Course Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program is designed to prepare knowledgeable, ethical and competent entry-level social work practitioners. Through the integration of theoretical concepts with practical experience, graduates cultivate a nuanced, critical analytical approach to navigate the complexities and diversity of social work practice. This approach equips graduates to effectively respond to the needs of diverse individuals, groups and communities in various practice settings.  Critical reflection, rigorous appraisal, empathy and respect for diversity form the foundation of the course. During field placements, students, supervised by qualified social workers, have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in practice creatively. Students receive encouragement and support to actively engage in all aspects of learning and teaching, including participating in practice-based activities within living labs.  

As a graduate of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course, you will demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories, practice research and methods for responding to complex social work contexts. You will apply ethical frameworks to specialised practice skills, including communication, assessment, intervention, and evaluation, empowering you to support people facing social and structural injustice. Throughout the program, you will develop a critically reflective and reflexive understanding of social work theory, research and professional practice. You will critically examine assumptions related to psycho-social development across the life cycle. Additionally, you will evaluate the implications of medical and social constructions of disability, chronic illness, trauma and mental health and reconstruct practice approaches that will contribute to health and well-being. Furthermore, you will be able to assess how the broad social, cultural, political, legal, policy, economic, historical and global structures perpetuate inequality and injustice and explore avenues for promoting social change and advocating for marginalised communities.

All graduates will be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Career Information

A social work qualification provides a wide range of employment opportunities across diverse fields of practice. Many of these will involve social workers assisting client groups to achieve social inclusion, supporting people to achieve a better quality of life and facilitate individual and community well-being. Graduates have the opportunity to practice in a large number of human services across every state and territory as well as internationally. The most prominent sectors in which social workers are found are in health, government administration, child protection, youth justice, prisons, disability, aged care, mental health, and working with people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. Social workers are employed at federal, state and local levels of government. Non-government agencies in the community sector are also large employers of social work graduates where the work can include counselling, case-management, early intervention strategies with families at risk, advocacy, mediation and community development. Agencies include Relationships Australia, Anglicare, Baptist Care, Red Cross, Women's Health and many others. A growing trend for social workers with several years experience is moving into private practice focusing on the mental health issues experienced by their clients.