Qualification
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
AQF Level 9
Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Admission criteria
View all admission criteria
Fees
First Year: $9,314
Fee type: Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
Practical component
1,000 hours
Study mode
On campus
Commencement
Semester 1
Codes
Program code: 5177
Study Social Work at
Notre Dame
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in social justice. Whether advancing in your current role or starting anew, you'll gain practical insights to help those in need. Learn from experienced academics in areas like addiction, child welfare, disability, and mental health.
You'll explore various social work roles, including direct practice, policy, education, community development, and counselling. With two Field Education placements, you'll gain real-world experience that prepares you for diverse opportunities in government, community, and private sectors, where demand for social workers is high.
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Be ready for the workforce. We're Australia's #1 university for graduate employment.
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Our industry-relevant curriculum is always updated to keep you in tune with the latest trends and best practices, ensuring you're at the forefront of innovation.
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Engage in real-world settings, gaining invaluable firsthand understanding of the daily realities of social work.
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Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in Australia and abroad.
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Gain practical experience and become career-ready thanks to a combined minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum as part of your degree.
Predicted job growth to 2029
Social Worker
16.4%
Ages and Disabled Carers
16.7%
Social and Welfare Professionals
15.1%
Program details
Our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to transform your commitment to social justice into a successful career. Whether you're aiming to progress in your current profession or venture into a fulfilling new one, you'll acquire practical expertise to support and empower individuals and communities.
Useful links
More information regarding courses can be found on the course description page.
Core curriculum
The core curriculum is embedded in every degree. It is a distinguishing characteristic of Notre Dame and provides our graduates with transferable skills that are integral to every industry, vocation and profession, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and a purposeful life.
The postgraduate core curriculum elective can be any postgraduate philosophy or theology course offered by the school of philosophy and theology, including pilgrimage or international experiences.
- PHIL6020 Ethical Issues in Professional Life; or
- PHIL6210 Philosophy of the Human Person
Real-world experience
You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.
First year
- SOCW5001 Foundations for Social Work Practice
- SOCW5002 Interpersonal and Group Communication Skills for Social Work Practice
- SOCW5003 Social Work Practice in Child and Family Services
- SOCW5004 Law, Rights, and Ethics in Social Work Practice
- SOCW6001 Community Development and Social Change
- SOCW6002 Program Design and Evaluation
- SOCW6003 Professional Practice 1
Second year
- SOCW6004 Critical Reflection on Social Work Practice
- SOCW6005 Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy
- SOCW6006 Social Work Practices for Diversity and Inclusion
- SOCW6007 Social Work Practices for Mental Health and Wellbeing
- SOCW6008 Leadership in Social Work
- SOCW6009 Professional Practice 2
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) graduates will be able to:
- Reflect critically on theory and social work practice demonstrating mastery of theoretical knowledge.
- Articulate a professional social work identity, both independently and as a member or leader of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment.
- Demonstrate advanced interpersonal and communication skills for practice that is autonomous, accountable and demonstrates capacity to make, and justify, ethical and socially responsible decisions.
- Investigate, analyse, consolidate, and synthesise complex social work information, problems, concepts, and theories and apply established theories and concepts to develop sound professional practice that is inclusive and respectful of multiple worldviews and difference and diversity.
- Advocate for positive social change including global political concerns around environmental and social challenges arising from inequities, cultural difference and diversity, particularly as they impact human rights and social and economic justice.
- Articulate and critically appraise Western and First Nations worldviews acknowledging ongoing impacts of colonisation and identifying the benefit of First Nations relational ways of knowing for all.
- Design, implement and critically evaluate consumer and community informed research, projects and programs and creatively influence innovative future practice, social reform and policy.
- Interpret and transmit knowledge, research and practice effectively to a wide variety of audiences using a variety of media and appropriate technologies.
- Respond creatively to new situations in social work practice and pursue professional learning in social work.
Practical component
All students in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) are required to complete two practical courses as part of their degree – Professional Practice 1 and 2. These practicums mean every student completes a combined minimum of 1,000 hours of field education. This hands-on learning provides important opportunities for students to apply theory to practice and ensures they graduate job-ready.
Career outcomes
Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public health and community sectors.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can lead to a range of career paths to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. With social workers in high demand across Australia and the world, your career opportunities are boundless.
Careers
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Aged and disability officer
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Mental Health social worker
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Case manager
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Community organiser
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Policy and advocacy specialist
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Criminal justice social worker
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Welfare officer
Industries
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Public Administration and Safety
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Rural or remote health care
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Public or private hospitals
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Mental health
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Schools and Education
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Government
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Aged care
Professional accreditations
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) has provisional accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for delivery in Fremantle and Sydney.
Admission criteria
Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English language proficiency.
We consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities – your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.
Select an option that best suits you:
Applicants must have a relevant Australian Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification completed within the last 10 years with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60% that contains at least one full-time year or equivalent (1FTE) of studies in the social and behavioural sciences. This may include studies in arts, social sciences, behavioural sciences, business, law, nursing, and allied health.
*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another university, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).
English language proficiency
Evidence of English language proficiency either by satisfactory completion of previous secondary education or higher at a recognised institution where English is the sole language of instruction and assessment or by completing an English language test with a minimum score of 7.0 or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the Academic International English Testing System (IELTS) test or equivalent upon application.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative fee: $9,314
The figure quoted is the indicative annual fee for 2025 for domestic students. The exact fee for an individual student will depend on the mix of courses studied. All costs and fees are provided in Australian Dollars (AUD).
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Scholarships
Scholarships can provide you with financial support while you study. There are numerous scholarships available to you as a new or continuing student, across all study levels and campuses.
Scholarships may be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals or not-for-profit organisations, and provide financial assistance for costs associated with study. These could include buying food, paying rent, transport and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.
Some scholarships, such as the Practicum Support Scheme, help cover costs associated with full-time practicum placements required as part of your degree.
Please visit the scholarships finder to see which scholarships are available.
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Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
With a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) the Australian Government contributes part of your tuition fees. This contribution is a subsidy, meaning you do not have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the total cost of your studies. Students are responsible for paying the remaining amount,referred to as the 'student contribution amount'.
The student contribution is the portion of the fees that you must pay. You can pay this amount upfront or defer it using a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with covering all or part of their tuition fees, excluding additional expenses such as accommodation or textbooks. The amount of your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.
Eligible students will automatically be offered a CSP, so there is no need to apply.
For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.
Applying to Notre Dame
We know you're a person, not a number.
Our unique admissions process goes beyond a single score. In addition to your academic record, we also consider your personal qualities, gifts and talents, your motivation to study and your contribution to community life.
How to apply
Tell us about your extracurricular, community, and academic achievements and contributions.
How to Apply
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is a social worker and what do they do?
Social workers are qualified professionals who:
- Help individuals, families and communities with the practical, personal and emotional impact of personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives.
- Act to protect vulnerable groups, such as children and older people.
- Work in community organisations, and national and international agencies that advocate for social change or support disadvantaged communities, groups or individuals.
- Can be part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams in hospitals and allied health services.
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How can I become a social worker?
- Social workers need to have a university degree where they receive training and gain practical experience.
- Qualification could be a four-year undergraduate degree or a postgraduate program, such as our two-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
- Once qualified, social workers can become members of the professional body (AASW) and obtain accredited social worker status.
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What is the difference between social worker and a psychologist?
- Social workers deliver support, advocacy and resources to address the social and environmental factors affecting individuals, families and communities.
- University training provides theoretical understanding and practical experiences, enabling social workers to engage with many stakeholders.
- Psychologists explore human behaviour and how our brains work. Clinical psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders and determine treatment.
- In addition to a four-year undergraduate degree, psychologists need two further years of study in order to be registered. Clinical Psychologists must have completed additional postgraduate study.
Find out more
Contact us
Interested in studying at The University of Notre Dame Australia? Enquire now, or contact us at the details below.
Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.
Fremantle & Broome
Email: future@nd.edu.au
Phone: 1800 878 916
Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160
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