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If you want to make a difference and become an advocate for change CQU's innovative Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides a unique opportunity to engage with cutting‑edge teaching methods and transformative learning experiences.
Elevate your career with the Master of Social Work (Qualifying). This program is designed to cultivate highly skilled, ethical, and competent social work practitioners ready to make a positive impact in diverse communities. Integrating theory and hands-on practice will give you the advanced knowledge required for effective social work in complex, real-world settings.
As a student, you will develop critical thinking and a deep understanding of social justice, diversity, and ethical practice. The course emphasises the importance of research-driven approaches and encourages creativity and initiative, particularly during field education placements. You'll explore key issues such as the influence of the environment on health and well-being, the dynamics of social and structural inequality, and the different approaches to understanding disability, trauma, and mental health.
Graduates will be equipped with versatile skills to work with individuals, families and communities, promoting social change and addressing injustice across various professional contexts. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), opening doors to professional practice in Australia and beyond.
Graduates are well‑equipped for social work roles such as case manager, hospital social worker, family support worker, mental health social worker, child and family practitioner, community development practitioner, policy officer, and school social worker.
The health care and human services sector, a primary provider of new jobs in Australia, continues to grow, offering robust employment opportunities for our graduates.
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
You must complete 12 units. (96 credits):
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Social Work Field Education 1 is the first work-integrated learning placement comprising 500 hours. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Placement Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker. Students must complete all units in accordance with the prerequisites and undertake a successful interview with the Placement Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings.
Social Work Field Education 2 is the second work-integrated learning placement comprising 500 hours. The placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Placement Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker. Students must complete all units in accordance with the pre-requisites and undertake a successful interview with the Placement Coordinator to determine placement readiness. Students must meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings.
Completion of an accredited Master of Social Work (Qualifying) [MSW (Q)] course qualifies graduates to practice as professional social workers in Australia. This qualification opens up a range of career opportunities in various fields, including:
Social work is one of Australia's fastest-growing professions, with high demand across various sectors, including health and social services, public service, nonprofit organisations, and private practice. The MSW (Q) program also provides pathways for roles in research, policy development, and academia.
If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
This is an approximate cost of enrolling in this course, shown in Australian dollars (A$), for one academic year and is based on a full-time study load (8 units over 2 terms).
Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units that you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.
We offer a range of scholarships to support international students. Our merit scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students based on academic excellence and provide course fee reductions ranging from 15% to 25%.
We also have region-specific scholarships for students from selected regions, offering a 25% reduction in course fees.
You don’t need to submit a separate application for scholarships funded by the University. We automatically assess all eligible students for the best available scholarship when you apply for your course.
In addition to your course fees, you must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses. These may include visa application fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), textbooks and learning materials, checks and certifications, living expenses and more.
Our easy to use online application system for international students will guide you through the process of applying for a course at CQUniversity Australia.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
