Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

This is a qualifying master's degree for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and now want to become social workers. It runs for two years full time and sits at AQF level 9. The 'qualifying' label matters: it means the degree meets the academic requirements for entry to the social work profession, so graduates can apply for registration or membership with the relevant Australian social work body. If you already have a social work degree, this is not the course for you — you want the advanced practice master's instead.

What you study

The course is built around units of study, each carrying credit points, usually delivered across semesters. You'll cover the foundations of social work theory and practice, human development across the lifespan, social policy and the Australian legal system as it touches families and communities, research methods, and mental health practice. Then you specialise through elective units and your field placements. The degree is accredited, so the core units are set — you don't get to skip the theory and go straight to placement.

Field education and placements

Social work is a placement-heavy profession, and this degree includes supervised field education in human services organisations — child protection, hospitals, community health, aged care, disability services, family support, youth justice, or school settings. You'll be supervised by an experienced social worker, complete set learning tasks, and be assessed on your practice. Placements are usually arranged by the university, and you may need to travel or relocate depending on what's available. The placements are what turn a degree into a profession.

Research and capstone

You'll also complete a research component, often a capstone project or minor thesis where you investigate a practice question, review the literature, and write it up under supervision. It's the part that teaches you to read evidence critically and to contribute to the knowledge base of the field — useful if you later want to move into policy, research, or further study at doctoral level.

Who it suits

This suits career changers and graduates from psychology, sociology, education, health sciences, law, or humanities who want to work directly with people and communities. It also suits people already working in community services who need the qualification to progress or to register. Study is full time over two years, so plan your finances and your life around placement blocks. International students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after graduating — check the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. English requirements for social work are higher than for most coursework degrees because you'll be communicating with vulnerable people in high-stakes situations. Confirm the exact IELTS or equivalent score, tuition, and intake dates on the official page — the CRICOS register lists the course code and tuition for this programme.

• Social worker in hospitals, community health centres, mental health services, and aged care — assessing needs, counselling, and connecting people to services.
• Child protection and family services — working with families, courts, and out-of-home care systems in state departments and NGOs.
• Youth work and youth justice — supporting young people at risk, in detention, or leaving care.
• Disability and NDIS support — coordinating supports and advocating for participants under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• School social work — supporting students and families within education settings.
• Community development and policy — working with local councils, peak bodies, and advocacy organisations on housing, homelessness, and social inclusion.
• Mental health clinician — in public and private mental health services, often after further supervised practice.
• Refugee and settlement services — supporting newly arrived communities with housing, employment, and health access.
• Research and evaluation — in universities, government, and NGOs measuring what works in social programmes.

Australian employers in these fields include state and territory health and community service departments, hospitals, not-for-profits, community legal centres, and private practice. Many roles require police checks and working-with-children clearances, and some require a driver's licence.