Master of Social Work - prior to 31 December 2020

The Master of Social Work is a 72-unit program offered by the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.

Graduates of the Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry) are eligible to join the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Topics are taught online or face-to-face. Students in the Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry) are required to attend at least 20 days on campus throughout their full period of study for the Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry). This course requirement applies to students who are enrolled and studying while living overseas as well as to those who live in Australia. Students enrolled online can meet the requirement to attend 20 days on campus by attending non-semester (NS) topics delivered via a combination of online preparation and one 5 day intensive. At least one NS intensive topic is offered each semester. At least one block of at least 5 days face-to-face study must be completed prior to the first placement. Students who live in the Adelaide area can achieve this requirement by enrolling in topics delivered on campus. Students on international visas must also meet face-to-face attendance requirements according to their visa provisions.

The Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual can be used as a pathway to the Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry) for those students who do not have a Social Science background.

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Programs of study

Admission requirements

There are two points of entry into the Master of Social Work:

Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry)

Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in a discipline other than social work. Applicants must also have successfully completed one year of full-time equivalent study in Social Science as defined by the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.

Applicants who have not completed one year of full-time equivalent study in Social Science should apply for the Flinders Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual. Applicants who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Society and the Individual for admission to the Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry) will meet the social sciences requirements. International applicants must satisfy English Language Proficiency requirements with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band or equivalent.

Master of Social Work (Qualified Social Workers Entry)

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree recognised by the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW) or a qualification deemed equivalent by the Dean (Education) are eligible to apply for entry to the Master of Social Work (Qualified Social Worker Entry). Applicants for the MSW (Qualified) must have completed either (a) an AASW-accredited Bachelor of Social Work Honours or (b) an AASW-accredited Bachelor of Social Work plus at least 2 years professional work experience (paid or volunteer) or equivalent.

International applicants must satisfy English Language Proficiency requirements with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band or equivalent.

Course aims

This course aims to:

• provide students with the knowledge and skills to practice responsibly and reflectively as a professional social worker, in keeping with the standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers
• involve students in researching, analysing and articulating a framework for inclusive and ethical professional social work practice
• inform students about, and enable them to critically reflect and comment on, relevant current social justice debates
• educate students about the colonial history of Australia and its long-term effects on First Nations Australians, including analysis of current policies and social work practices affecting First Nations Australians families and communities
• develop students’ knowledge about current evidence-based professional social work practice models and approaches
• enable students to carry out research, assess the value of research to social work practice, and articulate a framework for inclusive and ethical professional social work practice research
• enable students to develop their professional values, knowledge and skills and demonstrate their practice judgement and expertise, normally through involvement in two agency-based field placements
• help students identify the cultural context of various practice,  approaches and their relevance to specific situations and populations
• delineate the connections between interpersonal practice, social policy and research at a national and international level

Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of this course students will be able to:

• practice as a professional social worker in a knowledgeable, competent, reflective and responsible manner
• understand and assess the complex individual, family, societal 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 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
• show awareness of the historical, cultural and interpersonal contexts that affect how First Nations Australians approach social work services, and demonstrate ways of moving toward mutual trust and engagement
• conduct, analyse, interpret and contribute to the current research related to social issues, social policy and social work practice
• demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning as a critically reflective practitioner

Programs of study

• Master of Social Work (Qualified Social Worker Entry) - 36 unit pathway
• Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry) - full 72 unit course