Master of Social Work (Coursework)

The Master of Social Work (Coursework) at the University of Western Australia is a professionally oriented postgraduate degree designed for those aiming to become social workers in Australia. The course spans two years of full-time study and focuses on areas such as community development, child protection, mental health, and cross-cultural practice. Students explore theories of social work, policy analysis, research methods, and ethical practice, with learning grounded in Australian social policy and local case studies.

The course structure includes a mix of core and elective units, each assigned a set number of credit points, according to Australian higher education standards. Units are usually delivered across semesters, and students must complete a significant amount of supervised work-integrated learning hours in real practice settings, such as hospitals, government agencies, or community organisations. A capstone experience allows students to integrate academic learning with hands-on skills required for social work practice.

This course meets the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation requirements, which is essential for professional recognition in Australia. Graduates become eligible to apply for AASW membership, opening up roles in government, non-profits, health services, and more. English language proficiency requirements for international students are comparatively high (typically IELTS 7.0–7.5), reflecting the demands of effective practice and client engagement across Australia’s diverse communities. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study, and the qualification may support eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-graduation. Refer to the official course page for the most current details.

This course suits graduates from various backgrounds who are passionate about social justice, welfare, and community service, and wish to transition into a registered professional social work career in the Australian context.

• Social Worker in hospitals, schools, or community organisations
• Child Protection Officer
• Mental Health Social Worker
• Community Development Officer
• Policy Officer in government or NGOs
• Case Manager in aged care or disability services
• Family Support Worker

Australian industries that value these skills include public health, education, non-government welfare agencies, state and federal government departments, and community-based services.