Updating Results

The University of Notre Dame Australia

  • 2% international / 98% domestic

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) equips students with skills and knowledge for a career in social justice, offering practical insights and real-world experience through field placements. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in government, community, and private sectors.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 semesters full-time, 2 semesters part-time
Course Code
5177, 117078F
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$9,314 per year

About this course

Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in social justice. Whether advancing in your current role or starting anew, you'll gain practical insights to help those in need. Learn from experienced academics in areas like addiction, child welfare, disability, and mental health.

You'll explore various social work roles, including direct practice, policy, education, community development, and counselling. With two Field Education placements, you'll gain real-world experience that prepares you for diverse opportunities in government, community, and private sectors, where demand for social workers is high.

  • Be ready for the workforce. We're Australia's #1 university for graduate employment.
  • Our industry-relevant curriculum is always updated to keep you in tune with the latest trends and best practices, ensuring you're at the forefront of innovation.
  • Engage in real-world settings, gaining invaluable firsthand understanding of the daily realities of social work.
  • Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in Australia and abroad.
  • Gain practical experience and become career-ready thanks to a combined minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum as part of your degree.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a relevant Australian Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification completed within the last 10 years with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60% that contains at least one full-time year or equivalent (1FTE) of studies in the social and behavioural sciences. This may include studies in arts, social sciences, behavioural sciences, business, law, nursing, and allied health.

Evidence of English language proficiency either by satisfactory completion of previous secondary education or higher at a recognised institution where English is the sole language of instruction and assessment or by completing an English language test with a minimum score of 7.0 or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the Academic International English Testing System (IELTS) test or equivalent upon application.

What you will learn

Learning outcomes

  • Reflect critically on theory and social work practice demonstrating mastery of theoretical knowledge.
  • Articulate a professional social work identity, both independently and as a member or leader of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment.
  • Demonstrate advanced interpersonal and communication skills for practice that is autonomous, accountable and demonstrates capacity to make, and justify, ethical and socially responsible decisions.
  • Investigate, analyse, consolidate, and synthesise complex social work information, problems, concepts, and theories and apply established theories and concepts to develop sound professional practice that is inclusive and respectful of multiple worldviews and difference and diversity.
  • Advocate for positive social change including global political concerns around environmental and social challenges arising from inequities, cultural difference and diversity, particularly as they impact human rights and social and economic justice.
  • Articulate and critically appraise Western and First Nations worldviews acknowledging ongoing impacts of colonisation and identifying the benefit of First Nations relational ways of knowing for all.
  • Design, implement and critically evaluate consumer and community informed research, projects and programs and creatively influence innovative future practice, social reform and policy.
  • Interpret and transmit knowledge, research and practice effectively to a wide variety of audiences using a variety of media and appropriate technologies.
  • Respond creatively to new situations in social work practice and pursue professional learning in social work.

Career pathways

Career outcomes

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public health and community sectors.

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can lead to a range of career paths to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. With social workers in high demand across Australia and the world, your career opportunities are boundless.

Careers
  • Aged and disability officer
  • Mental Health social worker
  • Case manager
  • Community organiser
  • Policy and advocacy specialist
  • Criminal justice social worker
  • Welfare officer
Industries
  • Public Administration and Safety
  • Rural or remote health care
  • Public or private hospitals
  • Mental health
  • Schools and Education
  • Government
  • Aged care
Professional accreditations

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) has provisional accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for delivery in Fremantle and Sydney.

Course structure

First year
  • SOCW5001 Foundations for Social Work Practice
  • SOCW5002 Interpersonal and Group Communication Skills for Social Work Practice
  • SOCW5003 Social Work Practice in Child and Family Services
  • SOCW5004 Law, Rights, and Ethics in Social Work Practice
  • SOCW6001 Community Development and Social Change
  • SOCW6002 Program Design and Evaluation
  • SOCW6003 Professional Practice 1
Second year
  • SOCW6004 Critical Reflection on Social Work Practice
  • SOCW6005 Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy
  • SOCW6006 Social Work Practices for Diversity and Inclusion
  • SOCW6007 Social Work Practices for Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • SOCW6008 Leadership in Social Work
  • SOCW6009 Professional Practice 2

Credit for prior study or work

Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another university, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

How to apply

Applying to Notre Dame

We know you're a person, not a number.

Our unique admissions process goes beyond a single score. In addition to your academic record, we also consider your personal qualities, gifts and talents, your motivation to study and your contribution to community life.

Admission requirements

How to apply

Tell us about your extracurricular, community, and academic achievements and contributions.

How to Apply

1-on-1 advice session

Book a 1-on-1 advice session and learn more about your study options at Notre Dame.

Book now