Course Overview

About This Course

ACU's Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a vibrant and challenging program that encourages students to build on their existing knowledge and experience while gaining a sound understanding of social work values and practice approaches. It emphasises social justice, human rights and achieving the best possible outcomes for the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of the community, and is taught by leading social work practitioners and academics with a strong focus on experiential learning. The program is offered face-to-face at ACU's Canberra and Sydney (Strathfield) campuses with a February intake, and online via ACUOnline with 140 hours (20 days) of face-to-face classroom-based learning focused on the development of professional practice skills, delivered as on-campus intensives at ACU's Melbourne campus. Field education is a core element of both modes and a major part of professional identity development, letting students observe, question and model social work behaviours and translate theory into practice. The course includes a total of 1,000 hours of supervised field education and training over two years, and ACU matches students to placements based on where they are geographically located. Placement locations and settings have included community mental health, CatholicCare, Life Without Barriers, Mission Australia, St Vincent's Hospital, the Department of Family and Community Services, Queensland Child Safety and Centrelink. The 160 credit point program comprises 100 credit points of specified units and 60 credit points of practice education. It is an Australian Association of Social Workers accredited qualification and an entry qualification into the social work profession that meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $9,880

Duration

2 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Commencement Available in ACU Term 1 (Feb 2027) | ACU Term 2,3,4 Commencement not available

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

To be eligible for admission to the course, applicants must have completed a relevant three-year Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) that contains at least one year, or the equivalent of, full-time study in the social and behavioural sciences. Relevant units of study in the social and behavioural sciences may include psychology, sociology, anthropology, policy, health, philosophy, Indigenous and cultural studies, and more.
State prerequisites:
- Australian Capital Territory: as above
- New South Wales: as above
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, and all students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements defined in that policy.
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Applicants who have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above are assigned a new selection rank reflecting their study level, duration and grade point average, and prior study or relevant work experience may attract credit or recognition of prior learning.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants must meet the same academic requirement as domestic applicants: a relevant three-year Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) containing at least one year, or the equivalent of, full-time study in the social and behavioural sciences, which may include psychology, sociology, anthropology, policy, health, philosophy, Indigenous and cultural studies, and more.
International students must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and meet ACU's English Language Proficiency requirements.
IELTS: an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Social workers may also work in different areas of practice, including:
• Family work
• Youth and child welfare services
• Medical and health services
• Disability services
• Psychiatric and general mental health
• Community services
• Aged care
• Income support
• Mediation
• Research

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 Units15 units

SWTP620

Social Work Theories, Context and Fields of Practice

SWTP622

Social Work with Individuals

SWTP624

Social Work with Children, Youth and Family

SWTP626

Social Work with Groups

SWTP627

Social Work with Communities

SWTP629

Social Work Research

SWTP632

Social Policy, Contemporary Issues and Social Work

SWTP633

Social Work, Mental Health and Wellbeing

SWTP634

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Social Work

SWTP635

Integration of Theory, Evidence and Ethics for Effective Practice

SWTP625

Field Practicum 1

SWTP631

Field Practicum 2

SWTP636

Field Informal Learning

SWTP637

Field and Practice Integration

SWTP631

Field Practicum 2

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) take to complete?

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at Australian Catholic University has a duration of 104 weeks.

Does the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) include a practical work placement component?

Yes, the course includes a mandatory work component totalling 1,000 hours, undertaken at 35.70 hours per week over 28 weeks.

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

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$66,064, which covers tuition fees. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed.

At which campuses is the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) available?

ACU lists two campuses for this course: the Canberra Campus (ACT) and the Strathfield Campus (NSW). The course is also offered online via ACUOnline, with the face-to-face intensive classes delivered at ACU's Melbourne campus.

Is the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

Eligibility for extended Post-Study Work Rights depends on several criteria including the course being registered, being a Skills Level 1 qualification, having a duration of 92 weeks or greater, and aligning with the Skills Level 1 priority field of education narrow field. This course has a duration of 104 weeks and is in the Human Welfare Studies and Services field, so it may qualify, but eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review.

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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