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Australian Catholic University (ACU)

  • 12% international / 88% domestic

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a challenging program focusing on social justice, human rights, and professional practice. It includes compulsory on-campus components and experiential learning opportunities.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 trimesters full-time
Intake Months
Jan, Mar
Domestic Fees
$9,536 per year

About this course

Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a vibrant and challenging program. You will be encouraged to build on your existing knowledge and experience, and gain a sound understanding of social work values and practice approaches. The course emphasises social justice, human rights, and achieving the best possible outcomes for the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community. You will be taught by leading social work practitioners and academics, with a strong focus on experiential learning.

You must attend a compulsory, 10-day on-campus component in Year 1 and a 10-day on-campus component in Year 2 of your program (i.e., 20 on-campus days in total), delivered at ACU's Sydney and Melbourne campuses.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

All students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, applicants must have completed a relevant three-year Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) that contains at least one year, or the equivalence of, full-time study in the social and behavioural sciences.

Relevant units of studies in the social and behavioural sciences may include psychology, sociology, anthropology, policy, health, philosophy, Indigenous and cultural studies, and more.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

What you will learn

Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a vibrant and challenging program. You will be encouraged to build on your existing knowledge and experience, and gain a sound understanding of social work values and practice approaches. The course emphasises social justice, human rights, and achieving the best possible outcomes for the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community. You will be taught by leading social work practitioners and academics, with a strong focus on experiential learning.

Career pathways

Social workers may also work in different areas of practice, including:
  • family work
  • youth and child welfare services
  • medical and health services
  • disability services
  • psychiatric and general mental health
  • community services
  • aged care
  • income support
  • mediation
  • research

Course structure

Course details

To complete the Master of Social Work, a student must complete 160 credit points (cp).

Commencing ACU Term 1Year 1ACU Term 1
  • Specified UnitsSWTP620Social Work Theories, Context and Fields of Practice
  • Mode of delivery OU
  • 10 cp
Year 1ACU Term 2
  • Specified UnitsSWTP622Social Work with Individuals
  • Includes a 5-day compulsory week intensive
  • 10 cp
Year 2ACU Term 1
  • Specified UnitsSWTP629Social Work Research
  • Mode of delivery OU
  • 10 cp

Credit for prior study or work

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

How to apply

Apply now

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Social Work courses at Australian Catholic University (ACU).
75.8%
Overall satisfaction
77.3%
Skill scale
66.7%
Teaching scale
68.8%
Employed full-time
$74.7k
Average salary