Program Overview

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work is a postgraduate degree that equips students with the expertise, practical skills, and ethical grounding to become confident advocates for those in need. This program builds on students' lived experiences, preparing them to make an impact in their communities.

Program Overview

• The Master of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
• The program is designed to develop students as ethical, innovative thinkers, communicators, and leaders, ready to drive positive change in complex professional environments.
• Students will study courses in social work practice, research, First Peoples and social justice, counseling, ethics, and leadership, among other areas.

Program Structure

• The program consists of 160 credit points, which must be completed over two years of full-time study.
• The degree includes two field placements, totaling a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice-based learning in human service organizations, guided by qualified social work supervisors.
• Placements are designed to progressively develop the skills, knowledge, and professional mindset required for effective practice.

Admission Requirements

• To be eligible for this program, students must have a recognized Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline, such as behavioral science, child and family, community development, counseling, criminology, human services, indigenous studies, mental health and well-being, political science, psychological science, psychology, social policy, social science, social welfare, or sociology with a human services focus.
• English language requirements apply to international applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for entry to this program are:
  • A minimum overall band score of 7.0 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 7.0.
  • An overall score of 65 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 65.
  • A minimum score of 580 on TOEFL.
  • An internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 92 (no score less than 22).
  • No score less than 4 in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only).
  • A minimum overall score of 185 (no score less than 176) on C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English).

Tuition Fees

• The indicative annual tuition fee for international students is $36,000, based on a standard full-time study load of 80 credit points.
• Tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates of the Master of Social Work will be prepared for practice in a range of social work roles across government, non-government, and private sector agencies, including advocacy, research, planning, and policy development.
• Career opportunities exist in hospital and community health settings, youth work, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, child and family welfare, employment and income support, aged care, community development, disability services, and social welfare organizations.

Accreditation and Recognition

• The Master of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Enrolled students and graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for membership with the AASW, subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the AASW.