Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Our Master of Social Work will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to transform your commitment to social justice into a successful career. Whether you're aiming to progress in your current profession or venture into a fulfilling new one, you'll acquire practical expertise to support and empower individuals and communities.

• Why study this degree?

  Our Master of Social Work will allow you to gain insights into the diverse roles social workers undertake, encompassing direct practice, social policy, education and research, community development, counselling, and organisational planning. Under the guidance of experienced social workers, you'll apply your learning in two Field Education placements. Here, you'll engage in real-world settings, gaining invaluable firsthand understating of the daily realities of social work.

  Upon graduation, you'll be well-prepared to effectively function across a spectrum of social policy, community and direct practice domains in government, community and the private sector. With social workers in high demand across Australia and the world, your career opportunities are boundless. Join us and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

• Program summary

  Thirteen (13) Compulsory Courses

  • SOCW5001 Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
  • SOCW5002 Interpersonal and Group Communication Skills for Social Work Practice
  • SOCW5003 Social Work Practice in Child and Family Services
  • SOCW5004 Law, Rights and Social Work Ethics in Practice
  • SOCW6001 Community Development and Social Change
  • SOCW6002 Program Design and Evaluation
  • SOCW6003 Professional Practice 1
  • SOCW6004 Social Work Interventions with Individuals, Families and Groups
  • SOCW6005 Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy
  • SOCW6006 Social Work Practices for Diversity and Inclusion
  • SOCW6007 Social Work Practices for Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • SOCW6008 Leadership in Social Work
  • SOCW6009 Professional Practice 2

  One (1) Core Curriculum Course

  • PHIL6020 Ethical Issues in Professional Life

  OR

  • PHIL6210 Philosophy of the Human Person

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  • To be eligible for admission to the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) applicants must also meet the following specific requirements.  Must have a relevant Australian Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification completed within the last 10 years with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60% that contains at least one full-time year or equivalent (1FTE) of studies in the social and behavioural sciences. This may include studies in arts, social sciences, behavioural sciences. business, law, nursing, and allied health; AND
  • Evidence of English language proficiency either by satisfactory completion of previous secondary education or higher at a recognised institution where English is the sole language of instruction and assessment or by completing an English language test with a minimum score of 7.0 or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the Academic International English Testing System (IELTS) test or equivalent upon application.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) graduates will be able to:

  1. Reflect critically on theory and social work practice demonstrating mastery of theoretical knowledge.
  2. Articulate a professional social work identity, both independently and as a member or leader of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment
  3. Demonstrate advanced interpersonal and communication skills for practice that is autonomous, accountable and demonstrates capacity to make, and justify, ethical and socially responsible decisions
  4. Investigate, analyse, consolidate, and synthesise complex social work information, problems, concepts, and theories and apply established theories and concepts to develop sound professional practice that is inclusive and respectful of multiple worldviews and difference and diversity
  5. Advocate for positive social change including global political concerns around environmental and social challenges arising from inequities, cultural difference, and diversity, particularly as they impact human rights, social and economic justice
  6. Articulate and critically appraise Western and First Nations worldviews acknowledging ongoing impacts of colonisation and identifying the benefit of First Nations relational ways of knowing for all
  7. Design, implement and critically evaluate consumer and community informed research, projects and programs and creatively influence innovative future practice, social reform, and policy
  8. Interpret and transmit knowledge, research, and practice effectively to a wide variety of audiences using a variety of media and appropriate technologies; and
  9. Respond creatively to new situations in social work practice and pursue professional learning in social work.

• Practical component

  Students are required to complete SOCW6003 and SOCW6009 – Professional Practice 1 and 2, respectively – that includes a combined minimum of 1,000 hours of Field Education (practicum).

  Students in social work are required to provide documentary evidence of criminal history (police) checks, working with children checks, and immunisation (vaccination) records to enable mandatory participation in Field Education.

• Career opportunities

  The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can lead to a range of career paths in the private and public health and community sectors:

  • Mental health Social Worker: Provide therapy and support to individuals and families with mental health issues.
  • School Social Worker: Help students and families navigate challenges within educational settings.
  • Healthcare Social Worker: Assist patients in understanding medical conditions and healthcare options.
  • Community Organiser: Advocate for social change and mobilise resources in local communities.
  • Child and Family Social Worker: Support the needs of children and families who are facing challenges, such as abuse, neglect or mental health issues.
  • Policy and Advocacy Specialist: Influencing social policies and advocating for systemic changes to improve lives.
  • Criminal Justice Social Worker: Work with individuals involved in the legal system to support rehabilitation and integration.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Professional accreditation

  The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will seek accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for delivery in Fremantle and Sydney.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Postgraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

Who is a social worker and what do they do?

Social workers are qualified professionals who:

• Help individuals, families and communities with the practical, personal and emotional impact of personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives.
• Act to protect vulnerable groups, such as children and older people.
• Work in community organisations, and national and international agencies that advocate for social change or support disadvantaged communities, groups or individuals.
• Can be part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams in hospitals and allied health services.

How can I become a social worker?

• Social workers need to have a university degree where they receive training and gain practical experience.
• Qualification could be a four-year undergraduate degree or a postgraduate program, such as our two-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
• Once qualified, social workers can become members of the professional body (AASW) and obtain accredited social worker status.

What is the difference between social worker and a psychologist?

• Social workers deliver support, advocacy and resources to address the social and environmental factors affecting individuals, families and communities.
• University training provides theoretical understanding and practical experiences, enabling social workers to engage with many stakeholders.
• Psychologists explore human behaviour and how our brains work. Clinical psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders and determine treatment.
• In addition to a four-year undergraduate degree, psychologists need two further years of study in order to be registered. Clinical Psychologists must have completed additional postgraduate study.