Why Master of Social Work?
Build a rewarding career where compassion meets action as a social worker. Address issues stemming from mental health, poverty and social injustice. Enhance wellbeing through advocacy, social change, relationship building and empowerment.
With Adelaide University’s Master of Social Work, you’ll support people facing hardship or significant change – providing a holistic approach to connect them with essential support services.
If you're passionate about social justice, dedicated to helping those in need, and enjoy finding practical solutions to complex issues, this program will provide the skills and hands-on experience necessary to build a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Overview
Our Master of Social Work is suitable for people who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant or related field and are wanting to upskill for a career in social work.
You’ll study advanced courses in social work policy, social work practice skills, ethical decision making, human rights-based practice and more.
Our comprehensive range of courses enable you to dive deep into a wide-range of theories and approaches – giving you the skills needed for social and human services work across diverse populations.
Throughout your studies, you'll have numerous opportunities to apply your learning in real-world settings. Simulations of professional interactions in purpose-built, state-of-the-art studios and up to 1000 hours of industry placements will allow you to refine your professional social work skills.
These experiences ensure you graduate with the advanced knowledge, techniques, and professional skills necessary to excel in your social work career.
Key features
Develop deeper insight into current social issues, social work values and ethics.- Gain an advanced knowledge in political and behavioural sciences.
- Explore social work approaches for individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations.
- Grow your skills alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated and real-life scenarios.
- Gain valuable experience through 1000 hours of work placements.
What you'll learn
The first year of study is designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to core social work theory, skills, principles and perspectives. You’ll complete courses covering social work and policy practice, contemporary practice theories for social work, social work practice skills, ethical decision making and Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
In second year, you’ll build professional skills and explore practical approaches in social work, with courses in:
- Human rights-based practice and community development
- Innovation and research
- Innovative social work practice with children and families
- Leadership in social work
- Mental health and social work practice.
To ensure you're fully prepared for your career, the program includes up to 1000 hours of hands-on industry placements taken across two years.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 60 units for all Core courses, and
- 36 units for all Work integrated learning
Complete 60 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Social Work and Policy Practice
|
Course code
SOWK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Practice Theories for Social Work
|
Course code
SOWK5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Work Practice Skills
|
Course code
SOWK5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethical Decision Making
|
Course code
SOWK5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Innovation and Research
|
Course code
SOWK6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Innovative Social Work Practice with Children and Families
|
Course code
SOWK6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mental Health and Social Work Practice
|
Course code
SOWK6002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Rights Based Practice and Community Development
|
Course code
SOWK6003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Social Work
|
Course code
SOWK6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
|
Course code
INDG5005
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or (Ageing and Disability) programs will receive 24 units of credit on admission to the Master of Social Work.
4. 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.
5. Prior to commencing placement, all students must have successfully completed a 1-day Child Safe Environments Course.
6. 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.
1. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or (Ageing and Disability) programs and are not required to complete Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing - INDG5005.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Social Work and Policy Practice
|
Course code
SOWK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Practice Theories for Social Work
|
Course code
SOWK5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Work Practice Skills
|
Course code
SOWK5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
|
Course code
INDG5005
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Social Work Practicum 1
|
Course code
SOWK5004
|
Units
18
|
|
Course name
Ethical Decision Making
|
Course code
SOWK5005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Innovation and Research
|
Course code
SOWK6000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Innovative Social Work Practice with Children and Families
|
Course code
SOWK6001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mental Health and Social Work Practice
|
Course code
SOWK6002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Rights Based Practice and Community Development
|
Course code
SOWK6003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Leadership in Social Work
|
Course code
SOWK6004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Work Practicum 2
|
Course code
SOWK6005
|
Units
18
|
Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Social Work Practicum 1
|
Course code
SOWK5004
|
Units
18
|
|
|
Course name
Social Work Practicum 2
|
Course code
SOWK6005
|
Units
18
|
Notes
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) or (Ageing and Disability) programs will receive 24 units of credit on admission to the Master of Social Work.
4. 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.
5. Prior to commencing placement, all students must have successfully completed a 1-day Child Safe Environments Course.
6. 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.
1. The prerequisites for these courses must be passed before enrolling.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Social Work and Policy Practice
|
Course code
SOWK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Practice Theories for Social Work
|
Course code
SOWK5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Work Practice Skills
|
Course code
SOWK5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
|
Course code
INDG5005
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Social Work Practicum 1
|
Course code
SOWK5004
|
Units
18
|
|
Course name
Ethical Decision Making
|
Course code
SOWK5005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Innovation and Research
|
Course code
SOWK6000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Innovative Social Work Practice with Children and Families
|
Course code
SOWK6001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mental Health and Social Work Practice
|
Course code
SOWK6002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Rights Based Practice and Community Development
|
Course code
SOWK6003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Leadership in Social Work
|
Course code
SOWK6004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Work Practicum 2
|
Course code
SOWK6005
|
Units
18
|
Career outcomes
Social workers provide support, counselling and service referrals. They undertake research and advocacy, with the ultimate aim of promoting a fairer, more inclusive society.
You could work in hospital or healthcare settings, providing advocacy support to patients to ensure they have a say in their care and receive appropriate care and resources. Maybe you’ll specialise in services for the elderly, assisting older people to live well and remain independent for as long as possible. Perhaps you’ll become a researcher, exploring important questions and issues within the social work field to inform future practice.
The fields and sectors employing social workers are as varied as the populations they assist. Potential areas of work include:
- Aged care
- Child and family services
- Community centres
- Disability services
- Employee assistance programs
- Government agencies
- Social policy
- Healthcare (hospitals, out-patient clinics, community and allied health settings)
- Hospice and end-of-life planning
- International and humanitarian organisations
- Justice and corrections
- Mental health support services
- Non-profit organisations
- Research and academia
- Schools and educational settings
- Addiction and substance misuse settings
- Veterans’ affairs.
Industry trends
The demand for qualified and dedicated social workers has never been higher, driven by an aging population, a growing need for mental health services, and government policies focusing on family violence and disability (Global Health Education Australia, 2022).
Since the 1990s, healthcare and social assistance have been the leading sectors for job creation in the Australian labour market, outpacing all other industries. This trend is set to continue, with an additional 301,000 jobs projected by 2026. At the same time, employment for Welfare Support Workers is expected to grow by 25.2% by 2026 (Australian Government, 2021).
Accreditation
This program is provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Graduates are eligible for membership of the AASW.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
