Course Overview

About This Course

This degree combines academic rigour, exceptional research training, blended and work-based learning, and 1,000 hours of field education. As a student of Western Sydney University, you will undertake traditional academic subjects as well as completing assessed placements. There is a strong emphasis on our students moving beyond the University and working on projects with people in the community and workplace. It is specifically designed to ensure you graduate with hands-on skills working with the community at large – skills that can take your career to the next level. In addition to emerging with a Master degree, you will also be equipped with the practical education required to meet Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) standards. The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (MSW(Q)) is aimed at graduates of Social Sciences and other Human Services programs who wish to achieve a professional qualification in social work. It combines the academic rigour, including research training required for a Masters level qualification, with 1000 hours of field education. Study and save: Discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2026. If you are a graduate of Social Sciences or another Human Services program and want to gain professional degrees in social work, this postgraduate program is a strong choice.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

Duration

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

Intakes

Autumn 2027 (starts 01 March 2027) | Spring 2027 (starts 19 July 2027)

Study Mode

Full Time / Part Time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

English Language Proficiency: All applicants must meet the English language requirement if they have not completed Year 12 (or equivalent secondary school qualification) or a tertiary qualification taught in English. These applicants must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) of the Academic IELTS test, or equivalent, prior to program commencement.
Tertiary Education: Applicants must have completed AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree containing at least one year (8 equivalent to full-time study/8 subjects) in social and behavioural sciences. Acceptable disciplines include social and behavioural sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology), health and human services (nursing, public health, allied health, disability studies), humanities and cultural studies (history, philosophy, Indigenous studies, gender studies, media studies), policy and applied social sciences (policy studies, education, population studies), and professional fields (law, business, arts). Applicants whose Bachelor degree does not fully meet the requirements for 8 subjects of social and behavioural sciences content, must successfully complete the Postgraduate Bridging Program (Social Work) prior to admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

Take on an exciting research role
Become a counsellor and change the lives of people struggling with emotional issues
Influence the development of social policy
Get involved in Human Services and help Improve aged care, communities, education providers and transport services

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 Units13 units

WELF7021

Social Work (Qualifying) Field Education 1

Core — 20 credit points

WELF7017

Integrated Project

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7031

Theories and Knowledges for Social Work

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7023

Social Work Practice Methods 1

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7029

Indigenous Australia: History, Knowledge and Professional Practice

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7022

Social Work (Qualifying) Field Education 2

Core — 30 credit points

WELF7024

Social Work Practice Methods 2

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7018

Leadership in Organisations

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7019

Power and Marginalisation

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7007

Critical Social Work Practice

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7030

Research for Social Work Practice

Core — 10 credit points

WELF7003

Contextualised Practice

Core — 10 credit points

HUMN7044

Theories of Difference and Diversity

Core — 10 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program accredited by a professional body?

Yes, this program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and graduates are eligible for membership of the AASW.

How many hours of field education are required in this degree?

The degree includes 1,000 hours of field education as part of its combination of blended and work-based learning, alongside traditional academic subjects and assessed placements.

Are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for this course?

Yes, discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2026, with an indicative annual fee from $11,885.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is designed for graduates of Social Sciences or another Human Services program who want to gain professional qualifications in social work at the postgraduate level.

Where is this course offered and when can I start?

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is offered at the Parramatta City campus. Upcoming intake dates are 20 July 2026 (Spring 2026), 01 March 2027 (Autumn 2027), and 19 July 2027 (Spring 2027).

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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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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