Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Advance your skills and knowledge for a fairer world. As societies tackle modern challenges, social workers address structural inequalities and ensure people do not experience marginalisation. This professionally accredited, post-qualifying degree enables you to effect meaningful change.

In this program you will:

  • Develop your skills as a critically reflective and analytical social work practitioner
  • Build the advanced innovative knowledge and skills required to undertake social action, community development, policy analysis and development, advocacy and research
  • Integrate classroom learning with practical workplace experience in a huge range of fields, including health and mental health, child protection, disability, substance abuse, family violence, homelessness, working with young people, families, the elderly, refugees and Indigenous communities

GOVERNMENT FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE

All eligible domestic applicants will receive a guaranteed Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).

Starting on 1 July 2025, eligible students can receive $319.50 per week during their mandatory placement.

Find out more about the Commonwealth Prac payment

Applications will be direct to UniSC. More information to come in early 2025.

Location

CRICOS code

073869J

Duration

2 years 2 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$11,232 - 2025 Fees CSP
CSP
A$28,990 Annual fee
Annual fee

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Semester 2 commencement is available as part-time only and is not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Semester 2 commencement is available as part-time only and is not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Career opportunities

  • Aged care
  • Child protection
  • Community agencies
  • Community development
  • Family support
  • Government organisations
  • Health
  • Human service management
  • Income support
  • Indigenous rights
  • Mental health
  • Private practice
  • Refugee and migrant support
  • Social work
  • Youth work

Memberships

Graduates may be eligible to become members of:

  • Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Membership to the AASW enables graduates to apply to become a mental health accredited practitioner, which attracts a Medicare rebate for private practitioners.

Accreditation

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
12
Total units
192
Duration
2 years 2 years
CRICOS code
073869J
UniSC program code
AR707
Program coordinator

Required courses (11) 180 units

SWK700 Master of Social Work Field Education 1(36 units)
SWK701 Master of Social Work Field Education 2(36 units)
SWK703 Introduction to Social Work
SWK704 Advanced Direct Practice 1
SWK705 Advanced Direct Practice 2
SWK706 International and Global Social Work
SWK708 Engaging and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
SWK710 Advocacy and Leadership in Social Policy and Legal Contexts
SWK777 Children, Youth and Families: Challenges, Critique and Change
SWK785 Social Work in Health and Mental Health
SCS730 Advanced Social Work Theories for Practice

Required courses from a specified list (1) 12 units

BUS512 Introduction to Research Concepts and Design
SCS725 Advanced Social Research

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

 

 

To be eligible for admission:

Applicants must hold a relevant 3-year Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) that contains at least one year, or the equivalent, of full-time studies in social and behavioural sciences. This is the minimum entry requirement as set out by the ASWEAS guidelines (2019).

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Special selection criteria

Applicants must also complete a Personal Statement form. Offers will be made based on academic qualifications and personal statement, which are evaluated holistically by a small team of teaching staff. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.

Reduced Volume of Learning for Semester 1 intake only:

Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor of Human Services or Bachelor of Counselling which contains at least 500 hours of field education/work integrated learning may be eligible to receive reduced volume of learning of 48 units for:

  • SWK700 Master of Social Work Field Education 1(36 units) and
  • SWK703 Introduction to Social Work (12 units)

This will be determined on a case-by-case basis when the application is assessed for admission. Applicants approved reduced volume of learning will be able to complete the program in 1.5 years.

Post admission requirements

A student’s enrolment in field education will be conditional upon the following:

• the student’s eligibility for a Blue Card at the time of the first enrolment in the program
• maintenance of that eligibility throughout the entire program
• acquisition of a Blue Card prior to commencement of field education cable

Additional entry information

Non-standard English language requirements apply.

If an applicant's prior degree has not specifically addressed foundational knowledge of sociology and psychology, they may be required to undertake additional foundational study as determined by the School of Law and Society (usually the Program Coordinator of Master of Social Work (Qualifying)), including:

  • SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
  • SCS101 Human Behaviour in the Social Environment, PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A, or PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B

CSP estimate
A$11,232 - 2025 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$28,990

International student fee information is available on the Tuition fees and other costs page. For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page. Visit the HDR scholarships page for information on available scholarships.

Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.

Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

Fee-paying places

A fee-paying place is not covered by any government subsidy, and you are required to pay the full cost of the courses you are studying.

If you accept a fee-paying place, you can defer the cost of your studies via a FEE-HELP loan. Eligibility for a FEE-HELP loan is the same as for a Commonwealth-supported place. You must:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

To apply for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), submit the completed application form and personal statement form to USC. For more information visit Application forms.

Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) offers a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) as well as domestic fee paying places. Offers for both CSP and fee paying places will be made after the application due date for the program.

CSP will be allocated on the basis of your Grade Point Average in the degree used to meet admission requirements. Applicants falling below the demand-driven cut-off for a CSP may be offered a domestic fee paying place (with the option to access FEE-HELP) subject to capacity limitations. UniSC reserves the right to offer a small number of CSP to students from ATSIC or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent visa holders enrolled in a fee paying place will have the option of applying for a CSP in subsequent semesters if one becomes available. In these cases, the student’s current GPA in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will be used to assess eligibility for a CSP place using the same entry cut-off applied for new CSP entrants during that admission period.

Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

Fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Top 4% globally for 'Impact' THE Impact Rankings 2024
No. 1 in Qld for overall educational experience Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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