Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Overview
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.
Study Experience
Discover more about our industry accredited social work courses delivered with hands-on learning and skills development. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.
- Strong Research Connections
- Industry Accredited
- Residential Schools
- Work-integrated Learning
- Student Support
- Real-world Learning Facilities
- “
I chose to study at CQU because the facilities and course structure stood out for their quality and care. I also found all my classmates to be incredibly passionate about making a change, and being in that atmosphere has been really motivating.
Abhishek Raha Roy Pranta
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | Bangladesh
Career Opportunities
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.
Structure & Availability
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. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete 12 units. (96 credits):
- 1The core structure (12 units)
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Additional Information
Social Work Field Education 1 - SOWK28005
SOWK28005 Social Work Field Education 1 is the first work-integrated learning placement comprising 500 hours. Your placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Placement Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker. You must complete all units in accordance with the prerequisites and undertake a successful interview with the Placement Coordinator to determine placement readiness. You must also 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 - SOWK29007
SOWK29007 Social Work Field Education 2 is the second work-integrated learning placement comprising 500 hours. Your placement occurs in an agency approved by the University Placement Coordinators and requires supervision from a qualified social worker. You must complete all units in accordance with the prerequisites and undertake a successful interview with the Placement Coordinator to determine placement readiness. You must also meet the inherent requirements for the course and successfully complete all necessary administrative/screening and legal obligations to undertake placement in organisational settings.
Professional Practice - Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Core
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) [MSW (Q)] is an AASW-provisionally accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.
This qualification opens up a range of career opportunities in various fields, including:
- Child Protection and Youth Work: Protecting and supporting at-risk children and adolescents.
- Mental Health Social Work: Providing counselling and support for individuals with mental health challenges.
- Family Violence and Advocacy: Assisting survivors of domestic and family violence and advocating for systemic change.
- Disability and Aged Care Services: Supporting individuals with disabilities and elderly populations through advocacy and tailored support programs.
- Hospital Social Work: Assisting patients and families in adjusting to injury, illness, or changing health needs.
- Public Service and Policy: Engaging in social services and policy roles to influence social policies and promote social justice.
- Nonprofit and Community Services: Working in community development, crisis work, counselling, refugee assistance, and housing services.
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.
All students are required to attend residential schools at key points in the course to support preparation for field education and progression in the course.
For students enrolled in the internal (on campus) delivery mode, residential schools are delivered in conjunction with the following units:
SOWK29001 Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice together with SOWK28005 Social Work Field Education 1 (4-day residential)
SOWK29005 Social Work Theories and the Practice Context together with SOWK29007 Social Work Field Education 2 (2-day residential)
If students study online, residential schools are embedded across the course to ensure the development of practice capability and compliance with the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). These residentials are attached to the following units:
• Understanding Social Work: Foundational Knowledge and Skills for Practice (SOWK28001)
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice (SOWK29001)
• Social Work Field Education 1 (SOWK28005)
• Social Work Theories and the Practice Context (SOWK29005)
Across the course, students enrolled in the distance online mode are required to complete a minimum of 20 days of face-to-face residential learning. Attendance at these residentials is compulsory and forms a critical component of course progression and readiness for field education.
Residential schools are delivered at CQUniversity locations in Queensland and Sydney. These residential schools support compliance with ASWEAS requirements and, for international students, CRICOS requirements.
All students are required to attend residential schools at key points in the course to support preparation for field education and progression in the course.
If you study on-campus, residential schools are delivered in conjunction with the following units:
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice (SOWK29001) together with Social Work Field Education 1 (SOWK28005): four-day residential
• Social Work Theories and the Practice Context (SOWK29005) together with Social Work Field Education 2 (SOWK29007): two-day residential
If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Course Fees
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.
International students from selected regions may be eligible for scholarships.
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.
How to Apply
Places in this course are limited, so we encourage you to apply early. You can apply through an agent for expert guidance, or directly via iStart, our online application system for international students if you’re in Australia.
