Course Overview

About This Course

Overview Social workers can be a lifeline for people facing difficulties related to financial, medical, mental health or relational circumstances. This course enables you to develop the skills, knowledge and values to become a strategic, ethical and reflective social work practitioner. Our accredited Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is suited to applicants with previous experience in the study of the social sciences, social welfare, psychology or related fields. In this program, you'll examine child protection, social policy and law, mental health, health issues impacting Indigenous communities, and leadership in social work organisations. You'll also undertake practice under the supervision of an experienced social worker. As a graduate, you'll be ready for a career as a professional social worker in Australia and may also be eligible for employment overseas. Please note: All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 20 days/150hrs over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Students meet this requirement by attending compulsory residential schools conducted at the Gold Coast campus. This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully. Pathway into this course : If you do not meet the entry requirements, the Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work is a pathway available to you. Successful completion enables entry to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying). "I liked the location, the flexibility of studying online and meeting face-to-face for residentials. The learning content had a great mix between direct practice and critical reflection which was really valuable." Noemie Rigaud Master of Social Work graduate Understanding the Southern Cross Model The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study. Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning. On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit. Learn more Learning outcomes and graduate attributes Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA). Course Learning Outcome GA1: Intellectual rigour Ability to apply social work values, knowledge and skills in research processes to address client needs, organisational goals and social policy change. GA2: Creativity Ensure that client needs, organisational goals and community expectations of social work services are met in the most appropriate manner, using social work knowledge, skills and resources. GA3: Ethical practice Engage in direct social work practice, through mutual engagement and the application of knowledge, ethics and skills, to ensure that clients’ needs are met, that their potential is developed and that their control over their lives is fostered. GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Promote and implement policies and practices to achieve a fair, equitable and efficient allocation of social resources, and identify inappropriate or inequitable policy goals and outcomes. GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate a commitment to continually increase professional knowledge and skills and to continuing education and lifelong learning. GA6: Communication and social skills Effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and managers, including within a multi-disciplinary team environment. GA7: Cultural competence Ability to apply knowledge of organisational and societal systems and processes to identify inequality and ensure appropriate action is taken so that social barriers, inequality and injustice are reduced. Placements, work experience and study hours In line with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) requirements, students will be required to undertake 1,000 hours of supervised Work Integrated Learning (WIL). All students, whether studying on campus or online, are required to attend two field education placements. These placements are completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that students gain a diversity of experience. The Social Work Field Placement I unit involves 400 hours (57 days) in the first year (of full-time study), with a minimum of three days per week spent on placement. In addition, the Social Work Field Placement II unit involves 600 hours (86 days) in the second year (of full-time study), with a minimum of three days per week spent on placement. These time commitments apply to both full-time and part-time students. WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course: Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment , as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel. Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends and most agencies require students to have a current Australian driver's licence. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, Working with Children and National Police Certificate checks. More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty WIL page . Specialisations, majors and minors The course includes core content in child protection, cross-cultural practice, mental health work, and work with people from Indigenous communities. It covers essential theories and methods of social work practice including effective practice in working with individuals, groups and communities. Students are also exposed to key knowledge in using social policy and the law to advance the rights of clients and community members. Please note, in accordance with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation standards, this course requires online students to attend mandatory residential schools throughout the year. Students will be notified of the residential school dates on commencement. Availability Availability and fees Location Teaching period Gold Coast Term 1, Term 5 Online Term 1, Term 5 Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS Gold Coast Term 1, Term 5 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 082686G Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Ground floor and Level 1-3, 60 Phillip St, SYDNEY, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Students admitted to the MSW(Prof Qual) are required to have completed: A relevant three-year AQF Level 7 degree course that contains at least one year, or the equivalent, of full-time studies in the social and behavioural sciences; or The Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work or equivalent. To meet English Language Proficiency requirements for admission to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), students must have: successfully completed the Graduate Certificate of Social Science in Social Work; successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (AQF 7) equivalent or higher that was taught and assessed in English; or achieved IELTS Academic overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 (or equivalent). Language requirements English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs . Category Score Overall Score 7.0 Reading 7.0 Writing 7.0 Listening 7.0 Speaking 7.0 Credit for prior learning Candidates, who have completed the SCU Bachelor of Community Welfare, or equivalent degree, may apply to have not more than 25% or four (4) units assessed for advanced standing, on a case-by-case basis.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career Outcomes Potential occupations Graduates of this degree will qualify as social workers in Australia. Graduates may also be eligible to apply to work as social workers overseas. Graduates will be suited to employment in a wide range of jobs in the health and community services sectors. These include positions that are designated solely for social work-qualified staff (e.g. in hospitals), as well as other human services jobs that are open to other graduates. Graduates may be employed in organisations such as Centrelink, public and private hospitals, child protection agencies, Australian Defence Force, domestic violence services, housing and homelessness agencies, aged care and disability services, mental health agencies, family counselling agencies, rehabilitation services and private practice. Professional accreditation This course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. Graduates are eligible for AASW membership. Please note that the AASW sets the English language requirements for professional social work practice in Australia and you may be required to meet this requirement in order to practice. Refer to the AASW website for more information.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AASW

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) accredited, and what does that mean for graduates?

Yes, this course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. Graduates are eligible for AASW membership and may also be eligible to apply to work as social workers overseas.

How many placement hours are required, and what does the placement involve?

In line with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) requirements, students are required to undertake 1,000 hours of supervised Work Integrated Learning (WIL). This includes Social Work Field Placement I (400 hours/57 days in the first year of full-time study, minimum three days per week) and Social Work Field Placement II (600 hours/86 days in the second year of full-time study, minimum three days per week). Placements are completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice to ensure a diversity of experience.

Can I study this course online, and are there any on-campus requirements?

Yes, online study is available; however, all students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 20 days/150 hours over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Students meet this requirement by attending compulsory residential schools conducted at the Gold Coast campus.

What are the entry requirements if I do not have a relevant degree?

If you do not meet the entry requirements, the Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work is a pathway available to you. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate enables entry to the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying).

What are the costs and practicalities associated with placements?

While SCU considers your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends, and most agencies require students to have a current Australian driver's licence. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Additionally, before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include Working with Children and National Police Certificate checks.

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

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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