Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (R7O)

Social Workers strive to improve lives and are committed to combating inequality. They recognise that compassion and support are fundamental to improving social, financial, environmental and cultural wellbeing. Whether they have faced their own challenges or just want to give back, our students are looking for a meaningful and impactful career.

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) prepares students for generalist social work practice, helping them to develop core knowledge, skills and values that can be applied across fields and methods of social work practice.

In this course, you will learn to respond to social justice, human rights and socio-environmental challenges in ways that are culturally responsive, principled, regenerative, and effective. Threaded through the course is a focus on decolonising, Indigenising, sustainability, collaboration, and innovation in social work, ensuring that as a graduate, you are well-equipped for new and diverse roles in changing workplaces. Our courses focus on applied learning opportunities that include community, health, and human services agencies. Over two years, you’ll complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised professional field education placement.

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an Australian Association of Social Workers accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.

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Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects and the English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

English Language Requirements

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field:

A bachelor's degree other than in Social Work from the University of Tasmania or approved tertiary institution with:

• a major or equivalent in a related field such as social sciences, behavioural sciences, psychology, nursing or education.
• a minimum of 8 units (100 credit points) or equivalent in the studies of society and the studies of behavioural or psychological sciences. Of these units, at least one must be in the social sciences and at least one unit in behavioural and psychological sciences.
• these 8 units (100 credit points) must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-related field:

Bachelor's degree in a non-related field may complete a pathway into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) by completing either:

• 8 units (100 credit points) from the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours, comprising 4 units (50 credit points) of Core units at Introductory (100) level and 4 units (50 credit points) of Core units at Intermediate level (200)

or;

• In addition to holding a completed bachelor degree, the Diploma of Arts which include 100 credit points as per the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours pathway are accepted.

Safety in Practice Compliance

Students need to complete a Safety in Practice Agreement to meet pre-practicum requirements. This includes a National Police Record Check and relevant Working with Vulnerable People Check. See more information and resources at Social Work Field Education Placements.

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

Social workers may support people in one-on-one direct counselling, helping families, supporting community awareness through casework, counselling, advocacy, community engagement and development and social action.

Social workers also work in areas such as policy development, education and research particularly around issues of social justice, disadvantage and the marginalisation of people in their communities or in society. The healthcare and social assistance industry is projected to grow 23% by 2026.*

*ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission projections to 2026.

There are many career pathways available for students who complete a degree in Social Work, including: