Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Duration
- 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 105271D
- IELTS
- Overall score: 7.0 Individual score of: 7.0 in all tests
- Fees (first year)*
- $26728
- Start dates
- January 2026, January 2027
Overview
The Master of Social Work is a vibrant and challenging program. You will be encouraged to build on your existing knowledge and experience, gaining 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.
The program is offered face-to-face and online.
You can study face-to-face at our Canberra and Sydney (Strathfield) campuses with a February intake. Or you can study online via ACUOnline with two compulsory one-week intensives each year of the program in either Brisbane or Melbourne.
Field education is a core element of the face-to-face and online program, and a major part of a student’s professional identity development. It provides an opportunity 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 based on where you are geographically located.
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.
Professional experience
You will be required to complete 1,000 hours of supervised field education and training over two years.
Work placement
ACU has strong industry ties with hospitals for placements and significant stakeholder engagement with many health partners.
Students are placed in a variety of different locations to give them experience in various settings. Locations and settings include: community mental health; CatholicCare; Life Without Barriers; Mission Australia; St Vincent’s Hospital; Department of Family and Community Services; Queensland Child Safety; Centrelink. Students may have some flexibility in choosing where you want to do your 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.
Accreditation
This is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
Careers
Social workers may also work in different areas of practice, including:
- family work
- youth and child welfare services
- medical and health services
- disability services
- psychiatric and general mental health
- community services
- aged care
- income support
- mediation
- research
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Master of Social Work, a student must complete 160 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
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:
a. 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.
AND
b. The undergraduate degree must include study in human behaviour AND in sociology.
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| ACT | Domestic - as above International applicants - as above AND GPA of 5.0 on the ACU 7-point scale |
| NSW | As above |
| QLD | As above |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
International applicants
To be eligible for admission to the course, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised university which includes a minimum of 8 units (2 full-semesters) of study in the social sciences.
These units may include psychology, sociology, anthropology, policy studies, history, law, health and disability, technology, philosophy, indigenous studies, culture and human diversity, media study, gender studies, social theory and population studies.
The undergraduate degree must have at least one unit in human behaviour AND one unit in sociology.
International students must have completed the above prerequisites, they must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).
For International students, a GPA of 5.0 on the ACU 7-point scale is an admission requirement for Canberra campus only.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
Graduates may be eligible to progress to higher degree research programs within ACU.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3341
- Average first year fee: $26728
- Estimate total cost: $53456
The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
Additional costs
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowDeferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.