Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

• LO1. Explain knowledge and theories of human experiences in the context of socioeconomic, political, legal, cultural and organisational environments, and have the capacity and commitment to continually develop knowledge;
• LO2. Critically analyse and synthesise evidence to understand the interaction of person and environment, identifying opportunities for change in the pursuit of social justice;
• LO3. Critically reflect on the use of self in Social Work practice, demonstrating integrity, compassion and adaptability in upholding professional social work ethics, values and standards
• LO4. Apply relationship building and practice strategies to work inclusively, collaboratively, safely and respectfully with diverse groups including First Nations Peoples and people of diverse ages, abilities, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, socio-economic-educational circumstances, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions; 
• LO5. Apply professional knowledge and skills in diverse contexts, to effect change in social structures that marginalise and disadvantage individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities

The Master of Social Work is a vibrant and challenging program. You will be encouraged to build on your existing knowledge and experience, and gain a sound understanding of social work values and practice approaches. The course emphasises social justice, human rights, and achieving the best possible outcomes for the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community. You will be taught by leading social work practitioners and academics, with a strong focus on experiential learning.

You must attend a compulsory, 10-day on-campus component in Year 1 and a 10-day on-campus component in Year 2 of your program (i.e., 20 on-campus days in total), delivered at ACU's Brisbane and Melbourne campuses

Please note, for students who enrol midyear in Term 3, the program is scheduled over an additional two terms, completion time will be 2.5 years.

Recommended study pattern

Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator.

Specified Units (10 cp each)

• SWTP620 Social Work Theories, Context and Field of Practice (10cp)
• SWTP622 Social Work with Individuals (10cp)
• SWTP624 Social Work with Children Youth and Family (10cp)
• SWTP626 Social Work with Groups (10cp)
• SWTP627 Social Work with Communities (10cp)
• SWTP629 Social Work Reserach (10cp)
• SWTP632 Social Policy, Contemporary issues and Social Work (10cp)
• SWTP633 Social Work, Mental Health and Wellbeing (10cp)
• SWTP634 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Social Work (10cp)
• SWTP635 Integration of Theory, Evidence and Ethics for Effective Practice (10cp)

Professional Experience Units (30 cp each)

• SWTP625 Field Practicum 1 (30cp)
• SWTP631 Field Practicum 2 (30cp)

NOTE:

Students must attend a compulsory, 10-day on-campus component in Year 1 and a 10-day on-campus component in Year 2 of their program. (ie 20 on-campus days in total)

On-campus components are delivered at ACU's Brisbane and Melbourne Campus.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) degree, a student must complete 160 cp from:

a. 100 cp Specified Units;

b. 60 cp Professional Experience Units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $17,888

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

Explore ACU courses.

QS Ranking 2024:

34

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

29

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

All students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, applicants must have:

• Completed a Bachelor degree equivalent to an Australian Bachelor Degree in a related field which includes at least one year full-time study in the social and behavioural sciences. These studies may include psychology, sociology, anthropology, policy studies, history, law, health and disability, nursing, disability studies, philosophy, Indigenous studies, culture and human diversity, media study, gender studies, social theory and population studies.
• The undergraduate degree must include study in human behaviour AND in sociology.

International Students must also comply with English Language Proficiency requirements as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

• Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.0: with minimum scores of 7.0 in all tests.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) - 65: with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills
• Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic TOEFL Internet based total of 94: with a minimum 27 in writing, 23 in speaking, 24 in reading and 24 in listening
• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) - Overall CAE of 185: with a minimum individual score of 185 in all tests.

If you have already studied at university level or have significant relevant work experience, you can apply for credit towards your ACU course. Credited units replace units you would otherwise study, so you can finish your course earlier.

ACU will consider requests for advanced standing based on prior studies to a maximum equivalence of 80cp.

In some situations, it may be possible to receive Recognition of Prior Learning for all or part of the first placement unit.

The course includes a total of 1,000 hours of supervised field education and training and ACU will match you to your placements based on where you are geographically located.

Work placement

ACU has strong industry ties with organisations such as health, community and Government departments for placements.

Field education is a core element of the program and a major part of your professional identity development. It provides an opportunity for you to observe, question and model social work behaviours, translate social work theory into practice, and apply knowledge drawn from other units of study. The course includes a total of 1,000 hours of supervised field education and training and ACU will match you to your placements.

Before undertaking a placement unit, all students are required to have completed the pre-requisite units and completed the Faculty of Health Sciences Mandatory Compliance by the 31st May of each year, including a Fitness for Practice survey. Students should refer to the checklist for placements in social work, and the Social Work Field Education Handbook for full details of the requirements to ensure that they meet eligibility for enrolment in a placement unit.

This program is offered in full-time and part-time mode. However, if you are intending to study part-time, it must be noted that the two field placements components of the program are to be completed within a full-time study load (at a minimum of three days per week). 

There are two field placement units in the MSWQ. These field placements are of 1000 hour minimum duration in agency or project contexts that meets the requirements of the University. In accordance with Section 4 of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2020 "Placements will be undertaken over at least two years of the professional social work program of study". Placements are allocated by ACU, based on the requirements of the AASW. 

Students will be supervised by a qualified social worker for the duration of the field placement, either on-site or via external supervision. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a work-place based placement or receive Recognition of Prior Learning for all or part of the first placement unit

ACU strongly encourages students to be fully vaccinated. With our industry and community placement partners requiring vaccination, and with public health orders regularly changing - students can avoid interruption to their studies, placement and graduation requirements by becoming fully vaccinated.

Students must attend a compulsory, 10-day on-campus component in Year 1 and a 10-day on-campus component in Year 2 of their program. (ie 20 on-campus days in total)

On-campus components are delivered at ACU's Brisbane and Melbourne Campus.