Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Professionally accredited postgraduate studies
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Upskill & expand your knowledge
- Shape your identity in the field
(6 Trimesters)
Overview
What to expect when studying a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) with ACAP University College
If you’re a passionate Human and Community Services professional seeking a postgraduate degree in social work, this is the ideal next step in your career. ACAP’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) delivers a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind human thoughts and behaviour, as well as the essential skills and knowledge to enhance your role as a Social Worker.
Throughout your degree, you’ll study social work as a profession, including its history, ethics and key influences. Informed by principles of social justice and human rights, you will develop an understanding of the social work practice methods required to work effectively and ethically with a wide range of service users in diverse contexts.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program will see you strengthen your skills in critical thinking and analysis, anti-oppressive practice, community empowerment, systemic advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and social research. You will also have the opportunity to integrate your classroom learning with professional practice through placement opportunities and supervision, totalling 1000 hours of practical work experience.
This is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). The accrediting body may have additional requirements, including minimum English language, to meet professional social work accreditation standards. For more information on meeting these requirements, visit aasw.asn.au. It is a condition of progression in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) that students complete a national police record check in their first trimester of enrolment.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is accredited under Navitas’ self-accrediting authority.
Potential Careers
Once you graduate from the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.
- Health Care Social Worker
- Community-based Social Worker
- Child Protection Worker
- Aged Care Assessment Advisor
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
By combining expertise in human behaviour with a focus on applied knowledge and practical experience, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) equips you with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.
Gain insights into the policies and frameworks that shape social work practice and learn how to navigate and influence social policies to promote social justice and equality.
Develop critical thinking skills and engage with various theoretical perspectives to analyse and address social issues, while enhancing your ability to advocate for marginalised populations.
Explore different fields of social work practice, such as healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and community development. Acquire specialised knowledge and skills to work effectively within these specific areas.
Study the dynamics of individuals and families within a social work context, including assessment, intervention, and support strategies to enhance their well-being and promote positive change.
Learn how to facilitate group processes, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and navigate organisational structures. Enhance your skills in teamwork, leadership, and organisational development.
Engage in practical, hands-on learning through field placements, where you will apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. These placements provide valuable opportunities for experiential learning and professional development.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Social Work is a values based profession that aims to empower people to make positive changes in their lives.
Social Workers advocate for their clients and offer support and resources to help them overcome personal challenges, achieve their goals and improve their overall emotional and social wellbeing.
Social Workers may provide support to the wider community or specialised groups such as families, children and adolescents, or marginalised members of society. They can work across a variety of sectors, including private practice, schools, hospitals and within state or federal Governments.
To become a Social Worker, you need to complete an undergraduate or post-graduate qualification that is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). ACAP University College offers a 4-year undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a 2 year post graduate Master of Social Work (Qualifying). Both of these courses are unconditionally accredited with the AASW.
As one of our postgraduate social work courses, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is professionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Completion of our master’s degree in Social Work allows students to be registered with AASW as a qualified Social Worker in Australia and can be completed full-time over two years or part-time over four years.
Units within our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) in Australia focus on a variety of advanced concepts, including social policy, critical theories, supporting individuals and families, and Indigenous social work.
The program also includes mandatory field education units totalling 1000 hours of work placement, ensuring graduates are equipped with the practical experience needed to succeed in their careers.
As one of our postgraduate social work courses, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is professionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Completion of our master’s degree in Social Work allows students to be registered with AASW as a qualified Social Worker in Australia and can be completed full-time over two years or part-time over four years.
Units within our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) in Australia focus on a variety of advanced concepts, including social policy, critical theories, supporting individuals and families, and Indigenous social work.
The program also includes mandatory field education units totalling 1000 hours of work placement, ensuring graduates are equipped with the practical experience needed to succeed in their careers.
The 2 year Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and the 4 year Bachelor of Social Work offered at ACAP are both entry level qualifications into the social work profession. The BSW and the MSW(Q) both contain 1000 hours of professional placement. This is a requirement of the AASW.
The Bachelor of Social Work is ideally suited for people who have not yet completed an undergraduate tertiary qualification.
The MSW(Q) is well suited to those students who have a related undergraduate degree and who wish to practice as Social Workers.
WHY CHOOSE THE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (QUALIFYING) AT ACAP
Pursuing a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) combines theoretical depth and practical application, designed for impactful careers in social work. ACAP prepares students with a comprehensive understanding of social work principles, equipping them with professional skills and values.
Course structure
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course is comprised of 12 units, which are level 600 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.
The course duration is 2 years full time or part time equivalent. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.
View unit descriptions
- Recognise and understand injustices and inequalities experienced by marginalised groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and work alongside individuals and within communities to effect social change.
- Demonstrate advanced self-awareness, reflexivity, critical thinking, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Critically appraise, apply, and evaluate social work knowledge and skills to implement culturally responsive evidence-informed intervention approaches in collaboration with other professions and services for the benefit of diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
- Use anti-oppressive language and practices to challenge structural, cultural, and personal disadvantage.
- Apply and adhere to the principles of ethical practice as defined by the Australian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge, problem-solving and analytical skills necessary to conduct ethical research that contributes to social work practice.
Recognition of Prior Learning is available for some units in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course. It is not available for the following units:
- SWSP6103 Field Education 2
Applicants seeking Credit for SWSP6053 Field Education 1 are advised to refer to the Field Education Manual for details on the application process and required supporting documentation. Current students can access the manual via the Student Lounge; new students should email [email protected] to obtain a copy.
Completion of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course enables students to establish their professional identity as a social worker.
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