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The information below will be relevant from 13/07/2026.Click Here to view current information
CL90 - Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Overview
Compulsory Residential School
Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.Course Overview
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program is designed to prepare knowledgeable, ethical and competent entry-level social work practitioners. Through the integration of theoretical concepts with practical experience, graduates cultivate a nuanced, critical analytical approach to navigate the complexities and diversity of social work practice. This approach equips graduates to effectively respond to the needs of diverse individuals, groups and communities in various practice settings. Critical reflection, rigorous appraisal, empathy and respect for diversity form the foundation of the course. During field placements, students, supervised by qualified social workers, have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in practice creatively. Students receive encouragement and support to actively engage in all aspects of learning and teaching, including participating in practice-based activities within living labs.
As a graduate of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course, you will demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories, practice research and methods for responding to complex social work contexts. You will apply ethical frameworks to specialised practice skills, including communication, assessment, intervention, and evaluation, empowering you to support people facing social and structural injustice. Throughout the program, you will develop a critically reflective and reflexive understanding of social work theory, research and professional practice. You will critically examine assumptions related to psycho-social development across the life cycle. Additionally, you will evaluate the implications of medical and social constructions of disability, chronic illness, trauma and mental health and reconstruct practice approaches that will contribute to health and well-being. Furthermore, you will be able to assess how the broad social, cultural, political, legal, policy, economic, historical and global structures perpetuate inequality and injustice and explore avenues for promoting social change and advocating for marginalised communities.
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.
Course Details
| Duration | 2 years full-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 96 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in postgraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Postgraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | MSocWk(Q) |
| AQF Level | Level 9: Masters Degree (Coursework) |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
|
Admission Codes
|
Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
|
International Students CRICOS Codes |
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.
Domestic Availability
Term 2 - 2027
Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.
Term 1 - 2027
Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.
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International Availability
Term 2 - 2027
Sydney
Term 1 - 2027
Sydney
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For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact
13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at
https://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
Entry Requirements - What do I need to start?
Academic Requirements
To be considered for entry into this course, you must hold:
- a completed Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) equivalent Bachelor degree, or higher equivalent qualification that includes at least one year (equivalent to 8 units) of full-time studies in the social and behaviour sciences.
Examples of studies in behavioural science include: psychology, including psychology research and policy, counselling/therapeutic roles in areas such as play therapy, rehabilitation counselling, art therapy, disability, and inclusion, specialist clinical areas such as child development, drug and alcohol, working with ageing/disability populations, emergency services, education, family violence, and allied health areas such as nursing/midwifery, health promotion, occupational/speech/physiotherapy, occupational health, audiology.
Examples of studies in social sciences include: anthropology, community development, criminology, economics with a health/social focus, First Nation/Indigenous studies, geography, international relations, legal studies with a health/social focus, politics/political sciences, public health, sociology/social sciences, and sustainability with a health/social focus.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or the United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
You are required to provide documentation confirming completion within the last 5 years of:
- a secondary qualification (Year 11 or 12, or equivalent), or
- a Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0.
These qualifications must be completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or the United States of America to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 with a minimum 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
- a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT overall score of at least 94 with no score less than 24 for listening and reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking, or
- a Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) overall score of at least 65 with no less than 65 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
- an Occupational English Test with a minimum result of 'B' in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
Each application will be assessed individually.
If you are a prospective international student, please visit the English requirements for international students page for further information.
Prerequisite Subjects
No information available at this time
Recommended Study
No information available at this time
Fees and Charges
Course Features
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | Not applicable |
| Accreditation |
|
Residential School Requirements
| Compulsory Residential School | In addition to weekly tutorials and lectures, there are compulsory intensives attached to the following units: SOWK29001 Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice together with SOWK28005 Social Work Field Education 1: delivered as a 4-day Learning Intensive. SOWK29005 Social Work Theories and the Practice Context together with SOWK29007 Social Work Field Education 2: delivered as a 2-day Learning Intensive. These intensives provide students with structured, practice-focused learning opportunities that integrate theory with professional skill development. They are compulsory for all students and are designed to ensure students meet ASWEAS requirements and preparation for placement. These intensives further support compliance with both ASWEAS and CRICOS standards. |
|---|---|
| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| SOWK28005 - Social Work Field Education 1 is the 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. Students must complete all units in accordance with the prerequisites and undertake a successful interview with the Placement Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings. |
| SOWK29007 - Social Work Field Education 2 is the 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. Students must complete all units in accordance with the pre-requisites and undertake a successful interview with the Placement Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings. |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 |
Inherent Requirements
There are currently no inherent requirements associated with this course.
Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements
Practice placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.
Mandatory health requirements may include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening.
COVID-19 Vaccination Advice
The vaccination and immunisation requirements for students undertaking placements are outlined by the NSW Ministry of Health. Before starting your placement, you must complete and provide evidence of vaccinations against the following infectious diseases:
- dTpa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis - Whooping Cough)
- Hepatitis B (Note: Carrying Hepatitis B does not necessarily disqualify you from meeting NSW Health verification requirements.)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Tuberculosis (TB) via a risk assessment tool.
- For further information, please refer to the NSW Health Policy Directive and the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Student Placements and COVID-19
As of May 2024, NSW Health no longer mandates COVID-19 vaccination for placements. However, it is strongly recommended that all students keep up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook, based on their age and health status.
Additional Requirements for Other Placement Locations
If you are allocated to placements outside the NSW public health system, such as private hospitals, interstate facilities, or other private organisations, you may also be required to comply with site-specific requirements. These requirements can include additional vaccinations, health checks, and training modules specific to the placement site's policies.
It is essential to confirm the specific requirements of your allocated placement location well in advance to ensure compliance. For more details, visit the relevant placement site's health and safety guidelines or contact your placement coordinator.
Security Requirements
Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance, NDIS and working with children check.
Other Compulsory Requirements
English Language and Accreditation Requirements
Upon graduating from the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (CL90), you will be eligible to apply for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), subject to meeting any additional requirements stipulated by the AASW. It is important to note that the AASW has specific English Language Proficiency requirements, which may differ from CQUniversity's admission standards.
For more information on the AASW's membership requirements, please visit:
Australian Association of Social Workers - International Students Studying in Australia
Accepted English Language Proficiency Tests
CQUniversity accepts the following English language proficiency tests for admission to the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (CL90):
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 7.0.
- PTE Academic: Equivalent score to IELTS 7.0 with no subscore below 7.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Equivalent score to IELTS 7.0 with no subscore below 7.0.
- Other approved tests: Please check the university website or contact admissions for further information.
- If you have any questions or need assistance regarding English language requirements, please contact the admissions team at CQUniversity.
Practice Placements
To successfully graduate from the MSW (Q) course, you are required to complete two practice placements, each comprising 500 hours, for a total of 1,000 hours of practical learning. These placements are essential to your professional development as they provide real-world experience in social work. You must comply with all pre-placement requirements, including vaccinations, police checks, and other mandatory checks, to participate in these placements. Other mandatory requirements include a student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, site-specific compulsory requirements, and location-specific training modules are also required. These placements and compliance requirements are critical for your eligibility to complete the MSW (Q) course and meet the standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Core Learning Outcomes
- 1. Evaluate the theoretical and empirical knowledge-base that informs the discipline of social work
- 2. Demonstrate sophisticated verbal and non-verbal communication strategies with individuals, families, communities and organisations
- 3. Develop an ethical practice framework based on a critical examination of social work values and assumptions
- 4. Analyse and appraise structural inequality embedded in policy, practice, education and research
- 5. Integrate knowledge and skills in order to enhance inclusive practice
- 6. Describe the historical and structural inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the impact of this on their lived experience
- 7. Develop strategies for respectful practice with diverse communities
- 8. Justify and defend the promotion of advocacy for social transformation.
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline and/or area of professional practice | ||||||||
| 2. KNOWLEDGE Have an understanding of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work and/or learning | ||||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship | ||||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice | ||||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level | ||||||||
| 6. SKILLS Have communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences | ||||||||
| 7. SKILLS Have technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship | ||||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to use creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning | ||||||||
| 9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to use high level personal autonomy and accountability | ||||||||
| 10 APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship. | ||||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Communicate, interact and collaborate with others effectively in culturally or linguistically diverse contexts in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||||
Course Structure
In order to complete this course, you must:
- Complete the core structure
Core Structure
| Number of units: 12 | Total credit points: 96 |
|---|
This course is CRICOS-registered and international students studying on a student visa are required to meet the conditions of their visa, including maintaining satisfactory course progress and attendance. In line with ESOS and National Code standards, international students must participate in scheduled classes, placements and intensives, and engage actively in online learning components. CQUniversity monitors participation and progression, and students are expected to maintain a minimum of 80% attendance in all scheduled on-campus classes and compulsory activities in order to remain compliant with visa requirements.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires students to complete 12 units, a total of 96 credit points. Each unit is a compulsory unit.