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.
The University of Sydney is currently not accepting applications for this degree for 2023. If you’re interested in studies in Social Work, refer to this link.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The Master of Social Work invites you to reflect on your practice, appraise alternative practices and theories, and assess your clients' needs in new ways.
It offers you an opportunity to critically evaluate your existing practice and provision, and gain skills to promote change, improve services and affect outcomes in the lives and situations of your clients. You will also learn to analyse and investigate theories and initiatives in social policy and their impacts.
This program provides opportunities for careers in evaluating existing practice, promoting change and improving services and outcomes that affect clientscircumstances. It equips you to analyse and investigate theories and initiatives in social policy and their impacts.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
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.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP, an earlier closing date may apply – check the closing dates section below. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 30 June of the commencing year
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) and Semester 2 (August)
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.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June 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) and Semester 2 (August)
To qualify for the Master of Social Work you will complete 48 credit points, including:
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
A capstone unit is completed in the final semester of enrolment. It provides you with an opportunity to integrate ideas and understandings drawn from units of study taken in the course. The capstone is undertaken by completing either:
If you intend to undertake a higher degree by research (MPhil, PhD, DSW) in future, you should enrol in the dissertation. Entry requirements apply for this unit of study - consult your Course Coordinator for further details.
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit. Admission to candidature for the Master of Social Work requires:
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the faculty, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course.
This course does not lead to professional recognition.
Upon completion of the Master of Social Work, you will have the skills and knowledge to further your career in evaluating existing practise and promoting change and improvement in services offered and outcomes effected in the lives and situations of clients. It offers opportunities for the analysis and investigation of theories and initiatives in social policy and their impact.
The Sydney School of Education and Social Work offers a wealth of experience and expertise in the development and delivery of professional development activities. Click here to find out about the range of consultancy and customised programs, conferences, colloquia and symposia, and professional learning courses offered by the School.
