Western Sydney University
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Gain an accredited social work qualification and prepare to support individuals, families and communities across diverse practice settings.
Course overview
Designed for graduates with a foundation in social and behavioural sciences, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) develops the knowledge and practical capabilities required for professional social work. You will examine social work theories and practice methods, Indigenous knowledges, difference and diversity, power and marginalisation, leadership and research.
The 160-credit-point program consists entirely of compulsory subjects. Two field education subjects provide 400 and 600 hours of supervised placement experience, enabling you to apply your learning with individuals, families, groups and communities across human services settings.
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers. Career opportunities may be available across child protection, community health, alcohol and other drug services, counselling, research, social policy, aged care and broader human services. The degree can be completed in two years full-time or four years part-time.
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
19th July, 2027
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires completing 160 credit points for the subjects listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth 10 credit points.
Core subjects
Complete the following subjects:
- Social Work Practice Methods 1
- Social Work Practice Methods 2
- Theories and Knowledge for Social Work
- Indigenous Australia: History, Knowledge and Professional Practice
- Social Work (Qualifying) Field Education 1 (20 credit points)
- Leadership in Organisations
- Research for Social Work Practice
- Contextualised Practice
- Critical Social Work Practice
- Power and Marginalisation
- Theories of Difference and Diversity
- Social Work (Qualifying) Field Education 2 (30 credit points)
- Integrated Project
Entry requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Successfully completed an undergraduate degree in the areas of Health, Education or Society and Culture, with a minimum of eight (8) subjects completed in Social Sciences or Psychology.
- Completed the Western Sydney University Postgraduate Bridging Program (Social Work) program.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
English language requirements
Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the university should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of prior learning is the process of assessing the knowledge and skills you have gained through previous study, work or other experience. When you apply, the university will determine whether your prior learning can be recognised towards your current course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Become a caseworker/manager and make a difference in the areas of child protection, drug and alcohol services or community health.
- Take on an exciting research role.
- Become a counsellor and change the lives of people struggling with emotional issues.
- Influence the development of social policy.
- Get involved in Human Services and help improve aged care, communities, education providers and transport services.
Fees and CSP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $17,399 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 80 credit points (normally eight units) per year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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'll only need to pay a portion 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 the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent 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.