Course summary

The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is an innovative course based on a problem-based learning paradigm. This course is suited to applicants who have undertaken prior study in the social sciences, social welfare, psychology, or related fields. The course enables students to gain the skills, knowledge and values to be strategic, ethical and reflective social work practitioners in a wide range of organisational settings, including working with individuals, groups and communities. 

The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is an innovative course based on a problem-based learning paradigm. This course is suited to applicants who have undertaken prior study in the social sciences, social welfare, psychology, or related fields. The course enables students to gain the skills, knowledge and values to be strategic, ethical and reflective social work practitioners in a wide range of organisational settings, including working with individuals, groups and communities. 

The course includes core content in child protection, cross-cultural practice, mental health work, and work with people from Indigenous communities. It covers essential theories and methods of social work practice including effective practice in working with individuals, groups and communities. Students are also exposed to key knowledge in using social policy and the law to advance the rights of clients and community members.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Ability to apply social work values, knowledge and skills in research processes to address client needs, organisational goals and social policy change.

Creativity

Ensure that client needs, organisational goals and community expectations of social work services are met in the most appropriate manner, using social work knowledge, skills and resources.

Ethical practice

Engage in direct social work practice, through mutual engagement and the application of knowledge, ethics and skills, to ensure that clients’ needs are met, that their potential is developed and that their control over their lives is fostered.

Knowledge of a discipline

Promote and implement policies and practices to achieve a fair, equitable and efficient allocation of social resources, and identify inappropriate or inequitable policy goals and outcomes.

Lifelong learning

Demonstrate a commitment to continually increase professional knowledge and skills and to continuing education and lifelong learning.

Communication and social skills

Effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and managers, including within a multi-disciplinary team environment.

Cultural competence

Ability to apply knowledge of organisational and societal systems and processes to identify inequality and ensure appropriate action is taken so that social barriers, inequality and injustice are reduced.

In line with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) requirements, students will be required to undertake 1000 hours of supervised practice. All students, studying on campus or online, are required to attend two field education placements. These placements are completed in two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that students gain a diversity of experience.

The Social Work Field Placement I unit involves 400 hours (57 days) across Sessions 2 and 3 of the first year (of full-time study), with a minimum of three days per week spent on placement. In addition, the Social Work Field Placement II unit involves 600 hours (86 days) across Sessions 2 and 3 of the second year (of full-time study), with a minimum of three days per week spent on placement. These time commitments apply to both full-time and part-time students.

Please note: All students must obtain a National Police Check and Working with Children Check. Some agencies also require students undertaking placements to be immunised for a number of conditions and to have up-to-date vaccinations. Most agencies require students to have a driver’s licence.

This is an Australian Association of Social Workers AASW-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).

Course overview

Course code

1207269

Course abbreviation

MSW(ProfQual)

Credit points

192

Equivalent units

16

Duration

2 years full-time; 4 years part-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Availability details

Domestic

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1 N/A N/A
Online Session 1 N/A N/A

Fee information

Commonwealth supported

International

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold Coast Session 1 $24,000 ($3,000 per unit) 082686G

Course requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

To be awarded the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying ) students must successfully complete the 14 units (192 credit points) listed in the Schedule of Units.

Exit Award

Students can exit with the Graduate Diploma of Human Services Studies if the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) from the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) have successfully been completed. 

Students who, while enrolled in the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying), have completed the requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Human Services Studies, may elect to be awarded the Graduate Diploma of Human Services Studies following withdrawal from the Master Degree. 

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. Assistance on how to enrol can be accessed here.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Notes

Note 1: Double-weighted unit.
Note 2: Residential School