Are you considering becoming a social worker but don’t have a relevant degree? A master of social work (qualifying) provides you with the skills and experience you need to thrive as a social worker. But what is a master of special work (qualifying)? You aren’t the only one to pose this question, so we are here with the answers that you need. 

What is a master of social work (qualifying)?

A master of social work (qualifying) is a postgraduate course governed by the AASW. The course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to move into a social work practice and become a professional social worker. The master of social work (qualifying) is broken down into six coursework units, four intensive units, and two field placement units. The course can be studied online, but there are some in-person components that you need to attend. The intensive units are delivered as a one-week in-person event, and you must also attend placements where you will get to put your knowledge into practice. 

The unit titles will vary depending on the course provider that you choose, but you can expect them to cover the same content. You might find your units to look like: 

• Social work in global, regional and local contexts 

• Psychological health across the lifecycle

• Working with diverse communities 

• Ethical and legal contexts of social work practice 

• Research and evaluation in social work practice 

• Policy development, leadership and organisational practice 

• Theoretical approaches to social work practice 

• Trauma-informed social work practice

• Working with families, children and young people 

• Groupwork practice in social work 

• Field Education Placement 1 and 2 

Your field education placements are a vital part of the course, and you will need to complete 1,000 hours and 28 hours of integrative seminars. The field placements are in two distinct fields with different organisations to help you get a varied experience that will prepare you for a career as a social worker. The placements are intense, requiring three to four weekdays with no leave arrangements, so consider carefully if you are able to make this commitment. 

What do I need for a master of social work (qualifying)?

The entry requirements for a master of social work (qualifying) vary depending on the course provider. However, you can expect there to be similarities in the entry requirements. You will usually need one of the following: 

• An Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification in a related field from a recognised institution 

• Completed at least one year of full time study or equivalent, with a minimum of AFQ Level 7 in social sciences and human behaviour 

What classes as related areas of study also varies depending on the course provider, but you can expect to see the following listed: 

• Allied health - including occupational therapy, midwifery, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, audiology, and health promotion

• Counselling and therapeutic studies - including play therapy, drug and alcohol work, rehabilitation, counselling, music therapy, art therapy, and disability and inclusion 

• Clinical areas - including medicine, child development, emergency services, and working with older people 

• Community services - including human services, youth work and special welfare 

• Education and teaching 

• Human resource management and marketing studies - including diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, leadership and coaching, managing people and change management, regulations and ethics, and negotiation 

• Indigenous studies - including culture and human diversity, gender studies, media, social theory and population studies 

• Psychology, research, and policy studies 

You might also need to meet additional entry requirements if your first language is not English. You will need to meet non-standard English language requirements, with the score needed to meet these requirements varying depending on the course provider.

What can I do with a master of social work (qualifying)?

Once you have graduated, you will be ready to tackle a career in social work. There are many sectors you can move into, including policy and planning, healthcare, community services, research and aged care. Many graduates move into the following roles: 

• Community worker

• Case manager

• Engagement officer

• Family support worker 

• Policy advisor 

• Social worker

• Youth worker 

Find your social work course today 

A master of social work (qualifying) provides you with the accredited course you need to work as a social worker in Australia. It provides you with everything that you need to thrive in a social work environment too, regardless of the sector you want to work in. Why not start your course today and enjoy your new career?

"This content is provided by a third party."bra