Master of Advanced Social Work

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Part Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 16,000 / year

Next Intake January-2026

Master of Advanced Social Work

About

Overview

The Master of Advanced Social Work provides advanced skills relevant to social work practice and social policy and addresses the complex and growing challenges faced by this sector.

This course develops your leadership skills and connections in the community and health and human services sectors and equips you to make a profound impact on the health and well-being of individuals and society.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for qualified social workers at varying stages of their careers, including recent graduates, established practitioners and those seeking to advance their careers or move into a new field of professional practice.

International students are welcome to study this course. However, please note that this course is not available to international students who require a student visa to study in Australia as it does not meet the onshore study requirements and it is not registered with CRICOS.

Course aims

This course is designed to prepare social workers for leadership and specialist roles in the health, mental health and human services sectors. By undertaking this course, you will push the boundaries of knowledge, understand and benefit from evidence-informed practice to effectively respond to the problems that affect individuals, families, communities and organisations. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of knowledge, policy and research as it relates your practice, and learn from leading academics who conduct evidence-based research in the fields of health, mental health, child and family welfare, ageing, social policy, policy evaluation and leadership.

Pathways

You may also be interested in the following courses:

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work
Specialist Certificate in Advanced Social Work
Specialist Certificate in Implementation Science
Specialist Certificate in Service Navigation.

If you’re not a qualified social worker, but you have an undergraduate degree in a field related to health and human services, you may be interested in one of our Health and Human Services courses.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

An undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (typically a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work) which provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (or equivalent), AND
At least two years of documented relevant work experience.

You must also:

Submit a personal statement outlining your motivations for undertaking this course, AND
Nominate a professional referee.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

7.0

with written 7.0 and no band less than 7.0
TOEFL

94+

with writing 27; speaking 24; reading 24; listening 24
PEARSON

72+

with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 72
CAMBRIDGE

185+

with no skill less than 185
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

The Selection Committee will also consider your personal statement, work history, and referee report.

English Program Requirements

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

7.0

with written 7.0 and no band less than 7.0

TOEFL

94+

with writing 27; speaking 24; reading 24; listening 24

PEARSON

72+

with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 72

CAMBRIDGE

185+

with no skill less than 185

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

Career outcomes

According to projections, the health and community services sector will grow more rapidly than any other in the next five years* This will create demand for high-calibre health, community services and social workers, a trend that is echoed internationally. The Advanced Social Work course allows you to take advantage of this demand.

As a graduate of this course, you will have developed the ability to engage in a critical reflection of your own practice and be able to lead effectively in this sector, with the capabilities and skills to build important connections between people and organisations.

_{**Australian Government, Department of Employment, 2016 Industry Employment Projections Report.}

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Primary Health Care, the graduate researcher will be able to:

demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge that includes recent developments in one or more disciplines
independently investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
independently design and execute a substantial piece of research that makes a contribution to knowledge within their field
disseminate research findings effectively in the professional arena
demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and integrity.