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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Promote social change. Improve individuals' lives. Build better communities.

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 are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

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

Student ?
Domestic
Campus ?
Delivery ?
Flexible
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Autumn 2024
Codes
UAC: 935141
UOW: 459

Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make important contributions which benefit individuals and communities.

Throughout the degree, you will build on prior study of the individual and society, and further develop your interest in social justice, human rights and social development, 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.

This course balances practical skills, concepts and theory, as well as hands-on experience in professional practice, equipping you will strong communication and community engagement skills, developing your understanding of social work methods, and honing your social research and policy development abilities.

Read the course handbook for more information

Fee subsidised places available

UOW is offering Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for all of our postgraduate coursework degrees in 2025. This means the Australian government will subsidise your tuition fees by up to 75%. To be eligible for this fee subsidy, you must meet the following criteria: Be a domestic student, i.e. an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or a permanent Australian Humanitarian visa holder.

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Careers

  • Access and Equity Advisor
  • Aged and Disability Officer
  • Case Manager
  • Community Development Officer
  • Disability Services Manager
  • Domestic Violence Advocacy Worker
  • Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
  • Family Relationship Coordinator
  • Social Worker
  • Welfare Officer
See more

Accreditation & professional recognition

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is fully 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 (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 AASW English language requirements for migration and/or employment purposes.

Admissions information

A range of admission options are 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 specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • 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.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    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 Working With Children Check (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

Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongFlexible$12624 (2025)$50496 (2025)
LiverpoolFlexible$12624 (2025)$50496 (2025)
LiverpoolFlexible$12624 (2024)$50496 (2024)
WollongongFlexible$12624 (2024)$50496 (2024)

* 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.

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