Leverage your education to become a qualified social worker via distance learning.
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 different field. The course meets the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) standards with 1,000 hours of required practical placements.
Designed for individuals from related disciplines, the program enhances skills for advanced practice. 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, typically involving four 5-day sessions, provide intensive on-campus learning experiences. Professional placements enable to students apply their learning in real-world settings.
Professional Qualifying Degrees
To study for a social work masters degree as an online student, choose of one 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.
Griffith University
Based in Queensland
Graduate satisfaction: 91.7%
This program includes two field placements totalling 1,000 hours and mandates a 20-day attendance at the Gold Coast campus for specific courses. These components are designed to blend practical skills with theoretical knowledge. They focus on areas like social work practice foundations, counselling, and critical reflective practice.
Deakin University
Based in Victoria
Graduate satisfaction: 91.2%
The program includes essential on-campus components for distance learners, ensuring practical learning experiences. Pre-placement seminars on campus 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.
University of New England
Based in New South Wales
Graduate satisfaction: 88.6%
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, allowing students to gain practical experience. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of practice areas, including mental health, substance abuse, and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with elective units offering specialisation in areas of interest.
Charles Sturt University
Based in New South Wales
Graduate satisfaction: 88.1%
Although delivered online, the course includes on-campus intensive schools for certain subjects, enhancing understanding through interactive sessions. Additionally, it features unique opportunities like a two-week social work tour abroad, enabling students to apply their learning in international contexts and gain unparalleled insights into global practices.
Charles Darwin University
Based in the Northern Territory
Graduate satisfaction: 85.7%
This program features two field placements totalling 1,000 hours, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. For online students, there is a requirement to attend 20 days of on-campus workshops and skill development training. These intensive sessions are crucial for gaining practical skills. Students must cover their travel and accommodation costs to participate.
Flinders University
Based in South Australia
Graduate satisfaction: 71.3%
The program, under the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, is AASW-accredited, enabling professional membership. It combines critical learning with practical application, preparing graduates for roles in community services, government, and welfare agencies. Distance students must attend 20 days on-campus.
James Cook University
Based in Queensland
Graduate satisfaction: 70.0%
For online students, the program includes compulsory on-campus sessions. This approach maintains professional standards while offering the flexibility needed for students with varying needs. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in both government and non-government sectors, thanks to a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
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.
The graduate satisfaction ratings for postgraduate these programs are sourced from Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) surveys, as presented on ComparED. The national student surveys collect feedback from recent graduates, reflecting dimensions such as instruction quality, course material, practical placements, and student support.
Related: Social Work Courses Online