COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and specialized learning opportunities. The core subjects, totaling 88 credit points, cover essential areas such as social work theory and practice across micro, mezzo, and macro levels, as well as professional identity, health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and critical topics like power, oppression, violence, trauma, human rights, and law. Students also develop competencies in social policy, ethics, research methods, and Indigenous Australian practice, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of diverse communities and professional responsibilities. In addition to coursework, students must complete 32 credit points of compulsory fieldwork placement through Social Work Field Education, which offers hands-on experience in real-world settings and may include alternative approved placements. The program also includes 8 credit points of restricted electives, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests such as mental health, child and family welfare, ageing, addiction, leadership, or community development. These electives provide opportunities to deepen expertise in particular practice areas or explore interdisciplinary perspectives. Overall, the course structure integrates academic learning with practical experience, preparing graduates for professional practice and diverse roles within the human services and social work sectors.