Social workers can be a lifeline for people facing difficulties related to financial, medical, mental health or relational circumstances. This course enables you to develop the skills, knowledge and values to become a strategic, ethical and reflective social work practitioner.
Our accredited Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is suited to applicants with previous experience in the study of the social sciences, social welfare, psychology or related fields.
In this program, you'll examine child protection, social policy and law, health issues impacting Indigenous communities, and leadership in social work organisations. You'll also undertake practice under the supervision of an experienced social worker.
As a graduate, you'll be ready for a career as a professional social worker in Australia and may also be eligible for employment overseas.
Course Learning Outcome
Ability to apply social work values, knowledge and skills in research processes to address client needs, organisational goals and social policy change.
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.
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.
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.
Demonstrate a commitment to continually increase professional knowledge and skills and to continuing education and lifelong learning.
Effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and managers, including within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
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 1,000 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.
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.
Location
Teaching period
UAC code
QTAC code
Gold Coast
Session 1
N/A
N/A
Online
Session 1
, Session 3
N/A
N/A
Career Outcomes
This is an Australian Association of Social Workers accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your
chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review
the University’s Rules Relating to Awards,
noting any specifics listed below.
Course requirements
To be awarded the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying ) students must complete the equivalent of 14 units (192 credit points) comprising:
14 core units (192 credit points)
Exit Award
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Human Services Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) comprising:
8 core units (96 credit points)
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and 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 Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Course structure
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. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 10 November to Friday 12 November (week 2), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit. Attendance is compulsory.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 17 November to Saturday 20 November (week 3), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
SWRK5001 - Social Work Foundations for Practice AND
SWRK5002 - Social Work Direct Practice I
Enrolment information
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit.
Students must enrol in both SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib in order to complete the first social work placement.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit.
Students must enrol in both SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib in order to complete the first social work placement.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib
All students are required to attend compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
All students are required to attend a compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree. Enrolment in this unit in session 1 is restricted and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 10 November to Friday 12 November (week 2), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit. Attendance is compulsory.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 17 November to Saturday 20 November (week 3), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
All students are required to attend compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
All students are required to attend a compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree. Enrolment in this unit in session 1 is restricted and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 10 November to Friday 12 November (week 2), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit. Attendance is compulsory.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 17 November to Saturday 20 November (week 3), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
SWRK5001 - Social Work Foundations for Practice AND
SWRK5002 - Social Work Direct Practice I
Enrolment information
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit.
Students must enrol in both SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib in order to complete the first social work placement.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit.
Students must enrol in both SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib in order to complete the first social work placement.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib
All students are required to attend compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
All students are required to attend a compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree. Enrolment in this unit in session 1 is restricted and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 10 November to Friday 12 November (week 2), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit. Attendance is compulsory.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 17 November to Saturday 20 November (week 3), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
SWRK5001 - Social Work Foundations for Practice AND
SWRK5002 - Social Work Direct Practice I
Enrolment information
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit.
Students must enrol in both SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib in order to complete the first social work placement.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit.
Students must enrol in both SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib in order to complete the first social work placement.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK5005 - Social Work Field Placement Ia AND SWRK5006 - Social Work Field Placement Ib
All students are required to attend compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
All students are required to attend a compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree. Enrolment in this unit in session 1 is restricted and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 10 November to Friday 12 November (week 2), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
Students are required to meet participation requirements in this unit. Attendance is compulsory.
For Session 3, 2021 all students (Gold Coast and online) must attend an online residential running from Wednesday 17 November to Saturday 20 November (week 3), 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.
All students are required to attend compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
All students are required to attend a compulsory, weekly workshops for accreditation purposes.
This unit integrates and extends knowledge from other units in the Master of Social Work (Prof. Qual.), especially WEL91003/SWRK5001 and WEL91004/SWRK5002.
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb
International onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. Students must enrol in both SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb in order to complete this final social work placement. This placement should be completed at the end of your degree. Enrolment in this unit in session 1 is restricted and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Enrolment restrictions
Students must submit all pre-placement documents via Sonia as required by the Field Education Team. Following Field Education Team approval a Unit Approval Request must be submitted to enable enrolment in SWRK6005 - Social Work Field Placement IIa AND SWRK6006 - Social Work Field Placement IIb.