Master of Social Work

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

University Rank:#19

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Duration2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 40,138 / Year

Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

Master of Social Work

About

Overview

The Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne offers an outstanding graduate course of study. You will benefit from our research-led teaching, based on up-to-date data allowing you to apply the most relevant theory to your social work practice.

Why study the Master of Social Work (MSW) in Australia?

Nationally and globally accredited degree

This is one of the first masters degrees accredited nationally by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). A master’s degree in social work is a portable qualification, enabling you to work nationally or internationally.

Taught by leading experts

The course is led by highly qualified, experienced, research-active and accessible experts in the field, with strong ties to the profession and community services. Their expertise encompasses specialist knowledge in particular fields of practice including Mental health, child and family practice, health, ageing and substance abuse.

Developing research competence and specialised electives

We give you strong research preparation through specific skill development in social work research. This is important in teaching you to utilise current research to inform your practice and as preparation for research studies

You will undertake a specialist elective in the final semester. Throughout the degree you will find special areas of social work that interest you. You can follow these up more closely by undertaking a specialist elective in:

Health
Psychiatric disability
Group work
Aged care
Child and family
Social policy or mental health

Master of Social Work (MSW) course description

The course offers mixed teaching methods: lectures, tutorials, seminars, collaborative learning and practice simulations. This ensures a rich and diverse learning environment, and is inclusive of all students. Our specially designed interview simulation rooms allow you to practice and review your skills in a safe environment before commencing your fieldwork placements.

Upcoming information session

Master of Social Work Information Session: 2025 Spring Intake

When: Thursday 8 May 2025, 6.00-7.00pm AEST

Hear from our panel including Course Coordinator, Dr Nicole Hill and current students, speak about course content, placements, graduate outcomes and more. We’ll also cover eligibility, how and when to apply as well as a live Q and A with the audience.

Register here

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

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

An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (or equivalent), with studies to have been completed within 10 years of commencing this course, OR
An older undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and more recent graduate study that demonstrates current capacity for graduate study.

You must also provide:

A current curriculum vitae (CV) that details your education, workplace experience, and other relevant skills and training, AND
Contact details for a professional referee
- Relevant work experience may be paid or unpaid, and may be full-time or part-time, but for part-time experience, at least 40 hours should normally have been obtained in a single three-month period.

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

Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?

You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.

You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

Calculate your eligibility

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 no band less than 7.0
TOEFL

94+

with writing 27; speaking 23; 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 work experience and other training as detailed in your CV.

Indigenous applicants (Domestic applicants only)

Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to the Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne.

All eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must submit a Confirmation of Identity for verification.

Prospective Indigenous applicants are encouraged to contact the Indigenous Support Officer to receive advice and support in relation to the application and admission process.

Rural and Regional Background applicants (Domestic applicants only)

Domestic applicants with a rural or regional background have priority access to the Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne. If you have resided, according to principal home address, for at least 5 years consecutively or 10 years cumulatively in a rural or regional area of Australia, please let us know in the application process.

Rural and regional background applicants are encouraged to:

Use the workforce location map to check their geographical classification according to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Modified Monash Model (MMM). A rural/regional background is anywhere from MM2 to MM7.
Complete the relevant section under the Graduate Access Melbourne requirement in the application form including providing relevant supporting documentation.

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 no band less than 7.0

TOEFL

94+

with writing 27; speaking 23; 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

A worthwhile career awaits those who undertake this challenging and rewarding course. The University of Melbourne’s Master of Social Work has been specifically designed to equip graduates with the skills to work in various facets of social work practice, including casework, counselling, advocacy and community engagement. Expert staff and industry mentors will guide you to achieve your ambitions as a social worker and an ambassador for change.

This qualification can also assist those working in periphery fields, such as law or education, better comprehend the different and specialised needs of their clients or students.

Two highlights of the MSW

Career opportunities

Whether you want to work directly with individual clients or with communities more broadly, the Master of Social Work can prepare you to address societal disadvantages and develop solutions.

Extremely high employment prospects await graduates of this in demand course. Large numbers of students secure employment during or soon after graduation from the course. Graduates of this course also often experience rapid career advancement and promotion to senior positions.

Previous graduates of this program have progressed to rewarding careers in a range of human service contexts around Australia and the world. Graduates have been employed in key roles within health and mental health facilities, the criminal justice system, disability services, child protection and family violence, as well as in human service design and government policy. Some graduates also move into private practice and become registered with Medicare to provide mental health counselling services.

Students seeking a career change experience great success in this course. Those already working within the sector leave the degree with a greater possibility of a promotion to higher level positions and new specialisations within international and national NGOs and the government sector.

An internationally recognised qualification

Graduates of the University of Melbourne’s Master of Social Work are in high demand around the world.

Specialised skills and knowledge will steer you toward exciting local and international opportunities in human services organisations, community-based initiatives, government and private practice. Students of this course can also take advantage of placements around Australia, or internationally within the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and India.

Completion of this qualification also means graduates are eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The degree is also recognised by professional social work associations and regulatory bodies in a number of countries.

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Fee Information

Tuition Fee

40,138 / year

Application Fee 154

Master of Social Work

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

Go to Official Website