Master of Social Work

This master degree will help to further extend practical skills, as well as provide you with an advanced understanding of:

social work values ethics and identity human rights current social issues mental health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures child protection cross cultural practice A key focus is on the development and application of research processes and methodologies, and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse information.

You will also gain valuable practical experience as part of the field education placement component.

What you'll need All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements.

The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed.

You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate.

Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

Entry requirements

All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements. The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed.

You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate. Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

On completion you will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values and ethics.

Building on knowledge and skills already attained through previous study, you will explore topics such as:

• social work values
• ethics and identity
• human rights
• current social issues
• mental health
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• child protection
• cross cultural practice

A portion of this degree will include practicum, with the remaining courses in social policy and social work theory. There is a major focus on leadership, innovation and research driven practice.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

As part of your studies you will complete 1,000 hours of work placement over two years. This real-world experience is a critical focus of your studies and provides valuable practical experience and the opportunity to build important industry relationships.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

Social work requires a strong commitment to and passion for social justice and human rights. If you think you’ve got what it takes the employment opportunities in Australia are excellent and the demand for graduates is high1, with graduating students quickly finding work in a range of fields.

Careers to consider:

• aged care worker: provide personal, physical and emotional support to older people who need assistance with everyday living
• correctional services officer: aid in the rehabilitation and counselling of offenders
• domestic violence victim services officer: counsel, investigate and report on incidences of domestic violence
• disability services officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities
• social planner: a pivotal role in creating liveable, sustainable communities; social planners create strategic policy and action that policy in order to meet the needs and wants of the people

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a social work student you will have access to state-of-the art social work studios, which are equipped with recording equipment and cameras so that you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.