Master of Social Work
The social work profession
Social work is a profession committed to the development of the full potential of individuals, groups and communities. The profession recognises that there are personal and structural barriers that create and maintain distress, injustice and inequality and prevent the achievement of full potential. Some individuals, groups and communities are more disadvantaged by these barriers than others and they receive particular attention from the profession.
Social work confronts disadvantage and distress by striving to enable individuals, groups and communities to achieve power over resources, information, relationships and decision-making. Social work practice is the action taken by professional social workers in pursuit of the goal of empowerment. Such practice is informed by professional education based on the analysis of social processes and human behaviour.
Award
This entry-to-practice course leads to a Master of Social Work (MSW) award. The curriculum has been submitted to the Australian Association of Social Workers for accreditation and an outcome is expected at the end of July 2007.
Duration
The course can be undertaken as a 225-credit-point coursework-only degree over two years, or as a 250-credit-point coursework degree with a research component over two and a half years. The degree can be taken on a full-time (2 year) or part-time (4 year) basis. The course is offered at the Parkville campus of the University.
Overview
The course has been introduced as part of the Melbourne Model at the University of Melbourne. This model allows students to gain broader undergraduate skills through a choice of six generalist degree programs and then to undertake professional or research programs at masters level. This course gives graduates considering a social work career the opportunity of a higher level degree and enhanced learning outcomes, rather than undertaking a second undergraduate degree to achieve a social work qualification. This program prepares social workers for research careers as well as practice careers
The Master of Social Work offers you an outstanding postgraduate course of study, preparing you for professional practice in a diverse range of social work contexts. The course provides you with a nationally and internationally benchmarked course of study in the theory and practice of social work.
Benefits
As a student of the Master of Social Work you will benefit from:
- a curriculum approved by the Australian Association of Social Workers;
- well-qualified, experienced, research-active and accessible teachers, with strong ties to the profession and community services;
- mixed teaching methods: lectures; tutorials; seminars; collaborative learning; practice simulations;
- a well-developed field education program, including several student units in key agencies in the health, aging, child and family, drug and alcohol and women’s services;
- good coverage of particular fields of practice such as: mental health; child and family practice; health; aging; substance abuse;
- excellent student facilities and the backing of a well-resourced major university;
- the excellent employment record for our graduates in a wide range of fields and job descriptions;
- a diverse and talented population of students at entry-to-practice, advanced practice and research levels
Entry Pathways
The course is available to graduates with a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) which includes at least four semester-long subjects in the social, behavioural or health sciences. At the time of writing there is no Mature Age entry scheme. All applicants are considered on academic merit with reference to the entry requirements.