MG-SCWK v.1 Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Registered full-time Duration:
2 Years
Course Overview
Master Degrees (Coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course is a mid-year entry, fast-track option to becoming a social worker for those who already hold a bachelor degree in a related area. Social work draws on knowledge from a range of disciplines including sociology psychology, politics, philosophy, health and economics. Social workers are committed to social justice, human rights and social change. They work with and alongside individuals, groups and communities to improve people’s quality of lives, promote positive relationships, and advocate for human rights. The course focuses on how people understand and interact with each other, their communities and society.
Professional Recognition
Graduates of this course may be eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the WA Society of Professional Social Workers and the International Federation of Social Workers and may practice in all states of Australia and many other countries. Graduates of the Graduate Certificate course will not be eligible.
Course Accreditation Status
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (MSW(Q)) is being developed with reference to the current Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Education and Accreditation Standards, and in consultation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), with provisional accreditation expected in early 2019.
Career Opportunities
The excellent reputation of Curtin’s Social Work course means that graduates are in high demand in a growing area of high need. Graduates may be employed in urban, rural or remote settings, in health, child protection, education, mental health, non-government, community, aged care, refugee and social policy fields of practice. Opportunities for work exist throughout Australia, and internationally through recognition of the degree with the International Federation of Social Workers.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.
Course Entry and Completion Details
Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Specifically, applicants must have a relevant bachelor degree, including at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (studies of the individual and society), or equivalent prior learning, including appropriate professional experience. Entry into the course is competitive. If the Applicant’s prior degree is not considered relevant, they may be required to undertake prerequisite bridging units before commencing the program. Studies are to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the MSW(Q). Applicants must show evidence of English language competency as demonstrated by an IELTS (International English Language Test System) of 7.0 (or equivalent as defined by the Curtin standard list. Please note CUTE is not accepted).
Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found athttp://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm
Award Pathways (Specific)
Graduates may qualify for entry to Doctoral degrees. For further details, see the Graduate Research School website.
Course Entry/Completion Note
Applicants for this course should refer to the Faculty website for more information on Criminal Record Screening and Clearance and Working with Children check.
Course Organisation
Master Degrees (Coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.
This graduate entry Masters course offers students a fast-track option to becoming a social worker. The course commences mid-year, in Study Period 7, then three units follow on in semester 2, one in study period 1, and fieldwork then occurs during semester 1 of the second year. Semester 2 of the second year has three units, and then final fieldwork placement occurs in semester 1 of the next calendar year. Students will develop knowledge, skills and values to work with individuals and groups across the lifespan, studying human behaviour and complex social processes.
Course Learning Outcomes
A graduate of this course can:
1. develop, integrate and critically apply social work values, knowledge and principles; provide assessment and intervention that is informed by consumers and the practice context
2. work inclusively and creatively across diverse practice contexts; provide accountable and responsive leadership; demonstrate professional behaviour consistent with social work values, principles, ethics and practice standard
3. demonstrate knowledge of relevant national and international social policies and practice standards in order to synthesise knowledge of the interrelationship between local and global issues, and apply an intersectional analysis to social policy domains
4. apply appropriate communication and interpersonal skills using a variety of media relevant to the audience and guided by the ethical principles of the social work profession that are underpinned by pursuing social justice and upholding human rights
5. in social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organisations, use appropriate technologies to research, evaluate and synthesise information, involving communicating knowledge within and beyond the discipline of Social Work which generates sustainable solutions appropriate to diverse contexts
6. establish and sustain intellectual curiosity by using a range of learning strategies, including research informed practice, professional development and supervision
7. demonstrate knowledge of relevant national and international social policies and practice standards in order to synthesise knowledge of the interrelationship between local and global issues, and apply an intersectional analysis to social policy domains
8. value and respect the knowledge of Indigenous Australians; understand the effects of Australia’s colonial history and demonstrate advanced culturally responsive and inclusive practices; demonstrate commitment to social justice including human rights.
Duration and Availability
This course has a mid-year entry, and comprises two years of full-time study, but units can be undertaken part time. Fieldwork must be undertaken full-time over two semesters in two separate calendar years.
Location and delivery Mode
| Year | Location | Period | All* | Internal | Partially Online Internal^ | External | Fully Online# |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Bentley Campus | Study Period 7 | Y |
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.
| Course Structure | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Study Period 7 | |||||
| SCWK5000 | v.1 | Social Work in Contemporary Australia | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| 25.0 | |||||
| Year 1 Semester 2 | |||||
| SCWK5001 | v.1 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Children and Families | 3.0 | 50.0 | |
| CMHL5000 | v.1 | Mental Health Recovery | 25.0 | ||
| 75.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 1 | |||||
| SCWK3002 | v.1 | Social Work Field Education 1 | 44.0 | 100.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 2 | |||||
| CMHL6000 | v.1 | Groups and Communities | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| CMHL6001 | v.1 | Professional Identity and Decision-Making | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| PUBH6038 | v.1 | Research for Social Work Practice | 25.0 | ||
| 75.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Study Period 1 | |||||
| SCWK5003 | v.1 | Violence, Abuse and Trauma | 25.0 | ||
| 25.0 | |||||
| Year 3 Semester 1 | |||||
| SCWK6001 | v.1 | Advanced Social Work Field Education | 100.0 | ||
| 100.0 | |||||
Further Information
If you need more course information, you may contact the relevant areas: For Current Students: Student Services Office, please click here for further details: http://students.curtin.edu.au/contact_offices.cfm For Domestic Future Students: Future Students Centre, email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 1000 For International Future Students: Curtin International, email: international@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 7331
Course Structure Disclaimer
Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Disclaimer
Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change.
In particular, the University reserves the right to change the content and/or method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/ or to vary arrangements for any program.
This material does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.
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Except to the extent mandated otherwise by legislation, Curtin University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any reliance which may be placed on this material by any person.
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International students
International students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study full-time and there are also specific entry requirements that must be met. As some information contained in this publication may not be applicable to international students, refer to international.curtin.edu.au for further information. Australian citizens, permanent residents and international students studying outside Australia may have the choice of full-time, part-time and external study, depending on course availability and in-country requirements.
