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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Make a real difference. Support marginalised families, groups, communities. Facilitate meaningful social change.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You may be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

International students can apply to study at the University of °µÍø½ûÇø (UOW) in several ways. Your application options will depend on your individual circumstances.

Explore your options at UOW Apply.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent to help you navigate the application process, ensure that you submit all necessary documentation, and provide you with visa counselling services. Applying through an approved UOW agent is offered at no cost to students.

For your nearest agent, please see our UOW agent list.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Year ?
Campus ?
Delivery ?
Flexible
Duration ?
2 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2026
Codes
CRICOS: 094540E
UOW: 459

Overview

Step into a profession where you can make a tangible difference. The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) prepares you for a career that drives meaningful social change across health, community services and government.

Designed for graduates from a range of backgrounds, including social sciences, psychology, health and human services, education, arts and humanities this degree provides an accredited pathway to become a professional social worker in Australia. You will build the skills and knowledge to support individuals, families and communities, while developing the confidence to work in complex, real-world environments.

Through the study of social policy, ethics and practice, you will learn to respond to inequality, disadvantage and social challenges. You will also complete 1,000 hours of supervised professional placement, applying your learning in real social work settings.

At UOW, you learn through interactive workshops led by experienced practitioners, with a strong focus on social justice, cultural humility and responsiveness, and respecting Indigenous knowledges.

See the for more information.

Across the degree, you develop a strong grounding in social work theory, ethics and Australian legal frameworks, including mandatory reporting and professional standards. You learn how to assess needs, navigate complex service systems and advocate effectively for individuals, families and communities.

Throughout the degree you deepen practice in areas such as mental health, child and family services, and social policy. A dedicated focus on working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities strengthens your ability to practice in culturally responsive and respectful ways.

Through simulation-based learning and professional placement, you engage in realistic client scenarios that mirror professional practice. These experiences allow you to refine your communication skills, develop professional judgement, and build confidence in a supportive environment before entering the field.

You will also benefit from strong industry connections and teaching informed by current practice, ensuring your learning remains relevant to workforce needs. Delivered through interactive workshops, the course supports collaborative learning and meaningful engagement with experienced practitioners and peers.

On graduation, you are prepared to enter the profession with the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding required for accredited social work practice in Australia.

See more

Careers

  • Aged Care Case Manager
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Worker
  • Child Protection Officer
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Community Corrections Officer
  • Community Development Worker
  • Community Education Worker
  • Counsellor (where role accepts social work qualification)
  • Disability Support Coordinator (NDIS)
  • Family Support Worker
  • Hospital Social Worker
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Mental Health Social Worker
  • Policy Officer
  • Private Social Work Practitioner
  • Refugee Support Worker
  • Researcher (Social Policy / Social Research)
  • School Social Worker
  • Social Policy Analyst
  • Victim Support Worker/Advocate
  • Youth Justice Worker
See more

Accreditation & professional recognition

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is fully accredited by the (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 (ASWEAS). Graduates of this course are eligible for membership of the AASW, which is required by many employers.

Graduates will also be required to meet for migration and/or employment purposes.

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's , and the UOW College .

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

A recognised bachelor's degree in social sciences, psychology, public health, education, nursing, or a related undergraduate qualification with at least one year of Social Science content (i.e., studies of the individual and society), completed in the last 10 years.

If qualifications are older than 10 years, applicants may still be considered if they have current relevant work experience.

  • English Language Requirements

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

     

    English Test

    Overall Score

    Reading

    Writing

    Listening

    Speaking
    IELTS Academic

    7.0

    7.0

    7.0

    7.0

    7.0

     

    UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Distinction (weighted average mark of 75 overall and minimum 75 in Academic Reading and Writing (ARW) and 75 in Academic Listening and Speaking (ALS))

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


Compulsory Work Based Placement
This course contains a total of 1000 hours of compulsory work-based placements, completed over 104 weeks (at 10 hours per week) throughout the degree, and may also include mandatory online components.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • 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.

    Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Health Placements 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 (WWCC).

     

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to  UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

International Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
°µÍø½ûÇøFlexible$20376 (2026)$81504 (2026)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:

  • Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International9 December, 2025
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2025

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    Orientation Check your campus details
    Session start2 March, 2026
    31 March, 2026
    Mid-session recess20-24 April, 2026
    Session end25 June, 2026



  • Autumn Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start1 March, 2027
    31 March, 2027
    Mid-session recess19 - 23 April, 2027
    Session end24 June, 2027
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