Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)

James Cook University

CRICOS Institution Code 00117J

Duration

104 weeks

Delivery

Flexible delivery (on-campus classes and/or residential workshops; online options available)

Study Load

Full time / Part time

Intakes

Online: February, September / Townsville: February, September / Cairns: February, September

Course Overview

About This Course

Enhance your current qualifications and gain the critical skills to improve the lives of others, working towards creating a just and equitable society. This specialist postgraduate professional qualifying course, recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers is designed to give you valuable opportunities to gain practical professional experience in social work practice and social welfare agencies, both in Australia and overseas. Acquire valuable hands-on experience working with individuals, families, groups and communities through on-campus classes and/or residential workshops. JCU’s world-class lecturers provide consistent support and regular feedback to help you get the most out of your learning experience. Students complete a series of essential core subjects, tailored to the unique and complex challenges of individuals, families, groups and communities. Subjects consider global and contemporary Australian issues and international perspectives with those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Work while you study with JCU’s flexible delivery options. You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning for one field education placement if you already have significant social welfare and human services experience. View the handbook for a detailed overview of subjects.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

349 Queen St, BRISBANE, QLD 4000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

$9,162 per year (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Duration

104 weeks

Intakes

Online: February, September / Townsville: February, September / Cairns: February, September

Study Mode

Full time / Part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline other than Social Work that includes a minimum of 1 year full-time study in social and behavioural sciences; or equivalent

International Students:

AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline other than Social Work that includes a minimum of 1 year full-time study in social and behavioural sciences; or equivalent
English language requirements: Band 3c
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course

Additional Requirements:

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of ”Band 3c” – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy
Completion of an approved AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree in a relevant discipline other than an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) recognised social work degree that contains at least one year, or the equivalent, of full-time studies in social and behavioural sciences

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) graduates are highly employable and make a difference in a variety of settings.
You could pursue a career as a social worker in government and non-government organisations throughout Australia or internationally.
Graduates find employment in areas like hospital and community health services, mental health services, child protection services, youth and family services.
You could work in a range of occupations, such as case work with individuals and families, community work and development roles, or social policy, research and advocacy roles.

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 Units14 units

WS5617

Foundations for Practice

WS5502

Mental Health and Trauma Informed Practice

WS5151

Understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: History, Relationships and Practice

WS5515

Advanced Theory for Practice

WS5037

Critical and Reflective Practice with Children and Families

WS5103

Community Development

WS5005

Social Policy Analysis

WS5020

Advanced Research Methods

WS5611

Professional Development for Social Work Practice

WS5305

Field Education 1: Part 1 of 2

WS5306

Field Education 1: Part 2 of 2

WS5606

Advanced Social Work Practicum Part 1 of 2

WS5607

Advanced Social Work Practicum Part 2 of 2

WS5021

Advanced Contemporary Practice

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)?

Yes, the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) at JCU is a professionally accredited course recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which supports graduates' eligibility for professional membership and practice as qualified social workers in Australia.

How many hours of work-integrated learning (placement) are required?

This course requires work-integrated learning (WIL) activities, such as placements, fieldwork, internships or industry-partnered projects. During the course, you will be required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of WIL. You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning for one field education placement if you already have significant social welfare and human services experience.

What are the annual fees for international students?

The estimated annual tuition fee for international students is AUD $34,649 (plus Student Services and Amenities Fee), for a full-time study load. Course fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

What entry qualifications do I need to apply for this course?

To be eligible for this course, you need an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline other than Social Work that includes a minimum of 1 year full-time study in social and behavioural sciences, or equivalent. Applicants must also hold a recognised and appropriate undergraduate degree, or equivalent prior learning including appropriate professional experience, and meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3c if English is not their native language.

When can I start the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) at JCU?

The course commences in January and September at both the Townsville and Cairns campuses, giving you two intake opportunities per year to begin your studies.

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!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$60,000 – $77,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$77,000 – $90,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$90,000 – $105,000/yr

Career Paths

Child Protection Practitioner / Caseworker
Hospital Social Worker
Mental Health Social Worker
Aged Care Social Worker
Disability Support Coordinator (NDIS)

Key Skills

Case management and client assessment
Crisis intervention and risk assessment
Counselling and active listening techniques
Community development and capacity building
Social policy analysis and advocacy

Full course overview

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