Master of Social Work

2015 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

The Master of Social Work has an emphasis on rural and regional communities; race and gender issues; equity, power and diversity issues; social and community development; and anti-oppressive and empowerment approaches to social work practice and social policy. As a student in this course, you will develop a body of knowledge and a broad range of skills for critical, competent and effective professional social work practice both within the local social and community services industry and the broader national and international context. The program has a strong emphasis on practical experience and skills gained through practicum placements.

You will develop knowledge and an integrated understanding of:

• how the broad and immediate political and welfare policy in which people work influences their specific day-to-day practice;
• a range of social research methods,  and the ability to design and conduct research of the broad inter-disciplinary nature of social work
• approaches to social work and be able to work at a range of levels (policy, research, administration) using a range of skills (research, communication, interpersonal, political, community development);
• basic social work theories, anti-oppressive theories and empowerment perspectives and skills in field placement practice.

Professional recognition

The professionally qualifying Master of Social Work creates a new pathway for entry into the profession and prepares graduates for a more advanced level of practice. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) has fully accredited the Master of Social Work. The AASW has also singled out Deakin for our ‘critically reflective practice’, setting us apart from other social work programs in Australia.

Note: All information regarding professional recognition is accurate at the date of publication. Enquiries regarding accreditation and professional membership should be directed to the School of Health and Social Development in order to ascertain the current status of accreditation at any future point in time beyond publication. Representations about accreditation apply only to the course, and the AASW retains discretion as to who they admit as members of their association. Deakin University cannot exercise any control over membership of an external body.

Department of Human Services policy

In accordance with Department of Human Services policy*, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement.

Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience.

* Department of Human Services Policy on Working with Children Check and Police Records Checks can be found at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/facs/bdb/fmu/service-agreement/4.departmental-policies-procedures-and-initiatives/4.6-safety-screening-referee-checks-police-record-check-and-working-with-children-check

Course rules

The Master of Social Work comprises 16 credit points of study, including 15 credit points of core units and 1 credit point of research and evaluation elective unit. Failure of a field education placement in the Master of Social Work will normally lead to exclusion.

Course structure

Level 1
Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Level 2
Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Elective units

Students must select one elective unit from:

Income support

Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.

Further information can be found at Deakin University's Fees website.