Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)

Enhance your current qualifications and gain the critical skills to improve the lives of others, working towards creating a just and equitable society. This specialist postgraduate professional qualifying course, recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers is designed to give you valuable opportunities to gain practical professional experience in social work practice and social welfare agencies, both in Australia and overseas.

Acquire valuable hands-on experience working with individuals, families, groups and communities through on-campus classes and/or residential workshops. JCU’s world-class lecturers provide consistent support and regular feedback to help you get the most out of your learning experience.

Students complete a series of essential core subjects, tailored to the unique and complex challenges of individuals, families, groups and communities. Subjects consider global and contemporary Australian issues and international perspectives with those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Work while you study with JCU’s flexible delivery options. You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning for one field education placement if you already have significant social welfare and human services experience.

View the handbook for a detailed overview of subjects.
Additional information

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying).

Work Integrated Learning

This course requires work-integrated learning (WIL) activities, such as placements, fieldwork, internships or industry-partnered projects. During the course, you will be required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of WIL.

Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) graduates are highly employable and make a difference in a variety of settings.

You could pursue a career as a social worker in government and non-government organisations throughout Australia or internationally.

Graduates find employment in areas like hospital and community health services, mental health services, child protection services, youth and family services.

You could work in a range of occupations, such as case work with individuals and families, community work and development roles, or social policy, research and advocacy roles.

Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Applicants must hold a recognised and appropriate undergraduate degree, or equivalent prior learning, including appropriate professional experience.

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3c – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be issued a JCU degree offer conditional upon achieving the required scores in an approved English test. You can undertake an English program at JCU to improve your skills prior to sitting your English test. If you are interested in doing this please contact enquiries@jcu.edu.au.

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.