Melbourne School of Health SciencesSocial Work

Degree structure

The Master of Advanced Social Work is comprised of 100 credit points of coursework subjects. The degree has an open structure, allowing you to select specialist subjects from across the full range of those offered.


You may choose to complete your degree by undertaking eight 12.5-point subjects:

Subject typeCodeTitleCredit Points
Specialist subjectsSpecialist subject 1
Specialist subject 2
Specialist subject 3
Specialist subject 4
Specialist subject 5
Specialist subject 6
Specialist subject 7
Specialist subject 8

12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5

Total100


Alternatively, you may choose to undertake five 12.5-point subjects plus a 37.5-point portfolio subject:

Subject typeCodeTitleCredit Points
Specialist subjectsSpecialist subject 1
Specialist subject 2
Specialist subject 3
Specialist subject 4
Specialist subject 5

12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5

Portfolio subject196540Advanced Professional Practice37.5
Total100


Further information about each of the specialist subjects, including details of those offered in 2010, is available on the specialist subjects page.

Our specialist subjects are delivered intensively, usually over the space of several days. The Master of Advanced Social Work 2010 Timetable shows the 2010 offerings.

Specialist subjects can be considered during your course planning exercise undertaken with your Course Coordinator at the commencement of your enrolment. You can enrol in elective subjects offered outside of Social Work, subject to prior approval by your Course Coordinator.

Students wishing to complete the Master of Advanced Social Work in one year should discuss their options with us.


Example course plans

These course plans provide examples of how you might choose to explore your areas of interest within the Master of Advanced Social Work. Note that there is scope to design your degree completely in accordance with your interests and professional development goals.


Clinical focus

Subject typeCodeTitleCredit Points
2 Clinical specialist subjects196-520
196-526
196-521
Advanced Psychodynamic Perspectives*
Advanced Clinical Practice*
Advanced Practice with Groups*
12.5
12.5
Other specialist subjectsSpecialist subject 1
Specialist subject 2
Specialist subject 3
12.5
12.5
12.5
Portfolio subject196-540Advanced Professional Practice37.5
Total100


Health focus

Subject typeCodeTitleCredit Points
2 Health specialist subjects196-527
196-529
196-526
Psychosocial Themes in Health Practice*
Psychosocial Change in Oncology
Advanced Clinical Practice*
12.5
12.5
Other specialist subjectsSpecialist subject 1
Specialist subject 2
Specialist subject 3
12.5
12.5
12.5
Portfolio subject196-540Advanced Professional Practice37.5
Total100


Human Services Management focus

Subject typeCodeTitleCredit Points
2 Human Services Management specialist subjects196-515
196-524
Managing Human Service Organisations
Managing People in the Human Services*
12.5
12.5
Other specialist subjectsSpecialist subject 1
Specialist subject 2
Specialist subject 3
12.5
12.5
12.5
Portfolio subject196-540Advanced Professional Practice37.5
Total100


Mental Health focus

Subject typeCodeTitleCredit Points
2 Mental Health specialist subjects196-519
196-528
Issues in Women's Mental Health*
Depression and Anxiety
12.5
12.5
Other specialist subjectsSpecialist subject 1
Specialist subject 2
Specialist subject 3
12.5
12.5
12.5
Portfolio subject196-540Advanced Professional Practice37.5
Total100


Child and Family focus

Subject typeCodeTitleCredit Points
Mandated196-505Advanced Child and Family Practice*12.5
Choose 1 Child and Family specialist subject196-519
196-520
196-526
196-521
Issues in Women's Mental Health*
Advanced Psychodynamic Perspectives*
Advanced Clinical Practice*
Advanced Practice with Groups*
12.5
Other specialist subjectsSpecialist subject 1
Specialist subject 2
Specialist subject 3
12.5
12.5
12.5
Portfolio subject196-540Advanced Professional Practice37.5
Total100


*Not offered in 2010

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