Skip to main content
Start of main content
CDU student Yulia
Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time
4 year/s part-time
2 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

160

Course code

SSCWK1
SATAC codes

Overview

Be an agent of change and make a difference in the lives of families, individuals and communities. Our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides you with the skills and knowledge to work in a diverse range of practice contexts including urban, regional and remote and international settings. As a provisionally accredited course, graduates are eligible for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers and will be a part of a growing and diverse CDU social work alumni. During the course, you will explore themes and concepts such as social justice, human rights, critical reflection and supervision, culturally responsive practice, research and advocacy. Students will complete two placements in the field to further consolidate classroom learning with real world practice.



Professional recognition

As a graduate, you will be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1CM106. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM606.

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

Non-Commonwealth supported places

Full fee paying places are available in this course.

Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $33,168.00. This equates to $ $4,146.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

CDU College of Health & Human Sciences student

Why study social work at CDU?

Study social work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Social Work CDU Event

Why study social work at CDU?

Study social work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)
CDU College of Health & Human Sciences student

Why study social work at CDU?

Study social work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Social Work CDU Event

Why study social work at CDU?

Study social work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

  • #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)

What will I study?

Our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a two-year, full-time course comprising of core units in social work and two, 500 hours of field placements. Core units include an introduction to social work contexts and critical approaches to practice; culturally responsive practice with families, individuals and groups; social work theory and integrated methods; community development; advocacy, research; social policy and social change. Field placements are held in second semester each year and facilitate direct and indirect practice opportunities within a host organisation. The course uses a blend of online and face to face learning opportunities, with students required to attend 20 days of on campus workshop and skill development training across the length of the course. Students are required to pay for course related costs such as attendance at intensives and placements.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units 
(11 units)
160cp
Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: 

SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (intensive) 
SWK523 Social Work Theory for Professional Practice (new title from 2024) 
SWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental Health 
SWK526 Leadership in Social Policy 
SWK533 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice A (intensive) (replaces SWK527 from 2024) 
SWK534 Interpersonal Skills for Professional Practice B (intensive) (replaces SWK522 from 2024) 
SWK535 Research for Community Development (replaces SWK528 from 2024) 
SWK536 Skills for Culturally Responsive Practice (20cp) (intensive) (replaces SWK524 and SWK529 from 2024) 
SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection Practice 
SWK530 Field Education A (Masters) (30 credit points) 
SWK631 Field Education B (Masters) (30 credit points) 
 
 160cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2024

Students who have completed SWK527 are not required to complete SWK533. 
Students who have completed SWK522 are not required to complete SWK534. 
Students who have completed SWK528 are not required to complete SWK535. 

Students who completed BOTH SWK524 and SWK529 are not required to complete SWK536. 
Students who have completed SWK524 must complete SWK529 in 2024. 
Students who have completed SWK529 must complete SWK524 in 2024. 
Please note that 2024 will be the last offering for SWK524 and SWK529.

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.    
     
Legend:CO = Core Unit

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (intensive)COSWK534 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice B (intensive)CO
SWK523 Social Work Theory for Advanced Professional PracticeCOSWK530 Field Education A (30 credit points)CO
SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection PracticeCO CO
SWK533 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice A (intensive)CO CO
Year 2
SWK535 Research for Community Development COSWK526 Leadership in Social PolicyCO
SWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental HealthCOSWK631 Field Education B (30 credit points)CO
SWK536 Skills for Culturally Responsive Practice (20cp) (intensive)CO  

Top of Page

Legend:CO = Core Unit

FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM

Full-Time Study Plan 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (intensive)COSWK534 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice B (intensive)CO
SWK533 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice A (intensive)CO  
Year 2
SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection PracticeCOSWK530 Field Education A (30 credit points)CO
SWK523 Social Work Theory for Advanced Professional PracticeCO  
Year 3
SWK535 Research for Community Development COSWK526 Leadership in Social PolicyCO
SWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental HealthCO  
Year 4
SWK536 Skills for Culturally Responsive Practice (20cp) (intensive)COSWK631 Field Education B (30 credit points)CO

Top of Page

Legend:CO = Core Unit

THREE-YEAR PROGRAM

Full-Time Study Plan  

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (intensive)COSWK534 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice B (intensive)CO
SWK533 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice A (intensive)CO  
Year 2
SWK523 Social Work Theory for Advanced Professional PracticeCOSWK526 Leadership in Social PolicyCO
SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection PracticeCOSWK530 Field Education A (30 credit points)CO
Year 3
SWK535 Research for Community Development COSWK631 Field Education B (30 credit points)CO
SWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental HealthCO  
SWK536 Skills for Culturally Responsive Practice (20cp) (intensive)CO  

Top of Page


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.    
     
Legend:CO = Core Unit

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (intensive)CO
  SWK523 Social Work Theory for Advanced Professional PracticeCO
  SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection PracticeCO
  SWK533 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice A (intensive)CO
Year 2
SWK534 Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice B (intensive)COSWK535 Research for Community Development CO
SWK530 Field Education A (30 credit points)COSWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental HealthCO
  SWK536 Skills for Culturally Responsive Practice (20cp) (intensive)CO

Year 3

SWK526 Leadership in Social PolicyCO  
SWK631 Field Education B (30 credit points)CO  
    

Top of Page

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of:

  • a recognised bachelor degree in any field; and
  • the equivalent of one-year full-time study in behavioural or social science units, whether this be included in the completed degree or in the form of additional qualifications at diploma or above level.

Due to professional recognition, applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work undergraduate degree accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers will not be eligible for entry into this course.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either:

  • completion of secondary education, that was taught and assessed in English from one of the recognised English speaking countries*, AND successfully completed (with a pass grade or higher) the equivalent of three years or more full-time tertiary study (at Bachelor Degree level or higher), that was taught and assessed in English, in one of the recognised English speaking countries*. 
    (*recognised countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America)
  • undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
     
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below a 7.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)Test not accepted for this course.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyTest not accepted for this course.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 65 across all modules reading, writing, speaking and listening.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 94 with a minimum score of 24 in reading and listening, a minimum score of 27 in writing and a minimum score of 23 in speaking.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.

 

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU Student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU Student

Chigozie on campus

CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.

Chigozie

CDU student

Chigozie on campus

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Community Services and Social Work, Health

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about social work at CDU

Sam is from China studying a Bachelor of Social Work at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about social work at CDU

Sam is from China studying a Bachelor of Social Work at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1CM106
Casuarina campus (FF)
1CM606
Online (CSP)
1CM106
Online (FF)
1CM606
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
0101380

We are here to help

Submit an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch.

You can unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy notice.
Back to top