Overview 2024
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For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
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In the right headspace
Social Work graduate Ella Baker-Condon is helping some of society’s most at-risk and in-need people as a social worker for Headspace, a free youth-focused health service.
Social workers need contemporary skills to respond meaningfully to social problems. Our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) has been designed with direct industry input to reflect current and emerging practice trends in the profession.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a professionally accredited qualification, awarded full accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.
The masters-level course has specialisation options, and you will engage with distinctive Tasmanian, national, and international contexts. Threaded through the course is a focus on decolonising, Indigenising, sustainability, collaboration, and innovation in social work, ensuring that as a graduate, you are well-equipped for new and diverse roles in changing workplaces.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) prepares students for generalist social work practice, helping them to develop core knowledge, skills and values that can be applied across practice settings, fields and methods of social work practice. Across your studies, you’ll complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised professional field education placement.
Learning Outcomes
Work placement
You will need to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of professional experience placement, equivalent to 2 x 14 weeks full-time. Placements are undertaken on a full-time basis. In some circumstances part-time placements may be negotiated, subject to availability.
The University will organise your placement. Before you begin placement, you will need to complete preparation activities and tasks. You will be allocated a field educator/social worker, with a minimum of 2 years full time equivalent post-graduation experience in the field. Your professional placement experience provides you with the opportunity to learn how to apply social work knowledge and skills into practice.
It is possible in some circumstances for students to complete a placement in their place of work.
Recognition of Prior Learning is possible for the first placement. Students who are given RPL for the first placement are unable to complete the final placement in their place of employment.
See more information and resources at Field Education Placements.
Career outcomes
The skills and expertise our Social Work graduates gain equips them for a diverse range of rewarding careers, including:
- child safety practitioner
- social worker
- project manager
- youth worker
- mental health practitioner
- researcher
- policy analyst and advisor
- community development worker
- migrant and refugee settlement workers
- case manager
- drug and alcohol counsellor
- palliative care social worker
- relationships counsellor
- disability advocate.
Professional Accreditation
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an externally accredited degree.
This course is accredited by Australian Association of Social Workers.
For further accreditation/membership requirements, please visit the Australian Association of Social Workers website.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Course structure
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires the completion of 200 credit points comprising:
- 100 credit points of Core units at 500 level
- 100 credit points at 600 level in either a Research Pathway or Non-research Pathway
If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here. Your course planner gives you a visual representation of your course and will help you plan which units to enrol in and when.
For course planners from previous years, refer to the handbook entry for that year.
Year 1
Social workers acknowledge that we live in extra-ordinary times of uncertainty, disruption to the ‘business as usual’ and growing social, cultural, political, economic and environmental disparities. This unit equips you with intersectional analysis skills, theoretical knowledge and practice skills to…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for HGW503 Social Innovation, Sustainability and Regenerative Social Work
This unit explores how social work theories and contexts inter-relate as a basis for a framework for identifying the purpose and practice of social work. Historical and contemporary social work theories are examined, relying on diverse knowledges, including First Nations…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 5 Week Session Jun | ||||
View all details for HGW512 Social Work Theories, Values and Frameworks for 21st Century Practice
Social Work Practicum 1 is a cornerstone unit in the 1st year of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) degree. Students are required to undertake at least 14 weeks full-time equivalent (FTE) of placement in a setting that provides the…
Credit Points: 37.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 14 Week Session Sep | ||||
| Launceston | 14 Week Session Sep | ||||
| Cradle Coast | 14 Week Session Sep | ||||
The unit focuses on key contexts of social work practice in the human services. By developing this understanding, you will gain knowledge of how you can practice effectively and influence these contexts to enhance outcomes for social work clients. Through…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for HGW516 Contexts of Social Work Practice
Communication and Assessment Skills in Social Work provides a broad overview of human development theories and direct practice skills underpinning work with individuals. Additionally, you are taught communication skills to support assessment report and case note writing. Two key themes…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for HGW527 Communication and Assessment Skills in Social Work
Year 2
Research Pathway
This unit extends understanding of what it means to initiate responses to social problems, take responsibility for enacting and leading these responses, and being a part of ventures that do the same. Collaborative and collective social work leadership approaches and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for HGW605 Collaboration, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Social Work
The final year Social Work Practicum is one of the capstone units in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) degree. Students are required to undertake at least 14 weeks full-time equivalent (FTE) of placement in a setting that provides the…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 14 Week Session Jun | ||||
| Launceston | 14 Week Session Jun | ||||
| Cradle Coast | 14 Week Session Jun | ||||
View all details for HGW606 Research Pathway Social Work Practicum
This capstone unit provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate the integration of your learning that was applied to design and implement interventions, including research, across your entire social work degree including a specific focus on your final placement. You…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for HGW607 Social Work Exhibition and Social Work Thesis
Social Work Research Practice examines research methodologies that are utilised by social workers in working towards a more just, humane and inclusive society. Themes of decolonisation, collaboration and sustainability create a focus for designing research processes that are participative and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Social Work Thesis A extends your understanding of the purpose and practices of research that you gain in HGW608 Social Work Research Practice. You will do this by conceptualising and beginning to implement a research topic that focuses on improving…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit examines the intersection between trauma and justice and is informed by a commitment to social justice, decolonising, and an ethic of care. At a macro level, you will learn how social workers can promote policy, legislation and practice…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
Non-research pathway
This unit extends understanding of what it means to initiate responses to social problems, take responsibility for enacting and leading these responses, and being a part of ventures that do the same. Collaborative and collective social work leadership approaches and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for HGW605 Collaboration, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Social Work
This capstone unit provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate the integration of your learning that was applied to design and implement interventions, including research, across your entire social work degree including a specific focus on your final placement. You…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for HGW607 Social Work Exhibition and Social Work Thesis
Social Work Research Practice examines research methodologies that are utilised by social workers in working towards a more just, humane and inclusive society. Themes of decolonisation, collaboration and sustainability create a focus for designing research processes that are participative and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit examines the intersection between trauma and justice and is informed by a commitment to social justice, decolonising, and an ethic of care. At a macro level, you will learn how social workers can promote policy, legislation and practice…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
The final year Social Work Practicum is one of the capstone units in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying). Students undertake 500 hours (minimum) of placement in a setting that is relevant to social work practice. Placements are undertaken on…
Credit Points: 37.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 14 Week Session Jun | ||||
| Launceston | 14 Week Session Jun | ||||
| Cradle Coast | 14 Week Session Jun | ||||
View all details for HGW633 Professional Pathway Social Work Practicum
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
Bachelor's degree in a related field:
A bachelor's degree other than in Social Work from the University of Tasmania or approved tertiary institution with:
- a major or equivalent in a related field such as social sciences, behavioural sciences, psychology, nursing or education.
- a minimum of 8 units (100 credit points) or equivalent in the studies of society and the studies of behavioural or psychological sciences. Of these units, at least one must be in the social sciences and at least one unit in behavioural and psychological sciences.
- these 8 units (100 credit points) must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-related field:
Bachelor's degree in a non-related field may complete a pathway into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) by completing either:
- 8 units (100 credit points) from the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours, comprising 4 units (50 credit points) of Core units at Introductory (100) level and 4 units (50 credit points) of Core units at Intermediate level (200) or;
- In addition to holding a completed bachelor degree, the Diploma of Arts which include 100 credit points as per the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours pathway are accepted.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0) – no other equivalencies will be accepted. Applicants will be required to meet this requirement prior to commencing a pathway into their Social Work program.
See the AASW English language requirements for more details.
Safety in Practice Compliance
Students need to complete a Safety in Practice Agreement to meet pre-practicum requirements. This includes a National Police Record Check and relevant Working with Vulnerable People Check. See more information and resources at Social Work Field Education Placements.
For International students
Bachelor's degree in a related field:
A bachelor's degree other than in Social Work from the University of Tasmania or approved tertiary institution with:
- a major or equivalent in a related field such as social sciences, behavioural sciences, psychology, nursing or education.
- a minimum of 8 units (100 credit points) or equivalent in the studies of society and the studies of behavioural or psychological sciences. Of these units, at least one must be in the social sciences and at least one unit in behavioural and psychological sciences.
- these 8 units (100 credit points) must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-related field:
Bachelor's degree in a non-related field may complete a pathway into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) by completing either:
- 8 units (100 credit points) from the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours, comprising 4 units (50 credit points) of Core units at Introductory (100) level and 4 units (50 credit points) of Core units at Intermediate level (200) or;
- In addition to holding a completed bachelor degree, the Diploma of Arts which include 100 credit points as per the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours pathway are accepted.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0) – no other equivalencies will be accepted. Applicants will be required to meet this requirement prior to commencing a pathway into their Social Work program.
If you need help meeting the IELTS requirements for this course, the Graduate Certificate in Social Care (International Pathway) can help. It comprises the first semester of the Master degree, as well as bespoke English language support to assist you in achieving the required IELTS score to be eligible for entry into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
Safety in Practice Compliance
Students need to complete a Safety in Practice Agreement to meet pre-practicum requirements. This includes a National Police Record Check and relevant Working with Vulnerable People Check. See more information and resources at Social Work Field Education Placements.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic postgraduate student, you might be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
An important note on Youth Allowance and AustudyThe Department of Social Services has approved some accredited and professionally-oriented Master courses for student payments through Youth Allowance or Austudy. This means if you enrol in one of these courses, you may be eligible for student payments. However, please be aware that this is not the case for all Master courses. Please visit our Scholarships, Fees and Costs website for further information.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses
International students
2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $ 74,176 AUD *.
Course cost based on a rate of $36,450 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries