Master of Social Work
La Trobe University
Program Overview
La Trobe's Master of Social Work is a qualifying degree for graduates of other disciplines who wish to move into social work from a related area. The course will prepare you to work in direct practice, social policy, social research, organisational planning and administration, and to conduct effective community work.
Studying with a dynamic group of students from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, our program will encourage you to draw on your relevant experience and challenge the way you think. Throughout the course, you'll be guided by highly qualified teaching staff with a wealth of industry experience. You'll make new contacts, grow your networks, and acquire the skills you'll need to step into a professional practice career in social work.
Our curriculum is based on a philosophy of social justice. You'll develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively in a range of social policy, community and direct practice areas in the government, community and private sectors.
Practical placements allow you to gain valuable skills and experience in the field by working alongside professionals. In each year of your course, you'll complete a 70-day (500 hour) block placement during which you'll be supervised by a qualified social worker and will work towards developing the skills required for professional practice. You might even choose to complete your placement interstate or overseas with one of our partner organisations in countries such as Sweden,India, Nepal or the Philippines.
You'll have the opportunity to work in diverse and challenging fields of practice including community development, social policy, research, mental health, education, child and family, disability, health and youth.
You can study the course for two years full-time or three to four years part-time at our Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura and Shepparton campuses.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9.
Melbourne, Australia
24 Months
AU$ 33,600
IELTS: 7 TOEFL: 98
Study options
Core subjects
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
- Academic Integrity Module
- Fields Of Social Work Practice A
- Law, Human Rights, And Ethics In Social Work Practice
- Pathways Into C21 Social Work
- Program Design And Evaluation
- Social Work With Individuals, Families & Groups: Applications A
- Social Work With Individuals, Families & Groups: Applications B
- Professional Practice 1
- Fields Of Social Work Practice C
- Inclusion In Communities
- Leadership In Social Work
- Social Policy Analysis And Advocacy
- Social Work Applications C
- Translating Evidence Into Disability Practice
- Professional Practice 2
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).
Specialisation - recommended: Studies in arts, social sciences, psychology, teaching, nursing or business-related areas.
WAM - Weighted Average Mark (WAM) 60%
Selection criteria
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All applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Annual tuition fee
A$33 600 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Our graduates find work in a diverse and rewarding range of contexts including social policy, community and direct practice. They have gone on to work at organisations such as Anglicare, Centrelink and the Department of Human Services, as well as various health services and hospitals, in Australia and overseas.
When you graduate you'll be prepared to take on roles in a range of specialist areas including child protection and family services, aged care, Indigenous support, housing services, mental health, family services, protective services, refugee and asylum seeker support services, social justice advocacy and more.
The curriculum is underpinned by social and ecological justice and a human rights perspective. The course will prepare you to work in social policy, social research, organisational planning and administration, and to conduct effective community work. You'll also get hands-on experience during your practical placement.