About

Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in social work¹.
Join a university ranked No. 1 in South Australia for teaching quality in social work².
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 and Human Services Studio.
This master degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ²ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.

On completion of this degree, 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.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

English Requirements

PTEMin 65
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 94

Career

Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights.

Careers to consider:

Aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living.
Community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure the growth, health and vitality of a region.
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.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of the Master of Social Work are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Fee Information

How to Apply

Set off on a new course in life by applying to become an international student at the University of South Australia. Just follow these four steps.

The University of South Australia does not charge an application fee.

Find the best program for you

Start your search and discover the possibilities

Check entry requirements

Make sure you are aware of entry requirements for the University as well as individual program requirements.

English language requirements
Guidelines on genuine temporary entry
Guidelines on living costs and evidence of funds

Undergraduate – you must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 program or an equivalent program in your home country or a recognised Pathway or Foundation Studies Program. If you are an international student studying Year 12 in Australia you need to apply via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).

Postgraduate – At a minimum you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, to the required standard, from a recognised higher institution in Australian or the international equivalent and/or the equivalent professional work experience. The University offers both coursework and research degrees.

See if you need to apply through a registered UniSA Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through a registered UniSA education agent unless you are already onshore in Australia. View the full list of countries by citizenship here.

You will also find a full list of registered UniSA agents on our website (Find an agent).

Find an agent

Apply using our online International Application System

Once you have found the program you wish to study, from the program's home page click 'apply online' which will take you to our easy to use online International Application System. What can you expect from UniSA’s new International Application System:

A quick and easy to use online application form
Ability to track the progress of your application throughout the submission, assessment, offer and acceptance stages
Ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment through our secure online system

Accept your offer

Follow our step-by-step guide to accepting your offer, then get excited preparing for student life in Adelaide.

Important information

There is no closing date for submitting your application. Application outcomes will be advised within one to two weeks from the date we receive your application and all required supporting documentation. If you require a student visa, you will need to allow additional time to apply for a student visa.