7 Masters of Social Work (Qualifying) Online

The Master of Social Work qualifies graduates to become social workers. It’s a two-year postgraduate program for those with a bachelor degree in a related field other than social work. The course meets the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) standards with 1,000 hours of required practical placements.

Designed for graduates from related disciplines, the program develops the knowledge and skills needed to enter the profession. Participants study a curriculum that covers social work theories, ethics, intervention strategies, and social policy.

Distance education programs consist of online classes, residential schools, and professional placements. Online classes allow students to study from anywhere. Residential schools generally provide at least 20 days of face-to-face learning across the degree. Professional placements enable students to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Professional Qualifying Degrees

To study for a social work masters degree as an online student, choose one of Australia’s 7 accredited distance education courses. Each of these 2-year programs will qualify you to be a social worker. If you lack any university degree, consider an online Bachelor of Social Work instead.

Deakin University

Based in Victoria
Graduate satisfaction: 90.3%

The online Master of Social Work at Deakin University prepares students to tackle social injustice and protect vulnerable groups. Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), it focuses on critically reflective practice.

Online students complete at least 20 days of face-to-face intensive seminars and at least 1,000 hours of professional placements. Pre-placement seminars equip students with necessary skills before their fieldwork. This blend of online study and face-to-face interactions prepares graduates for diverse roles in the sector.

Charles Sturt University

Based in New South Wales
Graduate satisfaction: 89.3%

The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) at Charles Sturt University is an online program aimed at those wishing to impact communities via social work. The course equips students with the skills to advocate for social justice and human rights. It covers child protection, mental health, social policy, and more.

Students complete 1,000 hours of supported workplace learning and may need to attend online or on-campus intensive schools for certain subjects. The optional two-week international social work tour also allows students to apply their learning in another country.

Griffith University

Based in Queensland
Graduate satisfaction: 87.5%

The Master of Social Work at Griffith University is for graduates with a bachelor degree in a related discipline other than social work. Offered at the Gold Coast and through distance education, the course can be completed in two years full-time, with part-time study also available.

The program includes two field placements totalling 1,000 hours and requires at least 20 days at the Gold Coast campus through compulsory intensives. The curriculum includes social work practice foundations, counselling, and critical reflective practice.

James Cook University

Based in Queensland
Graduate satisfaction: 80.6%

The social work master’s program at James Cook University (JCU) is available online and at the Townsville and Cairns campuses in QLD. The curriculum is particularly attentive to global, contemporary, and Indigenous Australian concerns.

Students complete 1,000 hours of placements and at least 20 days of face-to-face learning through on-campus classes or residential workshops. Specific subjects may require additional campus attendance. Graduates are prepared for roles in government and non-government organisations.

Monash University

Based in Victoria
Graduate satisfaction: 78.9%

The Master of Social Work at Monash University is offered on campus and in multimodal format through the Caulfield campus. It takes two years full-time or four years part-time and includes specialist electives in areas such as child protection, alcohol and drugs, and family violence.

Students complete 1,000 hours of supervised professional practice, supported by preparatory simulations and experiential workshops. Multimodal students must attend mandatory workshops at Caulfield.

University of New England

Based in New South Wales
Graduate satisfaction: 78.9%

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at UNE focuses on social justice, human rights, and addressing inequalities faced by marginalised and disadvantaged groups. The program blends online and on-campus learning at Armidale, NSW. Online students must complete at least 20 days of on-campus intensive schools.

UNE’s program stands out for its emphasis on rural and regional communities, preparing graduates to work effectively in diverse settings. It includes 1,000 hours of professional fieldwork placements. The curriculum covers areas including mental health, substance abuse, and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with elective units offering specialisation in areas of interest.

Flinders University

Based in South Australia
Graduate satisfaction: 74.3%

The Master of Social Work (Graduate Entry) at Flinders University offers a mix of online and on-campus learning at Bedford Park, SA. The course takes two years full-time and is also available part-time. Students tackle social work theories, ethics, diversity, and mental health through coursework and two 500-hour field placements.

The AASW-accredited program combines critical learning with practical application, preparing graduates for roles in community services, government, and welfare agencies. Distance students must complete the equivalent of 20 days on campus through intensive topics lasting three to five consecutive days.

To reduce travel expenses for residential schools, you can select a course in your state or territory. Universities may also be better at finding work placements for students in their region.

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The graduate satisfaction ratings are for postgraduate social work at each university and come from the QILT Course Experience Questionnaire 2024–2025, as presented on ComparED. They show the percentage of recent graduates who were satisfied overall. The national average was 81.2%.

Related: Social Work Courses Online