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Start Date
February

Campus
Magill

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
MMSK

SATAC Code
4CM036 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Aim

The Master of Social Work degree qualifies individuals who apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for professional practice or scholarship in social work, and as a pathway for further learning.

The program specifically aims to prepare students with the knowledge and skills required for entry level professional practice as a social worker.

Content & Structure

Graduates of the Master of Social Work degree will have an advanced understanding of social work theory and practice and of the political and social context in which human services are provided. Graduates will develop a complex understanding of social work values, human rights and ethics and a depth of knowledge of leadership and innovation in social work. Graduates will develop knowledge of research principles and methods and the use of these in research informed practice.

Graduates of the degree will have specialised cognitive and practice skills to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, organisations and in social policy arenas, and to analyse, theorise and reflect critically about ethical and professional issues in social work.

The students will complete 72 units of study comprising 27 units of practicum and 45 units of social policy and social work theory.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

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What courses you'll study

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Social Work and Policy Practice WELF 5099 4.5
Contemporary Practice Theories for Social Work WELF 5098 4.5
Social Work Practice Skills WELF 5104 4.5
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing SOCU 5011 4.5 Rule(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Social Work Practicum 1 WELF 5105 13.5 Rule(s): 1,2,3,4,5,6
Ethical Decision Making WELF 5096 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Innovation and Research WELF 5101 4.5
Innovative Social Work Practice with Children and Families WELF 5102 4.5
Mental Health and Social Work Practice WELF 5108 4.5
Human Rights Based Practice and Community Development WELF 5100 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Leadership in Social Work WELF 5103 4.5
Social Work Practicum 2 WELF 5106 13.5 Rule(s): 1,2,3,5,6

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of the Master of Social Work are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Program Director