Masters (Coursework)
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is designed for individuals with a non-social work undergraduate degree who wish to pursue a career in social work. Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, this program offers online study options and prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in human rights, social justice, and policy influence.
If you have an undergraduate degree in an area other than social work, but want to move into this rewarding career, our Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) is ideal. You can study this social work master's degree online, and because it's accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), you can be confident you'll have the skills to make a difference when you graduate.
Completing a postgraduate social work course opens up so many career opportunities. You could tackle human rights issues in Australia or across the globe, explore social justice opportunities, influence policy in social work, or seek a promotion in your current field. It's time to shape the future of social work - and your career.
Study is now even more affordable when you save on your fees with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). A CSP means you can apply for a HECS-HELP loan to pay for your studies and defer repayment until you earn above a certain amount. Check the 'fees' section to see how much you can save with a CSP.
This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.
Successful completion of a relevant three-year AQF Level 7 degree course that contains at least one year, or the equivalent, of full-time studies in the social and behavioural sciences.
The full year of prerequisite study and/or specified content must be completed prior to commencing study. Where prerequisite study has not been met, it can be completed:
International students who have not completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification in the English language consistent with the requirements for admission to an AQF Level 9 degree course in Australia must have a minimum score of 7.0 or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the Academic IELTS test upon application.
For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.
You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.
The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) opens up the potential to pursue a diverse range of roles. You could work in counselling, case management, social administration and policy formation, social action and program planning, family work and rehabilitation, health, community services and corrections, disability advocacy, legal aid or research. If you're already employed in the human services sector, upgrading your qualifications can provide new opportunities to advance your career. While Charles Sturt University social work graduates can travel the world and work anywhere, they are often found at the heart of communities in rural and regional areas.
With Course Director's approval, HCS526 may be replaced by HCS524 Social Work Field Education 2 (Session 30) (16).
CodeTitleCredit PointsHCS525Social Work Field Education 116HCS526Social Work Field Education 216ORHCS524Social Work Field Education 2A16Restricted electives8 Credit PointsSelect one (1) subject from the following or an elective subject outside of this list may be selected following consultation and approval from the Course Director.
CodeTitleCredit PointsETH402Vulnerability and the Ethics of Intervention8GER402Health, Wellbeing and Family Care in Later Life8GER404Ageing and Professional Practice8GER406Issues in Dementia Care and Communication8GER501Contemporary Issues in Gerontology8HCS410Legal Issues in Child and Adolescent Welfare8HCS406Social Work and Human Rights8HCS510Social Work Practice in Mental Health8HCS513Understanding Children from Adversity8HCS523Leadership in Human Services Practice8HIP423Transition to Allied Health Practice8HRM502Human Resource Management8LAW517Mediation: Processes and Uses8MGT501Contemporary Management8PHL502Law, Ethics and Human Rights8SWK414International Social Development8WEL407Working alongside children and young people in Indigenous Australian communities8WEL409Grief, Loss and Change8WEL424Loss, Grief and Palliative Care for Older People8WEL425Addiction - clinical practice in human services8WEL426Disaster Recovery: A Human Services Perspective8WEL427Transformative ecosocial change in human services8WEL428Building Sustainable Communities8WEL523Contemporary Theories for Case Management8If you've completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.
Check your eligibility for credit
Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.