M6012 Master of Social Work

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for social work, Part B. Specialist social work practice and Part C. Advanced application in social work.

Part A. Foundations for social work

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of social work at graduate level.
They will provide an overview of the context of social work practice, the social justice principles, the international human rights regime and foundations of the Australian legal system framework within which social work is practiced, so that you will understand the link between social policy and the goals of social work. It introduces you to social work theory and social work practice skills.

Part B. Specialist social work practice

These studies provide students with skills and knowledge to work effectively in social work practice in the health and mental health field, working with people at all stages of life. It provides students with social work theory and practice skills and covers risk and protective factors at individual, family and community level. It includes the role of social policy and principles and the link between social work principles and methods. Selected students have the opportunity to complete a research project that can provide a pathway to a higher degree by research (PhD).

Part C. Advanced application in social work

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You will complete a program of supervised professional practice involving advanced study and an industry experience.

Course progression maps

The course progression maps provide guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study:

• Full-time
• Part-time

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for social work (24 points), Part B. Specialist social work practice (48 points) and Part C Advanced application in social work (24 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations for social work (24 points)

You must complete:

• SWM5100 Social work: Fields of practice
• SWM5101 Human rights, law and ethics contexts for social work practice
• SWM5112 Research for social work practice (12 points)

Part B. Specialist social work practice (48 points)

You must complete:

• SWM5102 Critical social work 1: Frameworks for practice with children and families (12 points)
• SWM5104 Critical social work 2: Frameworks for practice in health and mental health (12 points)
• SWM5113 Critical social work 3: Group work and social work leadership
• SWM5109 Critical social work 4: Social policy, social change and community practice
• SWM5170 Applied research study (12 points)* or 12 points of elective study chosen from the elective list below

* Enrolment in this unit is subject to a quota.

Electives
Note: these units have an enrolment quota and will be offered on a first come, first served basis

• SWM5121 Criminology and social work
• SWM5122 The child in society: Promoting children’s well–being and responding to child maltreatment
• SWM5123 Mental health advanced practice  
• SWM5124 Social work practice in post disaster sites 
• SWM5126 Longevity and social work practice 
• SWM5127 Family violence and social work practice 
• SWM5125 Social work practice in a hospital context 
• SWM5132 AOD (drug and alcohol) and social work 

Note: not all units are offered in each semester or year. 

Part C. Advanced application in social work (24 points)

You must complete:

• SWM5003 Planning for supervised professional practice 1 (0 points)
• SWM5103 Supervised professional practice 1** (12 points)
• SWM5108 Supervised professional practice 2 (12 points)

** Recognition of prior learning may be granted for previous practice experience and may exempt you from this unit.