MSWGE Master of Social Work - Graduate Entry

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Overview

The Master of Social Work - Graduate Entry requires 2 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.The Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual can be used as a pathway to the Master of Social Work … For more content click the Read More button below.

Student guidance

Program of study overview

To qualify for the Master of Social Work - Graduate Entry, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Not all topics are necessarily available each year.

Upon completion of 36 units, excluding the two placement topics (SOAD9107 and SOAD9208) a student may choose to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Social Care - Exit Only, subject to meeting the program of study for that award.

Program of study notes

Program of study
72 Units

Year 136 Units

Core36 Units

First half18 Units

Second half18 Units

Year 236 Units

Core36 Units

First half18 Units

Second half18 Units

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study in Social and Behavioural Sciences. For students entering the degree we advise that we use the definition from the Australian Association of Social Workers (ASWEAS) that social and behavioural sciences refer to topics that focus on Psychology and Human Development and the relationship between individuals and society. Entry requirements are guided by many courses identified in the Academy of Social Sciences. Examples include the following but not restricted to: Anthropology, Community Development, Counselling, Criminology, Geography with a human/social focus, Indigenous Studies, International relations, Philosophy, Political Sciences, Psychological sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Nursing and post-graduate nursing studies, Educational sociology, Social Policy, and Mental health and wellbeing.

Degrees that are included in the Academy of Social Sciences that are not consistent with ASWEAS definition of social and behavioural sciences and therefore do not satisfy prerequisite entry into the Master of Social Work include courses such as archaeology, economics, accountancy, commerce, film making and media studies.

If students are unable to meet the entry requirements as set out above, then they are required to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual as a pathway into the Master of Social Work.

Inherent requirements

English Language requirements

Aims

This course aims to:

Provide students with the knowledge and skills to practice responsibly and reflectively as a professional social worker, in keeping with the standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers
Involve students in researching, analysing and articulating a framework for inclusive and ethical professional social work practice
Inform students about, and enable them to critically reflect and comment on, relevant current social justice debates
Educate students about the colonial history of Australia and its long-term effects on First Nations Australian, including analysis of current policies and social work practices affecting First Nations families and communities
Develop students' knowledge about current evidence-based professional social work practice models and approaches
Enable students to carry out research, assess the value of research to social work practice, and articulate a framework for inclusive and ethical professional social work practice research
Enable students to develop their professional values, knowledge and skills and demonstrate their practice judgement and expertise, normally through involvement in two agency-based field placements
Help students identify the cultural context of various practice, approaches and their relevance to specific situations and populations
Delineate the connections between interpersonal practice, social policy and research at a national and international level

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course you will be able to:

Practice as a professional social worker in a knowledgeable, competent, reflective and responsible manner

Understand and assess the complex individual, family, societal and systemic factors that contribute to the issues experienced by people who use social work services

Articulate the theory, rationale and methods involved in various professional practice approaches and demonstrate the ability to apply these approaches differentially

Identify, interpret and respond professionally to the major social justice issues facing Australian society and the international community

Show awareness of the historical, cultural and interpersonal contexts that affect how First Nations Australians approach social work services, and demonstrate ways of moving toward mutual trust and engagement

Conduct, analyse, interpret and contribute to the current research related to social issues, social policy and social work practice

Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning as a critically reflective practitioner

Student progression rules

Students in the Master of Social Work - Graduate Entry are required by the AASW to attend at least 20 days on campus throughout their course. This course requirement applies to students who are enrolled and studying while living overseas as well as to those who live in Australia. Students enrolled externally can meet the requirement to attend 20 days on campus by attending non-semester (NS) topics delivered via a combination of online preparation and one five day intensive each. At least one block of at least five days face-to-face study must be completed prior to the first placement.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Professional accreditation

Associations

Course/Exit award association