Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Social Work (MC-SOCW) is one of the first masters degrees nationally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), meeting the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS), offering a portable qualification for national or international practice. The course is led by highly qualified, research-active experts with strong ties to the profession and community services, encompassing specialist knowledge in mental health, child and family practice, health, disability, ageing, criminal justice and substance abuse. Students receive strong research preparation through specific skill development in social work research, learning to utilise current research to inform social work practice.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3006

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $42,480 (2026 indicative first year fee) / AUD $79,863 (indicative total course fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available.

Duration

2 years full time

Intakes

February, August

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (or equivalent), completed within 10 years of commencing the course, OR an older undergraduate degree plus more recent graduate study demonstrating current capacity for graduate study
A current curriculum vitae detailing education, workplace experience and relevant skills, plus contact details for a professional referee
English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 with no band less than 7.0, or equivalent approved test score

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Nationally and globally accredited qualification (AASW/ASWEAS), portable to work nationally or internationally
Specialist knowledge in fields including mental health, child and family practice, health, disability, ageing, criminal justice and substance abuse
Strong research preparation for evidence-based social work practice

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AASW

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units3 units

Core social work practice subjects

Coursework covering social work theory and practice across specialist fields.

Social work research subjects

Skill development in social work research methods to inform practice.

Field placements

Practical placement experience integrated into the course.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of Social Work accredited by a professional body?

Yes, the Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne is one of the first masters degrees accredited nationally by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

What specialist electives are available in the Master of Social Work?

Students undertake a specialist elective in the final semester. Available specialist electives include Mental Health, Child and Family Welfare, Ageing, Advanced Trauma Perspectives, Domestic and Family Violence, Disability, Suicide Prevention, and Psychosocial Oncology.

What teaching methods are used in the Master of Social Work?

The course offers mixed teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars, collaborative learning and practice simulations. The university also has specially designed interview simulation rooms that allow students to practice and review their skills in a safe environment before commencing fieldwork placements.

Are Commonwealth Supported Places available for this course?

Yes, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for the Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne.

What areas of expertise do the course's teaching staff specialise in?

The course is led by highly qualified, experienced, research-active and accessible experts in the field, with strong ties to the profession and community services. Their expertise encompasses specialist knowledge in particular fields of practice including mental health, child and family practice, health, disability, ageing, criminal justice and substance abuse.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $77,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $77,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Child Protection Practitioner / CaseworkerHospital Social WorkerMental Health Social WorkerAged Care Social WorkerDisability Support Coordinator (NDIS)

Key Skills

Case management and client assessmentCrisis intervention and risk assessmentCounselling and active listening techniquesCommunity development and capacity buildingSocial policy analysis and advocacy

Full Course Overview

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