Save up to 75% on postgraduate course fees
The UOW Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make important contributions to the betterment of people and communities.
Your UOW degree will ensure you’re ready to promote social change and will help you make a difference to the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities. This accredited course balances practical skills, concepts and theory, as well as hands-on experience in professional practice, equipping you with strong communication and community engagement skills, developing your understanding of social work methods, and honing your social research and policy development abilities.
In 2026, the University of Wollongong is making postgraduate study more accessible. Eligible domestic students will benefit from up to 75% off course fees through either a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW subsidised fee reduction, supporting students to upskill and advance their careers.
Eligibility & fees Apply now
The placements are an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in an agency, apply learning in practice and grow professionally. I’ve been able to explore two different fields of social work, each offering valuable experience and insight. These placements often open doors to employment. Social work is a profession in demand, and the master's degree provides the skills and knowledge to work across many areas of practice.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can be studied over two years full-time (four subjects per semester). You can also choose to study part-time and work at your own pace. Students who are working full-time often study part-time, choosing to complete one to two subjects per semester, taking four years to complete the full degree.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires the successful completion of 96 credit points.
View the Course Handbook for the complete course structure and learning outcomes.
| Session | Campus | Session Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | Autumn | Wollongong Liverpool |
Autumn 2026: 2 March - 25 June 2026 |
|
Course |
Campus | Course Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | Wollongong Liverpool |
$19,072 (2026) |
The above tuition fees are the amount payable for a Commonwealth supported place.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are University places where, for eligible domestic students, tuition fees are made up of two parts:
To be eligible for this fee subsidy, you must meet the following criteria: Be a domestic student, i.e. an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or a permanent Australian Humanitarian visa holder.
*Total indicative course tuition fees shown is for a Commonwealth supported place. These fees are based on normal course length and progression and are subject to change from year to year. For up to date information on course structure and fees, refer to the UOW Course Handbook.
You can choose to study the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) on campus in Wollongong or Liverpool via flexible learning.
Flexible delivery means that class times are designed to allow students to maintain work and family balance, and are taught in 4 or 5 two-day blocks (Fridays and Saturdays) per session. On campus study provides face-to-face interaction with our passionate lecturers and teachers and means that you have a greater opportunity to network with your classmates.
A recognised bachelor's degree in social sciences, psychology, public health, education, nursing, or a related undergraduate qualification with at least one year of Social Science content (i.e., studies of the individual and society), completed in the last 10 years.
If qualifications are older than 10 years, applicants may still be considered if they have current relevant work experience.
Two subjects in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) each include a 500-hour workplace placement. These placements help students develop practical social work skills and experience. Our Field Education Coordinators source placements based on each student’s interests, availability and location. Most students attend placement 3–4 days per week during the placement to complete the required hours.
Both placements are required for Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation. Students with extensive social work experience may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) to receive credit for the first placement subject.
Learn more about social work placements.
Learn about UOW placement grants and Commonwealth Prac Payments.
So my name's Harrison. I'm studying and master's in social work.
I'm passionate about helping people and I want to help people in ways that are often missed.
So I think this degree will really help me in my career because it sort of has laid the foundation for for what I know.
It's also given me a lot of experience and so that's really enabled me to meet a lot of fantastic people, yeah, in the workforce, but also a lot of fantastic teachers.
Doing the degree will really help me in my career because it offers in accreditation.
I knew that if I was to go out in the workforce, I have that accreditation. I was quite confident that I was going to have good employability prospects. Doing the degree was kind of no brainer, really.
Studying this degree has definitely given me the confidence that I feel like I've needed. I think that's been the biggest thing that I've gotten from doing this degree.
Make important contributions to the betterment of people and communities.
Explore furtherThe Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
Find out more
Studying the Master of Social Work at UOW deepened my passion for social justice and empowered me to drive real change. The practical experiences, from placements to leadership roles, helped me apply my skills meaningfully. UOW’s supportive environment and practical curriculum enriched my learning and career. Today, I lead impactful projects through my non-profit in India and was honoured as a finalist for the 2025 IABCA Community Services Award. I’m truly grateful to UOW.
If you have questions about postgraduate study, book a consult with one of our postgraduate course specialists.
In 2026, eligible domestic students will benefit from up to 75% off course fees through either a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW subsidised fee reduction, supporting students to upskill and advance their careers.
UOW understands that postgrad students may need study support. UOW offers online study support via our Student Success Specialists and Learning Skills Advisors.
UOW Careers service can help you gain professional experience, provide advice on finding new opportunities, applying for roles, resume reviews via our online appointment service.
