Master of Social Work

This degree prepares graduates for practice in a range of social work roles including working with individuals, groups and families, community work, advocacy, research, planning and policy development and management and administration. The frameworks for practice embedded in the program are designed to ensure graduates are effective, ethical and innovative thinkers, communicators, problem-solvers, change facilitators and leaders.

There are career opportunities for social workers in government, non-government and private sector agencies with jobs in hospital and community health settings, youth work, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, child and family welfare, child protection, youth and adult offending, employment and income support, aged care, community development, family support, disability services, services for women, multicultural services and many other social welfare organisations.

Enrolled students and graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the AASW. As these requirements may change from time to time, students should contact the AASW to confirm registration requirements.

Professional recognition

This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards 2012 (ASWEAS).

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Social Work, a student must hold a relevant three-year degree in a related field (other than social work)* which includes at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (studies of the individual and society) or equivalent.

* This includes programs in human services, social sciences, behavioural sciences, counselling and psychological sciences.

Note: Applicants are not permitted to defer an offer. Should you be unable to accept an offer, you must re-apply for entry in the following year.

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to these programs are as follows:

A minimum overall band score of 7.0 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.5.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

Graduates from a non-English speaking background should be aware that an IELTS score of 7.0 with no sub-score less than 7.0 is required for eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). You will be required to complete an IELTS test at your own expense.

On campus requirements

All students are required to attend at least 20 days on campus throughout their full period of study. This is a non-negotiable requirement of all AASW accredited social work programs in Australia. This can be achieved by attending the embedded compulsory intensives in set courses throughout the program:

·       7060HSV Foundations of Social Work Practice (10 days)*

·       7033HSV Interdisciplinary Professional Ethics (5 days)

·       7063HSV Critical Reflective Practice in Social Work (5 days)

* 7060HSV Foundations of Social Work Practice must be completed in the first trimester of study. Students must pass this introductory course to continue in the program and undertake the first field placement course.

This program is offered in full-time and part-time mode. However, if you are intending to study part-time, it must be noted that the two field placements components of the program are to be completed within a full-time study load (at a minimum of three days per week).

Session 2 (July-Oct) intensive is scheduled in approx. October each year.

Session 3 (Nov-Feb) intensive is scheduled in approx. January of each year.

Practicum placement

Work-integrated learning activities (professional placements) integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith's commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life.

There will be two field placement courses. These field placements are of 500 hour minimum duration in an agency that meets the requirements of Griffith University. Students will be supervised by a qualified social worker for the duration of the field placement. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a work-place based field placement.

Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. Credit will only be awarded in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2012 - Guideline 1.3: Guidance on RPL, articulation and credit transfer.

For more information, please visit the following website:

• Credit transfer

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Social Work (MSocW), a student must acquire 180 credit points as prescribed below:

• Generalist Practice pathway:
  • gain 170 credit points for core courses and
  • gain 10 credit points for a listed elective course.
• Dissertation pathway:
  • gain 150 credit points for core courses and
  • gain 30 credit points for the research dissertation courses.