Master of Social Work

Programme Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares qualified, registered social workers for advanced professional responsibility and critical leadership roles. The curriculum enables practitioners to build high-level insight into specialized intervention frameworks, practice ethics, and structural social issues. This degree focuses heavily on critiquing and executing independent research, allowing students to systematically analyze an area of specialized clinical or systemic interest to drive community and equity-based advancements.

Note: This is an advanced degree for already qualified social workers. If you are a graduate from another discipline looking to become a registered social worker, see the Master of Social Work (Professional) [MSW(Prof)].

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The program structure is determined by your prior academic qualifications, offering two core credit frameworks under a Research Masters format:

1. 120-Point Pathway: Tailored for candidates who already hold a relevant postgraduate qualification in social work (such as an unawarded PGDip or a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours).
2. 240-Point Pathway: Designed for practitioners entering directly with a standard, four-year professional Bachelor of Social Work.

What You'll Study

The credit layout systematically combines advanced elective coursework with substantial, independent research portfolios:

• Research Masters (120 points):
  • 30 points from specialized electives across Social Work Practice, Child and Family Practice, Health Practice, Youth Practice, Professional Counselling, or Supervision.
  • 90 points dedicated to a supervised independent Research Portfolio (SOCWORK 797) or a 120-point Thesis (SOCWORK 796).
• Research Masters (240 points):
  • 120 to 150 points from an extensive range of advanced multi-disciplinary coursework electives.
  • 90 points dedicated to an independent Research Portfolio (SOCWORK 797) or a 120-point Thesis (SOCWORK 796).

Why Choose This Programme?

• For Established Professionals: Specifically tailored around active social practitioners, skipping introductory concepts to directly explore systemic issues and advanced institutional responsibilities.
• Targeted Research Specialisations: Pick exact research pathways that match your clinical field—ranging directly from child and family advocacy to youth networks and complex health services.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Equips you with advanced empirical analysis and critical methodology skills needed to inform organizational social policies and lead macro-level systemic change.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums:
  • For the 120-point track: One year of approved postgraduate study in social work (e.g., BSW(Hons) or PGDip) with a minimum GPA/GPE of 5.0.
  • For the 240-point track: A completed undergraduate degree in social work from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA/GPE of 5.0.
• Specialisation Work Prerequisites: This qualification is strictly limited to experienced, qualified social workers who hold professional practice validation.
• Selection Process: Admission is verified individually. The faculty selection committee evaluates your clinical experience and academic history. Meeting the baseline 5.0 GPA line does not guarantee entry.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all sub-bands 6.0+) or equivalent.