The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and intensive pathway to professional social work practice, including significant practical components. The course is 400 credit points, equivalent to two years of full-time study.

1. Core Social Work Units:
   • Topics include: Social Work Theories and Practice Models, Human Development and the Environment, Social Policy and Legislation, Social Justice and Human Rights, Research Methods for Social Work, Group Work, Community Development, and Indigenous Perspectives in Social Work.
2. Field Education Placements:
   • A cornerstone of the program, requiring a total of 1000 hours of supervised fieldwork placements. These are typically undertaken in two blocks (e.g., 500 hours in Semester 2 of Year 1 and 500 hours in Semester 2 of Year 2). Placements provide hands-on experience in various social service settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge under direct supervision. These placements are compulsory and can be physically and mentally challenging.
3. Skill Development:
   • The course includes a minimum of 140 hours (20 days) of face-to-face classroom-based learning focused on professional practice skills, as required by the AASW. This is separate from fieldwork.

• Academic qualifications
  • A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognized university. The degree must contain at least one year (or eight units) of full-time equivalent study in social sciences. This can include disciplines such as sociology, psychology, political science, history, anthropology, human services, or public health.
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience, may be considered.
• Other requirements:
  • A satisfactory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) or equivalent criminal record check.
  • A satisfactory Working with Children Check (WWCC).
  • Any other relevant clearance as determined by the placement organisation (e.g., vaccination records).
  • It is desirable that all applicants have five years of appropriate professional experience, although not always a strict requirement for admission if academic criteria are met.

Language Proficiency

• English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, OET)
  • For international students, demonstrated English language proficiency is required to meet AASW accreditation and professional registration standards. Acceptable tests include IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 7.0, with no individual band score less than 7.0, or equivalent OET results. Other accepted tests and scores are detailed on the ECU website.