Applicants may be admitted to the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) if they have previously successfully completed a relevant Bachelor (AQF Level 7) degree course that contains at least one year, or the equivalent (8 Units) of full-time studies in the social and behavioural sciences, as required by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Units from the following broad fields may be considered:

• Allied Health
• Anthropology
• Community and welfare studies
• Counselling
• Gender studies
• History
• Human development
• Law
• Media and arts
• Nursing
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by EQUALS as equivalent to Australian qualifications.

The accrediting body may have additional requirements, including minimum English language, to meet professional accreditation standards.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements for social work are the abilities, knowledge, skills, and values to achieve the learning outcomes that students need to complete their course of study. In doing so students will demonstrate that they meet the professional association’s (AASW) Practice Standards (2023). Social work is a values-based profession, and it is essential that graduates can understand and demonstrate these values in their practice.

Social work is an inclusive profession and works to ensure that anyone who has a disability or chronic health condition can meet these requirements with reasonable adjustments. However, reasonable adjustments do not change the inherent requirements for social work, students must meet these as they undertake practicums in the human and health services and hence need to work with diversity.

Learn more about Inherent Requirements.

English Requirements

International student IELTS requirement: Academic IELTS overall band of 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in each band (or equivalent).

English Language proficiency requirements are applicable to international students and in addition to academic or special entry requirements noted in the Admission Pathway section.

The AASW sets the English language requirements for professional social work practice in Australia. It is important to note that the AASW’s English language requirements for employment purposes in Australia may be higher than EQUALS’ entry requirements. Please refer to the AASW’s English Language Policy.

Additional Course Specific Entry Requirements

Applicants must complete a Personal Statement (up to 350 words) detailing the following:

• What is your motivation to choose a career pathway into Social Work and what are the qualities you bring
• How do your previous studies and experience align with the degree

Interview
All applicants are required to participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals to ensure that the student is committed and has the ability and motivation to succeed in their study with EQUALS. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.

Further Pathways

EQUALS’ Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will prepare graduates for a fulfilling career in social work and prepares graduates with the skills to work across a diverse range of community settings both in Australia and internationally. Potential career outcomes include, but are not limited to:

• Social worker
• Child protection worker
• Case manager
• Family support worker
• Community worker
• Engagement officer
• Policy advisor
• Youth worker

Study Units

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level nine qualification

Units: 14 units

Location: This course is delivered at the Adelaide campus. Students are expected to meet on campus timetable commitments.

Full time study duration: 2 years full time (3 trimesters per academic year)

Academic Calendar: For more details please click here.

Course Structure: This course has 14 core units; 2 trimesters of timetabled Work Integrated Learning field placement, which involves 1000 hours of supervised placement across the first and second years of standard study mode. This enables graduates to qualify for AASW membership at the end of their course.

Field placement units occur in the third and sixth trimester of the course, or as negotiated, authorised alternative in special circumstances.

When you have completed the 1000 hours of field placements, you will have met the professional experience requirements for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Year 1

Trimester 1

• HRW100 Human Rights Based Social Work Practice
• CUL100 Cultural Perspectives in Human Social Development
• ATS100 Social Work with First Nations Peoples

Trimester 2

• INC100 Theories of Social Work for Inclusive Practice
• LEG100 Social Work Legal and Ethical Issues: National and International Perspectives
• PRE100 Engaging in Professional Contexts

Trimester 3

• WIL100 First Work Integrated Learning Placement

Year 2

Trimester 4

• LGT200 Recovery from Loss, Grief, and Trauma: Global Perspectives
• CHI200 Global Child Welfare
• MEN200 Social Work in Mental Health and Addictions

Trimester 5

• RES200 Social Work Practice Research
• SOC200 Social Issues, Social Development and Social Policy in a Global Context
• HEA200 Social Work in Health, Disability and Aged Care

Trimester 6

• WIL200 Second Work Integrated Learning Placement

Delivery Format

The MSWQ empowers students to become confident agents of their own learning. This course is delivered through a blended campus mode with small classes, allowing students to closely interact with their peers and highly experienced learning and teaching staff.

The MSWQ goes beyond classroom-based learning and engages students in a variety of dynamic and experiential learning activities. These include field trips and industry seminars, lectures and workshops, case studies and scenario-based exercises, written reports, reflections, and presentations.

With an emphasis on applied learning, students participate in two field placements, where students are required and assisted to accept one placement with an international context (an approved Australian based placement or offshore based placement). This provides a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience with global social issues and participate in transnational approaches which make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable populations.

The MSWQ offers a holistic learning experience that equips graduates with the tools and confidence to become leaders in the global field of social work.

Course Accreditation

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

EQUALS’ Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course has been provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Course Outcomes

The MSWQ provides you with a broad and cohesive knowledge of key theories and practice relevant to the social work for application in a range of professional contexts and to instil a commitment to sustainable practice and ongoing professional development and learning.

Graduates will be able to:

• Practice as a professional social worker in a knowledgeable, competent, reflective and responsible manner in Australia or overseas
• Understand and assess the complex individual, family, societal, cultural and systemic factors that contribute to the issues experienced by people who use social work services
• Articulate the theory, rationale and methods involved in various professional practice approaches in Australia and globally and demonstrate the ability to apply these approaches differentially
• Identify, interpret and respond professionally to the major social justice issues facing Australian society and the international community eligible for membership of professional groups, organisations, and industry peak bodies; and
• Demonstrate an understanding of the colonial history of Australia and other countries, the long-term effects on First Nations peoples, and the impact of policies and social work on First Nations families and communities
• Conduct, analyse, interpret and contribute to the current research related to global social issues, social policy and social work practice
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning as a critically reflective practitioner in a global context.

Applications

Please feel free to Ask a Question to find out more, or if you’re ready, please submit an online Application for enrolment by clicking on the following link https://equals.edu.au/apply/.

If you have any questions about this course, please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au by providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.

Offers and Acceptance

If you are made an offer to study at EQUALS, you will receive a Letter of Offer which will include step-by-step details on how to accept your offer. This Letter of Offer is based on the documented evidence provided and subject to the application meeting the published entry criteria. It is important that you carefully read and understand the Letter of Offer. Any conditions of the offer are clearly specified in the Letter of Offer.

If you have any questions, please contact an Admissions Advisor at +61 8 8110 1200 or by email at admissions@equals.edu.au.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the Student Selection and Admissions Policy and Procedure.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed formal studies in a similar area or have work experience you may be eligible for credit through a recognition for prior learning pathway.

For more details please refer to the Credit for Recognised Prior Learning Policy and Procedure.

If you wish to be granted credit for prior study or learning, please apply for credit for recognition of prior learning on the associated form with your application for enrolment.