Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This professionally qualifying master's provides a comprehensive curriculum across social work theory, practice and research. Core study areas typically include social work practice with individuals and families, groupwork and community practice, human development and psychosocial framing, social policy and welfare systems, research methods for practice, and ethics and professional accountability.

The course emphasises applied practice skills such as assessment and intervention planning, case management, critical reflection, culturally safe practice including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and working with people experiencing mental health issues, family violence, child protection concerns and complex needs.

Structured subjects commonly include practice-focused subjects (direct practice, clinical approaches), policy and community practice, advanced research methods and a capstone or evidence-informed practice subject. Students also complete a sequence of professional placements in health, community services, child protection or other accredited social service agencies. These supervised field education components meet the professional placement requirements for accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Entry requirements

• Completion of a recognised bachelor degree (any discipline) or equivalent tertiary qualification; applicants with relevant prior study and experience in related fields are considered.
• Demonstrated capacity for tertiary study and suitability for professional practice; some campuses or cohorts may require a form of interview or written statement outlining motivation and relevant experience.
• English language proficiency to the level required for postgraduate study if your prior qualification was not taught in English.
• Successful applicants must meet professional suitability checks for placement, which typically include a national police check, working with children check (or jurisdictional equivalent), and up-to-date immunisation status as required by placement providers.
• Some applicants may be required to complete bridging or preparatory subjects if their prior study did not include foundational topics in social sciences or human services.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible for professional entry-level roles in a wide range of social service settings. Common career pathways include hospital and health service social worker, community and family services practitioner, child protection worker, mental health clinician, and roles in disability, aged care, homelessness services and family violence programs.

Graduates may also move into roles in policy development, program coordination, advocacy, research or management within government, non-government organisations and the community sector. With experience and further professional development, social workers can pursue specialist clinical practice, senior leadership or private practice opportunities.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

• ACU has a strong focus on social justice, ethical practice and person-centred care, which informs teaching and professional preparation across social work subjects.
• The online delivery model offers flexibility for students balancing work and personal commitments while retaining access to ACU academic staff, tutorials and cohort learning activities.
• ACU maintains established partnerships with a wide network of placement providers across health, community and government sectors, supporting practical, supervised experience in diverse practice settings.
• The program integrates Indigenous perspectives and culturally safe practice into coursework and placements, reflecting ACU’s commitment to culturally responsive professional education.
• Completion of the qualifying master’s meets the academic requirements for professional recognition by the peak social work body in Australia, preparing graduates for registration and practice.