You’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below, including details on entry requirements, course delivery, placements, fees, and student support. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we recommend contacting our team for further information.
You'll need a recognised bachelor's degree in social sciences, psychology, public health, education, nursing, or a related field, including at least one year of Social Science content (studies of the individual and society). Your degree needs to have been completed within the last 10 years, if it's older than that, you may still be considered if you have current relevant work experience in the field
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) has one intake per year, starting in Autumn session (March), at either our Wollongong or Liverpool campus. Applications are taken right up until the session starts, so it's never too late to apply, though the earlier you apply, the better your chances of being ready for enrolment. You'll need scans or electronic copies of your academic qualifications and evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can be studied over two years full-time (four subjects per semester), or part-time at your own pace, students working full-time often complete one to two subjects per semester, taking around four years to finish the degree.
The degree is studied on campus at Wollongong or Liverpool, with flexible delivery: classes are typically taught in two-day blocks, usually Fridays and Saturdays, so you can manage work and family commitments alongside your study.
The course provides a balance of skills, concepts and theory alongside hands-on professional practice experience.
In Year 1, you'll study foundational methods, concepts, and the legal and theoretical frameworks of social work, followed by a substantial professional placement. Theories and methods from Australian Indigenous peoples and international contexts are included throughout.
In Year 2, you'll move into practice-based subjects including health and mental health, children and families, research, and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, alongside your second professional placement.
The course requires two 500-hour placements (1,000 hours total), each in a different practice field, as required by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Each placement is roughly 70 days, based on 7 hours a day plus a 30-minute lunch break, and your two placements must start at least a year apart.
Learn more about Social Work placements
Placement is usually 3-4 days per week at the agency, negotiated between you and the agency at your pre-placement interview. Alongside your placement days, you'll also attend compulsory seminars - check the subject timetable for details.
Learn more about Social Work Placements
Your first or second placement commences in July. Placement can start and finish outside standard semester dates.
Learn more about Social Work placements
All placements are sourced by UOW's Field Education Coordinators. You'll submit a field application form and attend a consultation before being allocated a placement, based on your interests, availability and location. Placements are usually with community service organisations, health and mental health services, research projects, youth, children and family services, aged care, and occasionally education providers.
Learn more about Social Work placements
Yes, but with strict conditions set by the AASW: you must perform a different role for your placement than the one you're employed in, and there needs to be a formal agreement between UOW and your workplace.
Learn more about Social Work placements
Eligible domestic students may be able to access subsidised fees, significantly reducing the cost of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
2027 fees will be published soon, for the most current fee information, visit our Subsidised postgraduate fees page.
No, placements are unpaid. This isn't specific to UOW; all Australian universities offering an AASW-accredited program are governed by the same requirement.
However, you may be eligible for the Australian Government's Commonwealth Prac Payment, which provides financial support to eligible students undertaking mandatory placements in social work (as well as teaching, nursing and midwifery) degrees.
UOW has developed an application guide to assist students with the CPP application process and understanding the requirements. We recommend reading this information first before making your application.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL/CPL) for your first placement only, if you meet AASW guidelines.
Broadly, you'd need at least three years' full-time equivalent experience in a health or welfare setting, in a role involving similar tasks to a social worker (such as casework, risk assessment, counselling or community development), plus a referee for each role and a portfolio of supporting evidence.
Applications are assessed by UOW, and you'll be told the outcome with enough time to withdraw before census if needed.
Learn more about credit for prior learning at UOW
Postgraduate study can be challenging alongside work and life commitments, and UOW offers a range of support to help you succeed.
Our Student Success Specialists and Learning Skills Advisors provide online study support, and our Careers service can help with professional experience, job applications and resume reviews. If you're finding a particular subject difficult, speak with your subject coordinator early, support options can be tailored to your situation.
Learn more about UOW Support Services
Yes, the course is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It's an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).