Program Overview

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work at La Trobe University is a postgraduate degree that equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in social work. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, practice, and research, as well as the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a range of social work settings.

Overview

The Master of Social Work is a two-year full-time or part-time equivalent program that consists of 240 credit points. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, practice, and research, as well as the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a range of social work settings.

Key Facts

• Award: Master of Social Work
• Start dates: 2 February 2026
• Duration: 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Multi-Modal

About the Master of Social Work

La Trobe's Master of Social Work gives students the skills and knowledge to turn their passion for social justice into a thriving career. Whether students are looking to advance their career or move into a rewarding new field, they will gain the hands-on expertise to help people in need.

What You'll Study

The Master of Social Work program includes a range of core subjects, including:

• Human rights, law, and ethics in social work
• Social policy analysis and advocacy
• Social work with individuals, families, and groups
• Program design and evaluation

Work-Based Learning

During the program, students will participate in one or more supervised Work-Based Learning (WBL) placements designed to allow them to practice newly acquired skills, behaviors, and knowledge while integrating theory with practice.

Course and Career Outcomes

The Master of Social Work program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a range of social work settings. Graduates may pursue careers in fields such as child protection, family services, aged care, disability, corrections, Indigenous, mental health, environmental protection, social justice, and settings.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Social Work has provisional accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Fees and Scholarships

The estimated course fees for domestic postgraduate students are $29,000 per 120 credit points. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available, with an indicative CSP price of $9,583 per 120 credit points.

Entry Requirements and Pathways

To be eligible for the Master of Social Work program, students must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60%. Specializations require completion of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, with at least one year of full-time studies in the social and behavioral sciences.

Core Participation Requirements

Core Participation Requirements are abilities, attributes, and behaviors that are required to undertake learning activities and professional experience in the course. These requirements include behavioral and relational skills, cognition, and physical abilities.

Credit for Previous Study

Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of previous study and the number of subjects completed.