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This degree is being phased out. No new enrolments will be permitted from 2022. Prospective students should see the requirements for the Master of Social Work (HM012M).

Students currently enrolled in this course will be able to complete their studies.

Overview

La Trobe's Master of Social Work is for graduates of other disciplines who wish to move into social work from a related area. The course will prepare you to work in direct practice, social policy, social research, organisational planning and administration, and to conduct effective community work. Studying with passionate … For more content click the Read more button below. Our curriculum is based on a philosophy of social justice. You'll develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively in a range of social policy, community and direct practice areas in the government, community and private sectors. Practical placements allow you to gain valuable skills and experience in the field by working alongside professionals. In each year of your course, you'll complete a 70-day block placement during which you'll be supervised by a qualified social worker and will work towards developing the skills required for professional practice. You might even choose to complete your placement overseas with one of our partner organisations in Fiji, India, Nepal or the Philippines. You'll have the opportunity to work in diverse and challenging fields of practice including community development, advocacy, research, mental health, education, child and family, disability, health and youth. You can study the course for two years full-time or three to four years part-time at our Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura and Shepparton campuses. (Shepparton campus only available to Domestic Students). The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

Course coordinator

Maureen Long

Location(s)

Mildura

CRICOS code

074028J

Course instance contact

Sean MacDermott

Course duration (full time)

2 years

Course duration (part time)

4 years

Study level

Postgraduate

AQF level

Level 9 - Masters Degree

Available only as an exit award

No

Study options

Domestic

International onshore

Completion requirements

To attain the Master of Social Work, students will be required to complete 270 credit points in total consisting of:

270 credit points core subjects

 

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Reflect critically on theory and social work practice demonstrating mastery of theoretical knowledge
2.
Undertake effective and reflective practice, both independently and as a member or leader of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment
3.
Practise autonomously and with accountability, demonstrating capacity to make, and justify, ethical and socially responsible decisions
4.
Investigate, analyse, consolidate and synthesize complex social work information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories and concepts to practice
5.
Research and apply established theories to develop sound professional social work practice
6.
Respond creatively to new situations in social work practice and pursue further professional learning in social work

Course features

Work based learning (placement) requirements

Compulsory placements (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will participate in one or more supervised Work Based Learning (WBL) placements designed to allow you to practice newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge while integrating theory with practice. The placements will immerse you in professional work culture, enabling you to develop and further enhance your skills. WBL provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience at one or more of our local, interstate or international industry partners or agencies. WBL placements will generally be arranged by the College based Placements Operation Team or Experiential Learning Team at La Trobe University. The number of hours undertaken can vary considerably, depending on the requirements of the course. Students may incur additional costs and it may be necessary to travel or relocate to complete a specific placement. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information.

Work integrated learning opportunities

Industry presentations, Industry informed curriculum, Professional simulations

Career outcomes

Our graduates find work in a diverse and rewarding range of contexts including social policy, community and direct practice. They have gone on to work at organisations such as Anglicare, Centrelink and the Department of Human Services, as well as various health services and hospitals, in Australia and overseas.

When you graduate you'll be prepared to take on roles in a range of specialist areas including child protection and family services, aged care, Indigenous support, housing services, mental health, family services, protective services, refugee and asylum seeker support services, social justice advocacy and more.

The curriculum is based on a philosophy of social justice. The course will prepare you to work in social policy, social research, organisational planning and administration, and to conduct effective community work. You'll also get hands-on experience during your practical placement.

Professional recognition

The Master of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards. Professional membership may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.

Internal course relationships

Core participation requirements

Behavioural and relational skills

Cognition

Additional costs

Immunisations

WWCC

Uniform & badge

Mask fit testing

Police record check

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening check - Mandatory

Clinical placements (accommodation and travel costs)

Cost description - Other