COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Social Work course structure is designed to build strong theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence for social work practice. The program includes a core set of units worth 84 points that cover key areas such as social work theory, identity, legal and organisational contexts, mental health practice, and evidence-based approaches. Students begin with foundational subjects like Foundations of Social Work Thinking and Identity and Theories for Practice, before progressing to more advanced learning in methods, applied practice, and mental health. A significant feature of the course is the inclusion of field education, with two major placements—Field Education 1: First Placement and Field Education 2: Final Placement—providing extensive real-world experience in professional settings. Students also complete a zero-credit Readiness to Practice unit, which supports transition into professional roles. The program emphasises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and culturally responsive practice, ensuring graduates are prepared to work effectively with diverse communities. Depending on their chosen pathway, students either complete coursework units in research methods and applied practice or undertake a Research Dissertation Project across two units. Overall, the course integrates academic learning with supervised field experience to prepare graduates for competent, ethical, and evidence-based social work practice in a range of professional and community settings.