University of the Sunshine Coast
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Qualify as a professional social worker through this accredited master's degree, combining blended learning, compulsory field education and professional skills development to prepare you for contemporary practice across diverse community and healthcare settings.
Course overview
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a blended postgraduate qualification designed for graduates who want to become qualified social workers. As an AASW-accredited entry qualification, the course prepares you for professional practice by developing the knowledge, ethical foundations and practical capabilities required to support individuals, families, groups and communities experiencing complex social challenges.
Throughout the course, you'll strengthen your ability to critically analyse social issues, advocate for social justice and apply evidence-informed approaches to assessment, intervention and community engagement. The curriculum develops capability across direct practice, policy analysis, leadership, research and working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while preparing you to respond to the diverse needs of individuals and communities in a range of professional settings.
Delivered through blended learning at UniSC's Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay campuses, the program combines online study with compulsory face-to-face professional skills learning. You'll complete two field education placements totalling 1,000 hours in different practice settings, together with a minimum of 140 hours of classroom-based professional skills learning. Successful graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), subject to meeting any additional requirements.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
Sunshine Coast
12th July, 2027
What you will study
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) comprises 12 courses (192 units). Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth 12 units.
Required courses
- Master of Social Work Field Education 1 (36 units)
- Master of Social Work Field Education 2 (36 units)
- Introduction to Social Work
- Advanced Direct Practice 1
- Advanced Direct Practice 2
- International and Global Social Work
- Engaging and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Advocacy and Leadership in Social Policy and Legal Contexts
- Children, Youth and Families: Challenges, Critique and Change
- Social Work in Health and Mental Health
- Advanced Social Work Theories for Practice
Elective course
Complete one course from this specified list:
- Introduction to Research Concepts and Design
- Advanced Social Research
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission:
Applicants must hold a relevant three-year Bachelor's 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).
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.
English language requirements
Anyone intending to study at UniSC needs to meet the minimum English language requirements for their chosen program. Contact the university for more details.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
UniSC offers credit for prior learning consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework and general practice in the Australian Higher Education sector. If you've completed prior study or have relevant work experience, you may, under specified conditions, be eligible for credit towards your UniSC degree. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
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
Fees and CSP
Indicative fee in 2026: $11,502 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study. Actual fees will change based on selected courses and are subject to yearly increases.
Student fees may vary per:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per course you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.