Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry)

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

1. practice as a professional social worker in a knowledgeable, competent, reflective and responsible manner
2. understand and assess the complex individual, family, societal and systemic factors that contribute to the issues experienced by social work clients
3. articulate the theory, rationale and methods involved in various professional practice approaches and demonstrate the ability to utilise these approaches differentially
4. identify, interpret and respond professionally to the major social justice issues facing Australian society and the international community
5. show awareness of the historical, cultural and interpersonal contexts that affect how Aboriginal Australians approach social work services, and demonstrate ways of moving toward mutual trust and engagement
6. conduct, analyse, interpret and contribute to the current research related to social issues, social policy and social work practice
7. demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning as a critically reflective practitioner

The Master of Social Work is a coursework program designed to provide higher degree coursework and meets the standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers.

It is 2 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Social Work - Graduate Entry requires 2 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). 

Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (2012) require that students undertake a minimum of twenty (20) days of face-to-face study on-campus. Students enrolled externally 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 five day intensive each. At least one block of at least five days face-to-face study must be completed prior to the first placement.

This degree requires completion of two (2) field placements of 500 hours each.

Students will undertake professional experience placements as part of the course. For more information visit www.flinders.edu.au/sabs/ssps/social-work/field-education/information-for-students/placement-requirements.cfm.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake four subjects per semester and part-time students undertake two subjects per semester. 

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Social Work - Graduate Entry, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic outlined in the program of study.

Exit points

Upon completion of 36 units, excluding the two placement topics (SOAD9107 and SOAD9208) a student may choose to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Social Care - Exit Only, subject to meeting the program of study for that award.

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Indicative total fee $49,824

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

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22

Applicants must hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline other than social work; and must also have completed the equivalent of one year full-time (36 units) of social science (as defined by the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia ( www.assa.edu.au ) i.e. education, psychology, law, political science, history, accounting, economics, marketing, sociology, management, geography etc) topics within their undergraduate studies. Selection is based on academic merit.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses.
This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants:

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test  (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit

This degree requires completion of two (2) field placements of 500 hours each. 

Placements are usually offered over four days per week.
Placements are designed to provide you with learning opportunities in a range of practice settings, with varied practice methodologies and different client groups.

Field placements enable you to develop professional values, knowledge and skills and demonstrate your judgement and expertise.

The course has inherent requirements including in the areas of:

• Skill requirements
• Professional experience placement requirements
• Reasonable adjustments

For further details visit the Master of Social Work inherent requirements webpage.

Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (2012) require that students undertake a minimum of twenty (20) days of face-to-face study on-campus. Normally students are expected to include some face-to-face study in all four semesters of full-time equivalent study. To meet these requirements, students can choose from various topics offered as on-campus intensives.