Course Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) aims to graduate knowledgeable, ethical and competent entry-level practitioners through the integration of the theoretical and practice skills necessary for professional practice. You will be required to demonstrate a nuanced and analytical approach to the knowledge-base, empirical research and practice contexts, required for social work practice. Critical thinking, rigorous appraisal and respect for diversity form the bedrock of the course. You will be expected to apply this knowledge and skills- base, particularly when on field education placement, with creativity and initiative. You will be encouraged and supported to participate in all learning and teaching, and practice-based activities, all of which are underpinned by research-informed pedagogy.

As a graduate of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course, you will demonstrate  advanced knowledge of the theories, empirical research and practice methods in complex social work contexts. Also, you will translate ethical frameworks to specialised practice skills (e.g., communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation) in order to support people facing social and structural injustice.You will develop a critically reflective and reflexive appraisal of social work theory, research and professional practice. You will critique the linear assumptions of psycho-social development across the life-cycle, and evaluate the implications of environment on health and well-being. You will be able to assess the broad social, cultural, political, legal, policy, economic, historical and global context of practice. You will examine ways in which organisational, socio-cultural and political structures perpetuate structural inequality and injustice. You will compare and contrast medical and social constructions of disability, chronic illness, trauma and mental health and reconstruct practice approaches.

You will demonstrate the ability to integrate this knowledge and translate to complex practice contexts. You will acquire a set of flexible, and transferable, skills that will enable you to adapt effectively to the needs of diverse individuals, groups and communities, in multiple practice settings and geographical locations. 

Graduates of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will develop a range of high-level theoretical knowledge and practice skills. These will enable you to develop strategies necessary for working with social injustice and promoting social change.  All graduates will be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Career Information

A social work qualification provides a wide range of employment opportunities across diverse fields of practice. Many of these will involve social workers assisting client groups to achieve social inclusion, supporting people to achieve a better quality of life and facilitate individual and community well-being. Graduates have the opportunity to practice in a large number of human services across every state and territory as well as internationally. The most prominent sectors in which social workers are found are in health, government administration, child protection, youth justice, prisons, disability, aged care, mental health, and working with people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. Social workers are employed at federal, state and local levels of government. Non-government agencies in the community sector are also large employers of social work graduates where the work can include counselling, case-management, early intervention strategies with families at risk, advocacy, mediation and community development. Agencies include Relationships Australia, Anglicare, Baptist Care, Red Cross, Women's Health and many others. A growing trend for social workers with several years experience is moving into private practice focusing on the mental health issues experienced by their clients.