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Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (SCM501.1)
Please note these are the 2025 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Plus |
UC - Canberra, Online |
3.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Social Work |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
English language requirements
To be eligible you must have a minimum overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 years | |||
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Social Work |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
To be eligible you must have a minimum overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Social work provides you with a lifelong career in the human services. It is a profession committed to social justice, professional and personal integrity and working collaboratively with people and communities. This course builds upon each person¿s unique strengths and lived experiences and engages each person in a journey to empower them to achieve their full potential. It builds collaborative partnerships to overcome structural barriers and work for a more equitable, inclusive, and just society. The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an exciting and innovative course, designed to allow flexibility of study. This course will prepare graduates to work in a variety of human services settings such as aged care, disability, family and child wellbeing and protection, justice, hospital and health care, mental health, school and educational settings, research, and social policy. With field education placements of a total of 1000 hours, students familiarise themselves with, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary, for beginning practice.
100% Online
Enrol in the University of Canberra's online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and become a professional social worker. Our online course provides you with the specialised knowledge and experience to actively enhance the quality of life for those facing disadvantage. Kick-start your meaningful career with the skills to improve, advocate for and safeguard the health, wellbeing and safety of individuals and communities.
Professional accreditation
Undergoing provisional accreditation with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
To be eligible for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Completion of an Australian bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field and completed at least one year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent, at a minimum of AQF Level 7 in social sciences and human behaviour.
Examples of related fields of study in social sciences and human behaviour include:
- Psychology, research, and policy studies
- Allied health, including midwifery, occupational therapy, nursing, audiology, health promotion, physiotherapy, and pharmacy
- Counselling and therapeutic studies including play therapy, rehabilitation, drug and alcohol work, counselling, art therapy, music therapy, and disability and inclusion
- Social Science, Sociology and Humanities
- Clinical areas such as child development, medicine, emergency services, and working with older people
- Education and teaching
- Indigenous studies, culture and human diversity, media, gender studies, social theory and population studies
- Human resource management and marketing studies, including diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, leadership and coaching, managing people and change management, negotiation, regulations and ethics
- History, human geography and art.
Additional admission requirements
To be eligible you must have a minimum overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who have completed a three-year Bachelor of Social Welfare or Bachelor of Community Services may be eligible to receive credit for up to 25% of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), which is the equivalent of four units. Recognition of Prior Learning applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the course convener.
Assumed knowledge
None.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 1 | 20 January 2025 | ||
| 2025 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 2 | 17 March 2025 | ||
| 2025 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 3 | 12 May 2025 | ||
| 2025 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 4 | 07 July 2025 | ||
| 2025 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 5 | 01 September 2025 | ||
| 2025 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 6 | 27 October 2025 | ||
| 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 1 | 19 January 2026 | ||
| 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 2 | 16 March 2026 | ||
| 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 3 | 11 May 2026 | ||
| 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 4 | 06 July 2026 | ||
| 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 5 | 31 August 2026 | ||
| 2026 | UC - Canberra, Online | Study Block 6 | 26 October 2026 |
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (SCM501) | 48 credit points
Field Education Placement 2 PG (12023) | 9 credit points — Level P
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
Course duration
The standard duration for this course is three years (16 Study Blocks). The maximum duration is six years.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate and articulate social work knowledges, theoretical frameworks, and values in working with diversity and difference. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Analyse intersectionality and the forms of oppression that influence lived experiences and the implications for social work practice. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Assess, design, and reflect on complex social work engagement strategies at an individual, group, community, and societal level. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Evaluate decision-making processes and professional judgements within social work¿s code of ethics. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Plan, design and undertake social work research and evaluation. | UC graduates are professional: Use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Critically reflect on social work's engagement with and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ways of knowing, being and doing. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Synthesise knowledge of social, economic, and ecological justice for application in social work practice. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Demonstrate the autonomy, expert judgment, and adaptability necessary for leadership roles and a lifelong career in human services. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
Placements requirements
Students will be required to undertake 1000 hours in field education. Students may be required to undertake field education outside their city of residence.
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | MSWQ |
Honours
None.
Alternative exits
HLC002 Graduate Certificate in Health Studies
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Prospective Students | Email: study@canberra.edu.au or Phone: 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
| Current and Commencing Students | Email: Health.Student@canberra.edu.au |
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