Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)

Entry requirements

A candidate shall hold an AQF Level 7 three year undergraduate degree in a discipline other than social work from a recognised university, which includes the equivalent of one year of full-time study (48 credit points (8 units or equivalent) in any Social Science discipline as defined by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.

In other words, the 48 credit points may include units in courses such as Accounting, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Geography, History, Law, Linguistics, Marketing, Management, Political Science, Social Medicine, Sociology, Statistics, etc.

Where a candidate holds an international qualification in social work that does not meet the Australian Association of Social Workers eligibility for membership, admission may be sought to the degree through permission from the Social Work Course Coordinator. However, the candidate will be individually responsible for contacting the Australian Association of Social Workers regarding eligibility for membership based on their individual circumstances.

Months of entry

March, July

Course content

The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) provides graduates with the theoretical and practical skills required to work as a professional social worker, an occupation that the Australian government predicts will continue to experience very strong growth. This course is accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and graduates are eligible to become a member of the AASW. Social workers typically work with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities within a social justice and human rights framework in counselling, advocacy, and the enhancement of health and well-being. Social workers address the barriers, inequality and injustices faced by many groups in our community. UNE's social work program embraces a framework that examines the dynamic interaction of human behaviour, institutions and complex social interactions.

Covering all the core requirements of an accredited professional social work degree, the MSW (Professional Qualifying) at UNE emphasises practice in rural and complex community environments, and focuses on rights-based practice, mental health, Indigenous peoples, child protection and the law. The course incorporates the mandatory 1000 hours of professional fieldwork placement supervised by experienced practitioners indiverse social work settings locally and overseas. Study requirements allow students choice to study either on campus or online, with periodic compulsory intensive face-to-face classes for students who learn by distance.

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Career opportunities

Social work is an occupation that the Australian government predicts will continue to experience very strong growth. It has many fields of practice, providing a diverse and rewarding career path with multiple opportunities to make a real difference in people's lives. UNE's MSW(ProfQual) offers graduates highly sought after research skills. Career opportunities are found in hospitals; government agencies (such as justice, housing and youth and child protection services); community-based family support and welfare agencies; women's refuges and community legal centres; city councils; mental health, disability and aged care facilities, schools and for-profit human services (e.g. private practice counselling, employment services), to name just a few. Australian social work qualifications are portable and Australian graduates are highly regarded internationally.

Fees and funding