Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The Master of Social Work is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, who want a professional qualification in social work.
Social workers work with individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities to create positive outcomes, as well as empower marginalised or disenfranchised members of society.
They promote change at community and policy levels. It is a challenging, but potentially rewarding profession.
- Career opportunities
- Recognition
- Learning to be a social worker
- Fieldwork
- Credit for previous study
- Standard course structure
- Applications
- Course information and enquires
- Brochure
Career opportunities
Social workers are employed in a variety of roles in many areas, such as government departments, community health facilities, and research units.
The employment market for social workers has been excellent in recent years, with most graduates able to find work within a few months of finishing the course.
The degree is well-recognised internationally, and many graduates obtain employment overseas.
Recognition
The process leading to provisional accreditation of the Master of Social Work (by Coursework or by Coursework and Dissertation) (11550) by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is underway and provisional accreditation may be awarded in the near future.
Learning to be a social worker
Social work is a unique blend of knowledge, skills and values.
Students can expect to learn:
- key theoretical models of social work
- practical and interpersonal skills for working with individuals, groups and organisations
- community development skills
- social work values and ethics.
Fieldwork
Social work students undertake two full-time fieldwork placements during the course. The first is 12 weeks in Year 1 and the second is 16 weeks in Year 2. Placements are completed in two contrasting agency settings under the supervision of an experienced social worker. In exceptional circumstances, placements may be undertaken on a part-time basis.
The Master of Social Work research stream
Social work students, whose academic record has been above average, may choose to enter the Master of Social Work (by Coursework and Dissertation) research stream. They undertake a research project as part of their fieldwork placement in Year 2, and complete a 15,000-word dissertation. Students completing the research stream may be awarded the degree with a pass, distinction or higher distinction.
Credit for previous study
Students may apply for advanced standing to credit previous studies undertaken in an accredited social work course.
Standard course structure*
Summer Unit
- SWSP8206 Indigenous People and Social Work
Year 1 Semester 1
- SWSP8301 Social Work Knowledge, Theory and Values
- SWSP8303 Interpersonal Practice
- SWSP8305 Social Policy and Community Practice
Year 1 Semester 2
- SWSP8309 Field Education One: First Placement
- SWSP8302 Counselling, Law and Advocacy
- SWSP8304 Organisational Practice and Ethics
Year 2 Semester 1
- SWSP8429 Field Education Two: Final Placement
Year 2 Semester 2
- SWSP8404 Social Work in Public Welfare and Health Settings
- SWSP8406 Policy, Community and Research
- SWSP8421 Social Work Elective
* This is the recommended pathway for full-time students in the coursework stream.
Applications
Applicants require an undergraduate degree such as Arts, Social Sciences, Psychology, Health Sciences (including Medicine, Nursing, Public Health and Physiotherapy), Education and Law.
All prospective students, including graduates from UWA, need to submit applications to the Student office.
Full details of the application procedure can be found at Social Work and Social Policy.
Course information and enquiries
Social Work and Social Policy
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Telephone (+61 8) 6488 2990
Brochure
Download a printable brochure
