Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in 2021 and 2022.
Students commencing this course in 2021 and 2022 can commence their studies remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Remote study is not available for some units of study and/or placements essential to this course and you will be required to attend in-person on campus from Semester 2, Year 1.
About this course
Become an accredited social worker with the Master of Social Work (Qualifying). You'll advance your career and be equipped to take on social work roles in health and community services.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) equips you to take on leadership roles in social work, the health and community services sector and related fields of practice.
If your ambition is to make a positive difference in mental health, women's services, corrections, disability support, child and family services, migrant and refugee services or international development, then this is the program for you.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a professional social worker in the health, community services or non-government sector. It is also a pathway to leadership roles in social work and related professions.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Domestic student applications for the Semester 1 intake open on the last Friday in August of the preceding year.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applicants are advised to download the supplementary application forms (supplementary form, referee report, supporting documents checklist) and complete the information before commencing their online application, as only completed applications will be assessed.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 15 December of the preceding year.
Only complete applications that include supplementary documentation will be considered. Applications received after this deadline may be considered if places are still available.
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applicants are advised to download the supplementary application forms (supplementary form, referee report, supporting documents checklist) and complete the information before commencing their online application, as only completed applications will be assessed.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February)
To qualify for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) you will complete 96 credit points, comprising:
The course is timetabled to enable students to continue to work on at least a part time basis. Some units of study will be delivered flexibly in block and/or on-line. Also, some core units are offered in alternating years.
The AASW guidelines indicate all students must complete 980 hours of work-based training under the direct supervision of a suitably experienced and qualified social work practitioner. Arrangements for practice learning will be negotiated on a case by case basis with students, exploring the possibilities for recognition of prior learning and placement in existing workplaces. These negotiations will be with the Director of Field Education and will be consistent with the requirements of the AASW for accredited practice. For further information regarding the course structure, please visit the School of Education and Social Work website.
Mandatory work component = 980 hours.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a 2-year full time or 4-year part time course of study.
In order to be eligible to enrol in SCWK5003 Intergration of Learning capstone, you must have completed or are about to complete 140 days of field education and at least one master's level research unit of study (6 credit points).
Intergration of Learning is undertaken during the final semester of the MSWQ and enables you to demonstrate your learning across all MSWQ units and contribute to knowledge building and practice in the profession.
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit. Admission to candidature for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires:
In exceptional circumstances, the Dean may admit applicants without a bachelor's degree who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award. This may include evidence through publications or authorship of official documents.
To assist you to make informed choices about your study, the School of Education and Social Work has identified inherent requirements for coursework-award courses in social work. In order to successfully complete such a course, you must possess these qualities and skills. (PDF)
This is an AASW-accredited qualification. 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).
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) responds to the key priority learning areas identified by the AASW accreditation process: child protection; cross-cultural practice; standards for practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities; and mental health. Graduates are able to take leadership roles in the social work profession, the health and community services sector, and other fields of practice.
The Sydney School of Education and Social Work offers a wealth of experience and expertise in the development and delivery of professional development activities. Please visit our website to find out about the range of consultancy and customised programs, conferences, colloquia and symposia, and professional learning courses offered by the school.
