credit points - Level PG
  • Working with Socially Diverse Communities (12013) | 3 credit points - Level PG
  • Psychosocial Health Across the Lifecycle (12014) | 3 credit points - Level PG
  • Ethical and Legal Contexts of Social Work (12015) | 3 credit points - Level PG

Course duration

The standard duration for this course is three years (16 Study Blocks). The maximum duration is six years.

Fees

• Per Unit: $3,400 (2025), Commonwealth Supported Place (2026)
• Per Annum:
• Full Course:

English language requirements

To be eligible you must have a minimum overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0.

Delivery mode

• Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
• On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
• Online: All units are online.
• Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.

Location

All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.

Selection rank

The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.

Faculty

• Faculty of Health
• Discipline(s): Social Work

Available teaching periods

View teaching periods

UAC code

AQF level

University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

• Level 5 - Diploma
• Level 6 - Associate Degree
• Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
• Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
• Level 9 - Masters Degree
• Level 10 - Doctoral Degree

Credit arrangements

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Prior work and study recognition

UC recognises the value of your experience. You can unlock course credit or even get direct entry into a postgraduate degree.