Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Be an agent of change and make a difference in the lives of families, individuals and communities. Our Masters 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 fully 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 be supported to complete two placements in the field to further solidify 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
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 is AUD $31,000.00. This equates to $3,875.00 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.
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 knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
- Flexibility and support to study full-time or part-time, on campus or online
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 knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
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 knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
- Flexibility and support to study full-time or part-time, on campus or online
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 knowledge and skills through placements, intensive units and theoretical knowledge, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2023)
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 hour 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.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (12 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (compulsory intensive) |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Study Plan Amended 24/02/2021
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations | CO | SWK522 Co-Creating Social Justice in Practice | CO |
| SWK527 Critical Partnerships for Advanced Practice | CO | SWK530 Field Education A (30 credit points) | CO |
| SWK526 Leadership in Social Policy | CO | CO | |
| SWK523 Social Work Theory for Advanced Professional Practice | CO | CO | |
| Year 2 | |||
| SWK524 Challenging Community: Change and Development | CO | SWK529 Integrated Methods in Social Work | CO |
| SWK528 Advancing Social Work Research | CO | SWK631 Field Education B (30 credit points) | CO |
| SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection Practice | CO | ||
| SWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental Health | CO | ||
Students commencing in Semester 2
This course is not available for entry in Semester 2.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of:
- a recognised three-year 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 bachelor degree or in the form of additional qualifications at bachelor level or above.
Due to professional recognition, applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work undergraduate degree are not 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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either:
- completion of secondary education, that was taught and assessed in English in 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 Module | A 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 Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A 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
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU Student
CDU brings social work to life. The lecturers are experts from various sectors of social work practice.
Chigozie
CDU student
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
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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 or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
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.
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