Social Work (Qualifying)

Coursework

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) prepares students with non-social work bachelor's degrees for employment as qualified social work practitioners. Applicants to this program are required to demonstrate substantial experience in human and community services. The program equips its graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in an environment that is complex, diverse and changing.

Human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work (International Federation of Social Work and the Australian Association of Social Work).The University of Sydney’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program is designed to produce graduates who are reflective, versatile and skillful in a range of practice areas and able to translate professional values into action.

Award requirements

Please refer to the course rules in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
To qualify for the award of Master of Social Work (Qualifying), candidates must complete 96 credit points comprising;

• 78 credit points of core units of study including a capstone unit to be taken at the candidate’s last semester; and
• 18 credit points of elective units of study, including a minimum of one research unit.

Course Content

The course content covers key areas of social work practice, including: practice with Indigenous Australians, mental health, child protection, violence against women, ageing and social exclusion. The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program enables graduates to meet AASW Practice Standards

Units of study are offered in a range of modes, including: block mode; evenings; and blended (on-line and face to face). Most students will be able to complete course work (not Practice Learning) requirements by attending campus one day per week, in combination with substantial time allocated off-campus for self-directed learning, class preparation, and completion of assignments.

Learning outcomes

• understand the importance of social work values and practices within societal and global contexts;
• demonstrate understanding of theories of human development and behaviour, and how these theories support and inform social work practice;
• articulate the values, processes and outcomes of social work and how they apply to various contexts;
• demonstrate awareness of social policy, in line with legislation, legal frameworks, procedures and practices, and how these impact people from various backgrounds;
• identify and critically reflect on ethical dilemmas, and use relevant social work theories in problem solving;
• promote social work values, responsibilities and objectives in professional practice;
• demonstrate knowledge of differences within Australian society, such as culture, age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation and economic status;
• adapt and modify practice in order to reflect respect for clients from diverse backgrounds or needs;
• incorporate knowledge from other disciplines, in particular, the social and behavioural sciences; and
• demonstrate the appropriate skills in order to communicate effectively with agencies, policy makers, stakeholders and clients from various backgrounds and needs

Contacts and further information

Dr Emma Tseris
Phone: 02 9036 9313
Location: Room 728, Education Building, A35
Email: