COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Melbourne is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for professional social work practice in diverse contexts. Delivered over two years full-time, the program combines 175 points of coursework with 50 points of supervised field education, enabling students to apply theory to practice through two 500-hour placements in health, ageing, child and family, and community service settings.In the first year, students engage in foundational subjects including Counselling and Interviewing Skills, Social Work Theory and Practice, Lifespan Risk and Resilience, and Professional Identity, alongside their initial field placement. The second year builds on this foundation with advanced practice subjects such as Program Planning and Evaluation, Social Policy for Social Work Practice, Working with Groups and Communities, and Engaging with Families, complemented by a second field placement and a research project. Completion of 25 points of research subjects allows graduates to directly pursue doctoral study.The MSW curriculum is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and meets national and international professional standards. Teaching is delivered by experienced, research-active staff through a blend of lectures, tutorials, seminars, collaborative learning, and practice simulations. Students develop advanced competencies in risk assessment, legal and ethical practice, cultural awareness, and engagement with Indigenous peoples, alongside critical thinking, research, and communication skills.Graduates emerge as professional social workers capable of responding to complex social issues, equipped with expertise across casework, counselling, community development, and policy practice. The program fosters leadership, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to global citizenship, ensuring students are prepared for careers in mental health, child and family welfare, ageing, disability, substance abuse, and broader community services. The MSW emphasizes practical experience, professional readiness, and the capacity to effect meaningful social change at local, national, and international levels.