Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Course summary

The UOW Masters of Social Work (Qualifying) will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make important contributions to the betterment of people and communities. You will build on prior study of the individual and society, and further develop your interest in social justice and human rights, to earn a professionally accredited Social Work qualification.

UOW Social Work graduates enter the workforce with practical experience earned through supervised professional placements. Your UOW degree will ensure you’re ready to promote social change and development and will help you make a difference to the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.

What you will study

This course balances practical skills, concepts and theory, as well as hands-on experience in professional practice:

• You will acquire the interpersonal and communication skills needed to work effectively with others and use critical insights to understand people and social problems.
• You will develop your understanding of the concepts and methods that underpin effective practise as a qualified social worker.
• You will gain a working knowledge of social justice principles, and the skills to apply that knowledge to your work with individuals, families and communities, or in social research and policy development.
• You will learn the community engagement skills necessary to collaborate with community members and groups and work effectively in the social work field.
• You will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a career as a social worker through supervised professional experience in human service agencies.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

1. Critically review social work theories and frameworks.
2. Integrate advanced knowledge of the human services system, the law and concepts of human rights and social justice to the social work approach.
3. Design, implement, justify and articulate social work interventions at the individual, group, family, community and societal level and plan effectively across human service systems.
4. Assess different value systems and ethical frameworks and reflect critically on your professional practice.
5. Evaluate using social work values and ethical frameworks your decision‐making processes and judgments with the complexity of practice.

Course Structure

Year 1

Annual Session

Autumn Session

Spring Session

Year 2

Annual Session

Autumn Session

Spring Session

Compulsory Work Placement / Online Components

This course contains a total of 1000 hours of compulsory work-based placements, to be completed over the course of the degree. This course may also contain compulsory components to be completed online.

Accreditation & professional recognition

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards 2012 (ASWEAS). All graduates of this course have the same standing as graduates from all other AASW accredited courses and are eligible for membership of the AASW, which is required by many employers.

Graduates will also be required to meet AASW English language requirements for migration and/or employment purposes.

Why choose this course

The UOW Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will provide graduates with the skills, knowledge, and professional practice experience required for entry to the social work profession. Our Social Work academics are at the forefront of their specialisations. They're accredited professionals, published authors and respected researchers who are connected to the community through professional and research networks. They take all this experience with them to the classroom to enrich and guide your learning experience.

Admission

A range of admission options is available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures and the UOW College Admissions policy.

For any specific advice or questions regarding an application, please contact the Future Students Team.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor degree in social sciences, psychology, public health, education, nursing, or related undergraduate qualification with at least one year of Social Science content (i.e. studies of the individual and society)

Record Check

NSW Health Requirements

The NSW Health Department requires all students undertaking clinical placements at NSW Health hospitals and facilities to:

• undergo a national criminal record check; and
• comply with NSW Health's immunisation requirements

prior to employment or placement in any capacity in the NSW health system.

This criminal record clearance will be conducted by the NSW Police and/or the Australian Federal Police. Students are required to arrange for this check to be undertaken following enrolment, and the cost of the check will be their responsibility.

In addition, overseas’ students must also provide a Police Certificate from their home country/any country they have resided in or a signed Statutory Declaration with no convictions/pending charges.

Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Additional Information section.

Child Protection

Under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012, and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013, students enrolled in UOW degrees where their studies require them to engage in activities that involve children or young people, may be required to complete a Volunteer/Student Declaration and/or undergo a Working With Children Check (WWCC).

English Requirements for international students

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this programme:

IELTS Academic

• Overall Score: 7.0
• Reading: 7.0
• Writing: 7.0
• Listening: 7.0
• Speaking: 7.0

TOEFL (Internet-based)

• Overall Score: 98
• Reading: 25
• Writing: 25
• Listening: 22
• Speaking: 22

UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 75 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.