Master of Social Work

Entry Requirements

A completed bachelor degree or master level qualification in a related discipline (including, but not limited to, human services, community services, social science, psychology, Australian Indigenous or Aboriginal studies, public or community health) from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent. Selection will be competitive and based on Grade Point Average.

Applicants holding a completed Australian bachelor or master level qualification in Social Work are not eligible for entry.

English Language Requirements:

IELTS score of 7.0; TOEFL iBT score of 94 with no band less than 22; TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 600 with TWE of 5.0; Cambridge CAE/CPE score of 186; Pearson's test of English (Academic) (PTE) score of 65 with no communicative score less than 65; CELUSA score of AE6.

Course Details

This master degree will provide you with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for social work practice, including an advanced understanding of:

social work values
ethics and identity
human rights
current social issues
mental health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
child protection
cross cultural practice

A key focus is on the development of critical thinking skills to prepare graduates for leadership and innovation in the field of human services. You will also gain valuable practical experience as part of the field education placement component.

What you'll need

Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for Working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence and/or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.

What you'll learn

On completion you will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values and ethics.

Building on knowledge and skills already attained through previous study, you will explore topics such as:

social work values
ethics and identity
human rights
current social issues
mental health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
child protection
cross cultural practice

A portion of this degree will include practicum, with the remaining courses in social policy and social work theory. There is a major focus on leadership, innovation and research driven practice.

Your career

Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights.

Careers to consider:

aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living
correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders
domestic violence victim services officer: counsel, investigate and report on incidences of domestic violence
disability services officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities
social planner: a pivotal role in creating liveable, sustainable communities; social planners create strategic policy and action that policy in order to meet the needs and wants of the people