Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | University of Canberra

Why study the online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at UC?

Future-focused skills relevant to practice

Develop the practical social work skills needed to work across a diverse range of fields, community settings and graduate practice ready.

Immersive and experiential practice

Through a proactive approach to learning, students will undertake 1000 hours of placement to implement hands-on skills in diverse settings to become qualified and confident social workers.

Exceptional support with personalised guidance

Receive expert career advice, have access to UC Student Wellbeing, InclusionUC, a dedicated Student Success Adviser and a vibrant learning community of students and academics.

Save on your fees

From 2026, Master of Social Work (Qualifying) students are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). That means the government will subsidise some of your fees, while you can apply to defer the balance through an Australian Government HELP loan if you are eligible.

Course highlights

Developed to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) governed by the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW)
Professional and globally recognised Master of Social Work degree so you can work within Australia or internationally
Learn from social work practitioners who are actively involved in the industry
Immediately apply your learnings into practice through field education placements
Experience dedicated support at every stage
Start anytime and study social work online – intakes are open every 2 months

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Overview

The online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a professionally and globally recognised degree governed by the AASW and is designed for those wanting to move into social work practice and become a professional social worker.

This accessible, flexible, and accelerated course provides students with the specialised knowledge, skills, and experience to meet the complex and evolving needs of people, communities and the environments in which they live.

By learning through case scenarios, simulated settings, and in-person intensive components, you will be able to immediately apply your learnings from the online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) to practice across a diverse range of fields and community settings.

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Could you get paid for placement?

While completing mandatory placement, Master of Social Work (Qualifying) students may be eligible to receive the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) of $331.65 per week (2025 rates).

What you will study

The online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is structured into 12 units, spread over a minimum of 16 study blocks.

Flexible Online Coursework: Access 100% online coursework units, each completed within a single study block.

In-Person Intensive Components: Engage in online intensive units with mandatory one-week, in-person components. The first is held at the UC campus in Canberra. Subsequent intensive components will be held at the UC Canberra and may be held in other locations nationally. Your first unit excludes in-person requirements.

Field Education Placements: Complete a maximum of 1000 hours across two field education placement units, complemented by 28 hours of integrated seminars. Each placement unit spans up to 24 weeks over three consecutive study blocks.

Career outcomes

UC’s online Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will prepare you for a fulfilling career in social work. Whether you’re pursuing a career in healthcare, aged care, community services, research, or policy and planning, the MSWQ will provide you with the skills to work across a diverse range of community settings. The career outcomes include, but are not limited to:

Social worker

Case manager

Family support worker

Community worker

Engagement officer

Policy advisor

Youth worker

Taught by experts in social work practice

Dr Trevor Ryan UC Course Director, Juris Doctor

Dr Lynne Keevers

Discipline Lead Social Work, the University of Canberra

“With the professional practice skills and knowledge you’ll develop in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at UC, doors will open to a wide variety of career opportunities. You may work in mental health, community development, child protection or social policy. You could be running groups with survivors of sexual abuse and violence, with young people, or people struggling with addiction. Or you could be working with communities to make a difference in issues such as domestic violence, youth homelessness, racism or climate change.”

Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Online