Master of Social Work
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus
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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.
Degree overview
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in social work1.
- Join a university ranked No. 1 in SA for teaching quality in social work2.
- Gain advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values and ethics.
- Build your practical skills in our innovative, on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio.
- Get hands-on experience and build pivotal networks with supervised local, rural and international work placements.
- This master degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
This master degree will provide you with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for social work practice, including an advanced understanding of:
- Social work values
- Ethics and identity
- Human rights
- Current social issues
- Mental health
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
- Child protection
- Cross cultural practice
A key focus is on the development of critical thinking skills to prepare graduates for leadership and innovation in the field of human services. You will also gain valuable practical experience as part of the field education placement component.
What you'll need
Students studying this degree will be required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS), a National Police Record Check, and complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to being accepted for work placements. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence and or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.
What you'll learn
On completion of this degree, you will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values and ethics.
Building on knowledge and skills already attained through previous study, you will explore topics such as:
- social work values
- ethics and identity
- human rights
- current social issues
- mental health
- aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
- child protection
- cross cultural practice.
A portion of this degree will include practicum, with the remaining courses in social policy and social work theory. There is a major focus on leadership, innovation and research driven practice.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- presentations
- practice analysis
- case study analysis
- portfolios.
There may also be essays, assignments and examinations.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Master of Social Work
Learn from industry experts and world-class educators, gain hands-on experience in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio, and build professional networks that will kick-start your social work career. In our custom-built studios you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations. Using state-of-the-art recording equipment and cameras, you can review your work, receive feedback and learn from your experiences. Work placements will enable you to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your practical skills in a real-world scenario.
As Australia’s university of enterprise, we are No. 1 in South Australia for student satisfaction1 and we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 31,000 students.
We are fast becoming a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors that will drive Australia's future, including health and biomedicine. It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.
1ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA Public universities.
This could be you
Are you ready to enhance the wellbeing of others through advocacy, social change, relationship building and empowerment? Explore a degree in social work and discover the meaningful role social workers serve in building communities.
Your career
Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights.
Careers to consider:
- Aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living.
- Community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure the growth, health and vitality of a region.
- Correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders.
- Domestic violence victim services officer: counsel, investigate and report on incidences of domestic violence.
- Disability services officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities.
- Social planner: a pivotal role in creating liveable, sustainable communities; social planners create strategic policy and action that policy in order to meet the needs and wants of the people.
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates of the Master of Social Work are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a social work student you will have access to our state-of-the art Social Work and Human Services studio, equipped with recording equipment and cameras so that you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.
Your program director
I have international teaching experience in social work and social development. My main area of interest is critical social work practice towards the advancement of human rights and the challenging of social inequality and injustice. I am passionate about helping social work students gain an incisive understanding of social work and its implications for practice. The courses I teach include human rights and community development, social research and critical practice in organisations. This program is delivered by a dedicated team of world-class academics who are experts in their respective fields, with the assistance of experienced practice professionals.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
"I like that this degree is comprehensive - we’re not just studying about helping people with their social functioning but also about social policies, issues and the implications they might have. It encourages us to put our critical lenses on, which I think is really important."
Rubina Chitrakar
Master of Social Work
Community Rehabilitation Support Worker, Neami National
"The Social Work degree provides me with a window into the cultures of Australian society, something that is interesting and challenging. Once I graduate, I aim to use my intervention and assessment knowledge to listen to the stories of my clients and help them face their issues positively, and with new thinking."
Yi Bin
Master of Social Work
Further study qualified me to work in an allied health professional stream in government – it helped to diversify my career options and I’m so glad I did it. My role is focused on working with young offenders and their families to try and reduce offending behaviour, and includes making home visits, attending court and writing court reports. I enjoy helping young people strive to make positive choices, which can have significant long-term outcomes.
Steven Goss
Master of Social Work
Youth Treatment Orders Project Officer | Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People
