ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp

Save on postgraduate course fees

Master of
Social Work

The UOW Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make important contributions to the betterment of people and communities.

Your UOW degree will ensure you’re ready to promote social change and will help you make a difference to the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities. This accredited course balances practical skills, concepts and theory, as well as hands-on experience in professional practice, equipping you with strong communication and community engagement skills, developing your understanding of social work methods, and honing your social research and policy development abilities.

Save on postgrad course fees when you commence in 2026

In 2026, the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp is making postgraduate study more accessible. Eligible domestic students will benefit from either a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW subsidised fee reduction, supporting students to upskill and advance their careers.

Eligibility & fees Apply now

Practical experiences build confidence

The placements are an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in an agency, apply learning in practice and grow professionally. I’ve been able to explore two different fields of social work, each offering valuable experience and insight. These placements often open doors to employment. Social work is a profession in demand, and the master's degree provides the skills and knowledge to work across many areas of practice. Elly Mrad Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can be studied over two years full-time (four subjects per semester). You can also choose to study part-time and work at your own pace. Students who are working full-time often study part-time, choosing to complete one to two subjects per semester, taking four years to complete the full degree.

 

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires the successful completion of 96 credit points, providing a balance of skills, concepts and theory alongside hands-on professional practice experience.

Year 1: foundational methods, concepts, and the legal and theoretical frameworks of social work, followed by a substantial professional placement. Theories and methods from Australian Indigenous peoples and international contexts are included throughout.

Year 2: practice-based subjects including health and mental health, children and families, research, and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, alongside your second professional placement.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

  Session Campus Session Details
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Autumn ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp
Liverpool
Autumn 2027: 1 March - 24 June 2027

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) has one intake per year, in Autumn session, at either our ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp or Liverpool campus. Applications are accepted right up until the session starts.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

2027 fees for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will be published soon. The 2026 fee below is provided as a guide only and should not be relied on for 2027 planning.

Course

Campus Course Fee*
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp
Liverpool
$19,072 (2026)

 


The above tuition fees are the amount payable for a Commonwealth supported place.

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp places where, for eligible domestic students, tuition fees are made up of two parts:

  • an Australian Government contribution (for some courses, up to three-quarters of the tuition fee is funded by the Australian Government)
  • a student contribution (which may be deferred and repaid later via a HECS-HELP loan)

To be eligible for this fee subsidy, you must meet the following criteria: Be a domestic student, i.e. an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or a permanent Australian Humanitarian visa holder.

 *Total indicative course tuition fees shown is for a Commonwealth supported place. These fees are based on normal course length and progression and are subject to change from year to year. For up to date information on course structure and fees, refer to the UOW Course Handbook.

 

 

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

You can choose to study the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) on campus in ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp or Liverpool via flexible learning.

Flexible Delivery

Flexible delivery means that class times are designed to allow students to maintain work and family balance, and are taught in 4 or 5 two-day blocks (Fridays and Saturdays) per session. On campus study provides face-to-face interaction with our passionate lecturers and teachers and means that you have a greater opportunity to network with your classmates.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Entry Requirements

A recognised bachelor's degree in social sciences, psychology, public health, education, nursing, or a related undergraduate qualification with at least one year of Social Science content (i.e., studies of the individual and society), completed in the last 10 years.

If qualifications are older than 10 years, applicants may still be considered if they have current relevant work experience.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Two subjects in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) each include a 500-hour workplace placement. These placements help students develop practical social work skills and experience. Our Field Education Coordinators source placements based on each student’s interests, availability and location. Most students attend placement 3–4 days per week during the placement to complete the required hours.

Both placements are required for Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation. Students with extensive social work experience may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) to receive credit for the first placement subject. 

Learn more about social work placements.

Learn about UOW placement grants and Commonwealth Prac Payments.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

Support for postgraduate students

Make an enquiry