Course Overview

About This Course

If you want to make a difference and become an advocate for change CQU's innovative Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides a unique opportunity to engage with cutting‑edge teaching methods and transformative learning experiences. This program is designed to cultivate highly skilled, ethical, and competent social work practitioners ready to make a positive impact in diverse communities. Integrating theory and hands-on practice will give you the advanced knowledge required for effective social work in complex, real-world settings. As a student, you will develop critical thinking and a deep understanding of social justice, diversity, and ethical practice. The course emphasises the importance of research-driven approaches and encourages creativity and initiative, particularly during field education placements. You'll explore key issues such as the influence of the environment on health and well-being, the dynamics of social and structural inequality, and the different approaches to understanding disability, trauma, and mental health. Graduates will be equipped with versatile skills to work with individuals, families and communities, promoting social change and addressing injustice across various professional contexts. Upon completion, you'll be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), opening doors to professional practice in Australia and beyond.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

400 Kent St, SYDNEY, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Find out more about Entry Requirements for this course.
Find out more about English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements for this course.
Security Requirements: Find out more about Security Requirements for this course.
Health Requirements: Find out more about Health Requirements for this course.
COVID Vaccination Requirements: Find out more about COVID Vaccination Requirements for this course.
Other Compulsory Requirements: Find out more about Other Compulsory Requirements for this course.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well‑equipped for social work roles such as case manager, hospital social worker, family support worker, mental health social worker, child and family practitioner, community development practitioner, policy officer, and school social worker. The health care and human services sector, a primary provider of new jobs in Australia, continues to grow, offering robust employment opportunities for our graduates. Career opportunities include: Child Protection and Youth Work: Protecting and supporting at-risk children and adolescents. Mental Health Social Work: Providing counselling and support for individuals with mental health challenges. Family Violence and Advocacy: Assisting survivors of domestic and family violence and advocating for systemic change. Disability and Aged Care Services: Supporting individuals with disabilities and elderly populations through advocacy and tailored support programs. Hospital Social Work: Assisting patients and families in adjusting to injury, illness, or changing health needs. Public Service and Policy: Engaging in social services and policy roles to influence social policies and promote social justice. Nonprofit and Community Services: Working in community development, crisis work, counselling, refugee assistance, and housing services. The MSW (Q) program also provides pathways for roles in research, policy development, and academia.

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 Units10 units

SOWK28001

Understanding Social Work: Foundational Knowledge and Skills for Practice

SOWK28002

First Nations Knowledge and Social Work Practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

SOWK28003

Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan

SOWK28004

Intersectionality and Social Justice in Social Work Practice

SOWK29001

Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice

SOWK28005

Social Work Field Education 1

First work-integrated learning placement comprising 500 hours. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Placement Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker.

SOWK29002

Working with Families, Groups and Communities

SOWK29003

Contemporary Social Policy and Social Work

SOWK29007

Social Work Field Education 2

Second work-integrated learning placement comprising 500 hours. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Placement Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker.

SOWK29005

Social Work Theories and the Practice Context

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)?

Yes, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an AASW-provisionally accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for membership with the AASW, opening doors to professional practice in Australia and beyond.

What are the field placement requirements for this course?

The course includes two field education placements, each comprising 500 hours (1000 hours total). Social Work Field Education 1 (SOWK28005) is the first placement, and Social Work Field Education 2 (SOWK29007) is the second. Both placements occur in agencies approved by the University Placement Coordinators and require supervision from a qualified social worker. Students must complete all units in accordance with the prerequisites, undertake a successful interview with the Placement Coordinator to determine placement readiness, and meet all necessary administrative, screening, and legal obligations.

Are there compulsory residential schools or intensives as part of this course?

Yes, in addition to weekly tutorials and lectures, there are compulsory intensives. SOWK29001 Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice together with SOWK28005 Social Work Field Education 1 is delivered as a 4-day Learning Intensive. SOWK29005 Social Work Theories and the Practice Context together with SOWK29007 Social Work Field Education 2 is delivered as a 2-day Learning Intensive. These intensives are compulsory for all students and are designed to ensure students meet ASWEAS requirements and preparation for placement.

How much does the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) cost for international students?

The first-year indicative fee for 2026 is A$35,760. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. In addition to course fees, students must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses, including visa application fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), textbooks and learning materials, checks and certifications, and living expenses.

Are there scholarships available for international students studying this course?

Yes, CQUniversity offers a range of scholarships to support international students. Merit scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students based on academic excellence and provide course fee reductions ranging from 15% to 25%. There are also region-specific scholarships for students from selected regions, offering a 25% reduction in course fees. Students do not need to submit a separate application — all eligible students are automatically assessed for the best available scholarship when applying for the course.

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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