The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) curriculum at Western Sydney University is strategically designed to develop highly competent and ethical social work practitioners. It integrates theoretical foundations with substantial practical application, preparing graduates for the complexities of modern social work. The program is structured around key thematic areas that build progressively throughout the two years of full-time study.

Key areas of study typically include:

1. Foundational Social Work Practice:
   • Units focusing on the history, theories, and values of social work, including practice methods, ethical frameworks, and the application of social work principles across diverse contexts.
   • Introduction to social policy, human rights, and the impacts of globalisation on social work.
2. Specialised Practice and Interventions:
   • In-depth study of social work interventions for specific populations and issues, such as mental health, child protection, family violence, ageing, disability, and drug and alcohol services.
   • Focus on therapeutic approaches, crisis intervention, and case management skills.
3. Research and Critical Analysis:
   • Development of advanced research skills applicable to social work practice, including evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and qualitative/quantitative research methodologies.
   • Critical analysis of power, marginalization, and social exclusion, and their implications for social work.
4. Field Education (Placements):
   • A mandatory and central component, consisting of two supervised professional placements totaling 1000 hours (typically 400 hours in the first placement and 600 hours in the second). These placements occur in a variety of human service agencies, providing hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under direct supervision by qualified social workers.
5. Indigenous Australian Studies:
   • Integrated learning on Indigenous Australian history, cultures, knowledge systems, and professional practice, fostering culturally competent and responsive social work.

The curriculum combines traditional lectures, interactive tutorials, practical workshops, and extensive work-integrated learning, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within the social work profession.

Entry Criteria

• Academic qualifications Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university in the areas of Health, Education, or Society and Culture.
  • Crucially, this undergraduate degree must include a minimum of eight (8) units (equivalent to approximately one year of full-time study) completed in Social Sciences or Psychology.
  • Alternative Pathway: Applicants who do not meet the direct entry academic requirements may be considered if they have completed the Western Sydney University Postgraduate Bridging Program (Social Work).
• English Language Proficiency: Demonstrated high-level English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for all applicants (see below).
• Special Requirements/Prerequisites:
  • Field Education Checks: Students undertaking field education subjects (placements) must obtain and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and a National Criminal History Check (or equivalent International Police Check for international applicants).
  • Inherent Requirements: Applicants should review the inherent requirements for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program, available on the Western Sydney University website, to ensure they can meet the essential demands of social work practice. These include cognitive, communication, behavioral, and physical capabilities.
• Application Process:
  • Domestic Applicants: Applications are typically made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Sydney University online portal (often with no application fee for direct applications).
  • International Applicants: All international applicants must apply directly to Western Sydney University via the International Office or through an authorized agent representative. Supplementary forms, including a referee report and a supporting documents checklist, may be required.

Language Proficiency

• English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) Due to the critical communication demands of social work practice and the requirements for professional registration with the AASW, high English language proficiency is strictly required:
  • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0, with no score in any component (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) less than 7.0.
    • (Accepted from one test sitting, OR a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period, provided a minimum overall score of 7.0 is achieved in each sitting, no score falls below 6.5 in any component, and all components achieve a minimum of 7.0 across the two sittings).
  • OET: Minimum score of Bs in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 65, with no communicative skill score less than 65.
    • (Accepted from one test sitting, OR a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period, provided a minimum overall score of 65 is achieved in each sitting, no score falls below 58 in any communicative skill, and all communicative skills achieve a minimum of 65 across the two sittings).
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 94, with minimum sub-scores of Listening 24, Reading 24, Writing 27, and Speaking 23.
    • (Accepted from one test sitting, OR a maximum of two test sittings in a six-month period, provided a minimum total score of 94 is achieved in each sitting, no score in any section is below Listening 20, Reading 19, Writing 24, Speaking 20, and all sections achieve the minimum required scores across the two sittings).
  • Exemption: If English is your primary language and you have completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country (including at least two years between Years 7 and 12).