Master of Social Work (Qualifying) from 2010

The MSW (Qualifying) will provide a professional social work qualification for eligible graduates. The academic program builds on prior knowledge and skill, and facilitates the development of social work expertise through the integration of theory and practice, both in the classroom and in the field. Successful completion of the degree will meet eligibility requirements for membership of the professional body, the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

The MSW (Qualifying) is a 96 credit point degree, completed over two years of full-time study or the equivalent period of part-time study. It will be available to both on-campus and off-campus students. The curriculum meets AASW requirements and builds on Monash Social Work areas of strength, especially in gender studies, sustainability, child wellbeing and health. The degree includes considerable emphasis on community and field engagement and leadership, including two fieldwork practica (1000 hours) and opportunities to work with organisations to complete projects and research.

The MSW (Qualifying) is a coursework degree with theoretical, skills development and supervised professional practice units. The course provides opportunities for group-based learning, community engagement, practice research and integration of theory and practice. Theoretical content builds on knowledge acquired by graduates in previous higher education, while social work skills components and professional practica introduce students to contemporary social work practice. The areas covered in the curriculum meet AASW accreditation requirements, including at least 960 hours of supervised professional practice. Our decision to include a requirement of 1000 hours of supervised professional practice provides graduates with eligibility for social work practice in many overseas countries. Staff at the Monash Department of Social Work have developed partnerships and links with organisations across Melbourne and rural Victoria, other Australian States and overseas where students have completed successful placements.

The course

In Year 1 students build on their previous education and experience to focus on the history, values and context of the social work profession, as well as beginning practice theories and skills. Units covering social work perspectives on human rights, social policy and social change, as well as legal and ethical issues, prepare students for further units where they begin to develop the practice skills for working with individuals, families and communities. The first supervised professional practice placement is completed in the second semester. In Year 2, students build on their learning from Year 1, to study social work practice research methods; engage with community organisations to complete projects; experience working in groups; explore leadership in human services; and integrate social work knowledge about community work and social action. There is also an opportunity to choose a specialist field elective. Choices include units with a focus on climate change and sustainability, aged care, women, child wellbeing, mental health and criminology. The second supervised professional practice placement is completed in second semester, where students complete a piece of practice research.

MSW (Qualifying) proposed units

First year

SWM5100 Social Work: Leading Sustainable Change
SWM5101 Human Rights, Law and Ethics Contexts for Social Work Practice
SWM5102 Critical Social Work 1: Individuals and Families - context and practice
SWM5103 Supervised Professional Practice 1 (500 hours)
SWM5104 Critical Social Work 2: Frameworks for Practice in Health and Mental Health

Second year

SWM5105 Social Work Practice and Research
SWM5106 Critical Social Work 3: Community Engagement Group Project
SWM5107 Social Work Specialist Field Elective
SWM5108 Supervised Professional Practice 2 (500 hours)
SWM5109 Critical Social Work 4: Social Policy, Social Change and Community Practice
SWM5110 Leadership in Social Work and Human Services

Master of Social Work (Qualifying) application form

All enquiries:

Email: mswq.social@med.monash.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9903 2610