Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Duration2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Location
Sydney
Next start termTerm 2, 2025
Study modeOn Campus
Course codeCL90
CRICOS102182G
First-year fee
A$34,080 (Indicative)
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Overview

If you want to make a difference and become an advocate for change CQU's innovative Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides a unique opportunity to engage with cutting‑edge teaching methods and transformative learning experiences.

Elevate your career with the Master of Social Work (Qualifying). This program is designed to cultivate highly skilled, ethical, and competent social work practitioners ready to make a positive impact in diverse communities. Integrating theory and hands-on practice will give you the advanced knowledge required for effective social work in complex, real-world settings.

As a student, you will develop critical thinking and a deep understanding of social justice, diversity, and ethical practice. The course emphasises the importance of research-driven approaches and encourages creativity and initiative, particularly during field education placements. You'll explore key issues such as the influence of the environment on health and well-being, the dynamics of social and structural inequality, and the different approaches to understanding disability, trauma, and mental health.

Graduates will be equipped with versatile skills to work with individuals, families and communities, promoting social change and addressing injustice across various professional contexts. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), opening doors to professional practice in Australia and beyond.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well‑equipped for social work roles such as case manager, hospital social worker, family support worker, mental health social worker, child and family practitioner, community development practitioner, policy officer, and school social worker.


The health care and human services sector, a primary provider of new jobs in Australia, continues to grow, offering robust employment opportunities for our graduates.

Structure & Availability

On-Campus Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 2, 2025Sydney
Term 3, 2025Sydney

Majors and minors are not applicable to this course.

Two first year compulsory residential schools each of 5 days duration will be held at the Noosa Campus in 2021. In 2022 with both first and second year being taught there will be four 5 day residential schools held at Noosa. Two will be offered at Rockhampton in 2022 and four will be there in 2023.

As part of the requirements of AASW accreditation it is a requirement to undertake 20 days of face-to-face contact with staff,
The residential units are:
Year 1 Term 1: N5397 Professional Communication and Interviewing Skills
Year 1 Term 2: N5373 Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice
Year 2 Term 1: N5415 Working with Groups and Communities
Year 2 Term 2: N5429 Social Work Theory and Practice
Social Work Field Education 1 - SOWK28005

This is the first work integrated learning placement. It is a 13 week placement (440 hours) . The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Field Education Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker. Field education may be organised in metropolitan, urban, regional, rural and remote areas. Students must complete all units in accordance with the pre-requisites, and undertake a successful interview with the Field Education 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.

Social Work Field Education 2 - SOWK29007

Social Work Field Education 2 is 16 weeks duration (560 hours). The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Field Education Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker. Field education may be organised in metropolitan, urban, regional, rural and remote areas. Students must complete all units in accordance with the pre-requisites, and undertake a successful interview with the Field Education 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.

Requirements

To be eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

During your study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Course fees

This is an approximate cost of enrolling in this course, shown in Australian dollars (A$), for one academic year and is based on a full-time study load (8 units over 2 terms). 

Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units that you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.

International Course Fees

A scholarship can help with the costs involved with living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel, and more.

You may be eligible for up to 25% international scholarship funded by the University.

We also offer other scholarships to support international students and encourage you to apply for the one that's right for you.

Browse our scholarships

In addition to your international course tuition fees, you must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses. 

This will include costs such as textbooks, accommodation, visa applications, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), general living, etc.

Information about cost of living in Australia

Overseas Student Health Cover

How to apply

Our easy to use online application system for international students will guide you through the process of applying for a course at CQUniversity Australia.