Overview

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (MSWQ) is a professional entry qualification that prepares social work students for meaningful work in a global profession. Students develop a deep appreciation for the profession and foster a macro outlook that informs social work at the micro and national level. They recognise the interconnectedness of social issues across borders and possess the tools to effect positive change at all levels.

Interested in pursuing a career in social work? Register your interest in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) today! Complete our Registration of Interest form to receive updates on course details, application deadlines, and how this degree can prepare you for a rewarding career focused on making a positive impact on individuals and communities. The intake begins in December 2024.

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

Why Choose This Course?

The EQUALS MSWQ empowers students to become agents of change that promote social justice, equity, and sustainable development. Students gain a deep understanding of the complex international socio-political and economic factors that perpetuate poverty, inequality, racism, discrimination and oppression. They acquire knowledge of social work interventions, including counselling, advocacy, and community development, to address these challenges and empower individuals and communities.

The MSWQ course is designed for those who are passionate about promoting positive change and improving the wellbeing of society as a whole. Graduates emerge with a strong foundation in social work theory and research and an understanding of the dominant influences on theory construction as well as specialised knowledge in the areas of sustainable development and social justice in Australia and internationally.

The course encourages a participatory approach to social work, emphasising the importance of working collaboratively with community members and stakeholders to ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and contextually relevant. Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to critically analyse complex social problems and design effective, culturally responsive interventions that promote social justice and human rights in diverse contexts.

EQUALS MSWQ graduates are ready to become effective leaders in the field of social work in Australia or abroad. They will demonstrate the ability to critically analyse complex social problems, design culturally responsive interventions, and engage in research and advocacy that promotes social justice and human rights around the world.

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.

Possible Career 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

Entry Requirements

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.

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.

English Language 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.

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.

Graduate Attributes and Skills

Graduates of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course will be professional practitioners who:

• demonstrate a commitment to the service of humanity through an expression of humility and compassion
• advocate for diversity, justice, and equality and seek to empower others
• demonstrate professional competence in all aspects of social work practice
• strive to maintain the highest professional standards of care and personal integrity; and
• are committed to continuing to improve their own professional practice through learning and the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

Course Accreditation

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

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is provisionally accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). 

Detailed Fees & Charges

EQUALS adopts a simple approach to tuition fees. This means that most additional incidental costs (other than those specified in the annual Fee Schedule) are covered in the tuition fee. This makes budgeting and paying for your studies simpler. For example, the following fees are included in the one fee and not levied separately.

GST is not applicable for accredited higher education courses.

Tuition fees are subject to annual review and adjustment. Actual tuition fees payable are the fees published prior to the commencement of each academic year for that year.

Access the Fee Schedule (Tuition and Non-Tuition) on the provided link or on the Forms and Downloads page.

FEE-HELP Loans

The Bachelor of Human Services is FEE-HELP approved for eligible students.

The FEE-HELP Loan scheme is a loan program designed to help eligible students enrol and gain a quality higher level Higher Education and Training at EQUALS who could not otherwise afford to pay fees upfront.

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.

Credit for Prior Learning and Advanced Standing

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.

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.

Work Integrated Learning

Field Placements are a vital and exciting part of your Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course.

Each of the two Field Placements is equivalent to a full time unit of study of 20 credit points across 14 weeks. A total of 1000 Field Placement hours will be completed in order to meet AASW membership requirements.

Other requirements:
Safe Environments for Children Certification
Meeting Inherent Requirements
Standard Mental Health First Aid (desirable)

Conduct while on placement:
You are expected to follow:

• EQUALS Student Partnership Agreement
• Field Placement WIL Partner Codes, Policies and Procedures
• AASW Field Education Standards
• EQUALS Student Placement Agreement Requirements

Placement Setting
The following are essential requirements:

• Two of placements must be in different fields of practice
• Two placements should be in different organisations
• Each placement must involve face-to-face, direct service delivery.

Screening Checks:
EQUALS requires social work students to undergo a screening check for five types of screening prior to commencement of placement. These types of screening are: child related employment, disability services employment, aged care sector employment, vulnerable person employment and general employment probity.

Students are required to have a current Screening Check clearance letter prior to the commencement of field placement. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the clearance letter remains current for the duration of the placement.

Further information can be obtained from the DCSI website at:
http://screening.dcsi.sa.gov.au/screening-process/how-to-apply