Master of Social Work

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

Australian students

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

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements
A completed bachelor degree or higher level qualification of at least three years equivalent full-time study duration, with a minimum of one year, or the equivalent, of full-time studies in the social and behavioural sciences (including, but not limited to, human services, community services, social science, psychology, Aboriginal studies, public or community health) from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent. Selection will be competitive and based on Grade Point Average.

Applicants holding a completed Australian bachelor or master level qualification in Social Work are not eligible for entry.

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

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

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
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

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The prerequisites for this course must be passed before enrolling.

2. Field Education consists of 1000 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken during the third and fourth years. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 3 and 5 days per week.

3. Within the first 6 months of enrolling in the program all students are required to have obtained a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a Working with Children, Aged, NDIS and Vulnerable People clearance through the Department of Human Services (DHS). Information and assistance to apply for these clearances will be available if required.

4. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or (Ageing and Disability) (MBSS) programs at UniSA will receive 18 units of credit on admission to the Master of Social Work, and are not required to complete this course.

5. Most placements will require students to hold a current driver's licence and to be willing to drive an agency car. Some agencies will require a recognised First Aid Certificate. Not having a current driver's licence will limit your placement choices.

6. Prior to commencing placement, all students must have successfully completed a 1-day Child Safe Environments Course.

Notes

1. The program is designed to graduate professional social workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. The program requires consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.