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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at ACAP provides a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and equips students with essential skills for a career in social work. The program includes 1000 hours of practical work experience and is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 trimesters full-time, 12 trimesters part-time
Course Code
082661F
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, May, Sep
Domestic Fees
$23,216 per year
International Fees
$33,277 per year

About this course

Overview

If you're a passionate Human and Community Services professional seeking a postgraduate degree in social work, this is the ideal next step in your career. ACAP's Master of Social Work (Qualifying) delivers a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind human thoughts and behaviour, as well as the essential skills and knowledge to enhance your role as a Social Worker.

Throughout your degree, you'll study social work as a profession, including its history, ethics and key influences. Informed by principles of social justice and human rights, you will develop an understanding of the social work practice methods required to work effectively and ethically with a wide range of service users in diverse contexts.

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program will see you strengthen your skills in critical thinking and analysis, anti-oppressive practice, community empowerment, systemic advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and social research. You will also have the opportunity to integrate your classroom learning with professional practice through placement opportunities and supervision, totalling 1000 hours of practical work experience.

This is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). The accrediting body may have additional requirements, including minimum English language, to meet professional social work accreditation standards. For more information on meeting these requirements, visit aasw.asn.au. It is a condition of progression in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) that students complete a national police record check in their first trimester of enrolment.

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is accredited under Navitas' self-accrediting authority.

Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

  • Completed a Bachelor degree in a cognate area (for example social sciences, psychology, community and welfare work, nursing, allied health, counselling); or
  • Completed a Bachelor degree with evidence of at least one year of full-time study within social sciences, or equivalent at AQF level 7 or above

Additional requirements:

  • Write a 500-word statement outlining your interest in studying social work.

Please note: It is a condition of progression in this course that students complete a national police record check prior to enrolment into the second unit of study.

International entry requirements

  • Completed a Bachelor degree in a cognate area (for example social sciences, psychology, community and welfare work, nursing, allied health, counselling), or
  • Completed a Bachelor degree with evidence of at least one year of full-time study within social sciences, or equivalent at AQF level 7 or above

Additional requirements:

  • Write a 500-word statement outlining your interest in studying social work.

Please note: It is a condition of progression in this course that students complete a national police record check prior to enrolment into the second unit of study.

Minimum English Language Requirements: International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic IELTS minimum overall band of 7.0 with no individual band below 7 (completed in the past two years); or Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic PTE score of 66 (completed in the past two years).

If an alternative to IELTS or PTE is being supplied as part of the application, please read more information on English Language Test Equivalency.

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by ACAP as equivalent to Australian qualifications.

What you will learn

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

By combining expertise in human behaviour with a focus on applied knowledge and practical experience, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) equips you with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.

  • Social Policy and Practice
    Gain insights into the policies and frameworks that shape social work practice and learn how to navigate and influence social policies to promote social justice and equality.
  • Critical Theories and Skills
    Develop critical thinking skills and engage with various theoretical perspectives to analyse and address social issues, while enhancing your ability to advocate for marginalised populations.
  • Fields of Practice
    Explore different fields of social work practice, such as healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and community development. Acquire specialised knowledge and skills to work effectively within these specific areas.
  • Individuals and Families
    Study the dynamics of individuals and families within a social work context, including assessment, intervention, and support strategies to enhance their well-being and promote positive change.
  • Group, Teamwork and Organisational Learning
    Learn how to facilitate group processes, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and navigate organisational structures. Enhance your skills in teamwork, leadership, and organisational development.
  • Field Education
    Engage in practical, hands-on learning through field placements, where you will apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. These placements provide valuable opportunities for experiential learning and professional development.

Career pathways

Potential Careers

Once you graduate from the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.

  • Health Care Social Worker
  • Community-based Social Worker
  • Child Protection Worker
  • Aged Care Assessment Advisor

Course structure

Course structure

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course is comprised of 12 units, which are level 600 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.

The course duration is 2 years full time or part time equivalent. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.

Credit for prior study or work

Recognition of Prior Learning is available for some units in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course. It is not available for the following units:

  • SWSP6103 Field Education 2

Applicants seeking Credit for SWSP6053 Field Education 1 are advised to refer to the Field Education Manual for details on the application process and required supporting documentation. Current students can access the manual via the Student Lounge; new students should email [email protected] to obtain a copy.