Master of Social Work
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2020
You're viewing degree information for International students
You’re considered an International student if you are a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand.
Program Code
MMSK
Fees
2020: AUD$ 30,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
064242G
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Entry requirements
A completed Bachelor degree or Master level qualification in a related discipline (including, but not limited to, human services, community services, social science, psychology, Australian Indigenous or Aboriginal studies, public or community health) at a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
Applicants holding a completed Australian bachelor or master level qualification in Social Work are not eligible for entry.English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.English language testSee equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
Degree overview
- Gain advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values and ethics.
- Get practical experience and build pivotal networks with supervised local, rural and international work placements.
- Build your practical skills in our innovative, on-campus Social Work Studios.
- Gain advanced research skills.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Social Work and Psychology1.
- This master degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Snapshot
This master degree will help to further extend practical skills, as well as provide you with 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 and application of research processes and methodologies, and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse information. You will also gain valuable practical experience as part of the field education placement component.
What you'll need
All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements. The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed.
You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate. Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.
What you'll learn
On completion 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 and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). 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. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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 award-winning researchers, gain hands-on experience in our on-campus Social Work Studios, and build workplace networks when you complete field education placements. You will also graduate with advanced research skills.
In the custom-built Social Work 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 and learn from your experiences. Work placements will also provide valuable real-world experience during which you will experience first-hand what it’s like to work in local, rural and international settings.
If you would like to continue to work while you study the timetable for this master degree makes that possible, with flexible study options that accommodate other life commitments. As Australia’s university of enterprise:
- we are number one in South Australia for student satisfaction1
- we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 31,000 students
- we hold 26th spot in the QS World University Rankings for institutions under 50 years old in 20172
Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. In the 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation, 97 per cent of our assessed research was rated world-class or above. It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.
1 QILT: Course Experience Questionnaire 2015-2016 Overall Satisfaction Item
2 2017 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50
Your career
Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights. If you think you’ve got what it takes the employment opportunities in Australia are excellent and the demand for graduates is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a range of fields.
Careers to consider:
- aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living
- 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
1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015
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
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
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.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.
Your study experience and support
As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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
International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:
- careers advice
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- services offered through our student association, USASA
- accommodation services
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
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 state-of-the art social work studios, which are 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
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the view that learning is a lifelong and personal quest. My role as a teacher is not to fill the heads of students with all they need to know about a subject, but to point out the landmarks that have been helpful in my own journey.
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How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
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
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
The practical component of this degree has also been valuable. The South Australian Parliamentary Internship I undertook provided me with a platform where I could try and make a difference.
Olivia Skelton
Master of Social Work
