1,000+ hours of professional placement
Fully accredited by the AASW
Interprofessional learning across health disciplines
Why choose social work at Deakin
Build the knowledge, practical experience and critical reflection skills to support individuals, families and communities through Deakin’s Master of Social Work. Fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the course prepares you for professional social work practice across health, community and human services settings.
Informed by contemporary social work theory, social justice and community practice, the course explores trauma, violence and abuse, poverty and social exclusion, and collaborative approaches to care. You will also develop interprofessional skills through shared learning alongside students from a range of health disciplines.
Professional experience is embedded throughout the course, with at least 1000 hours of placement preparing you for practice across community and healthcare settings. Recognised by the AASW for its commitment to critically reflective practice, the course prepares you for inclusive and evidence-informed professional practice.
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Professionally recognised qualification
The course is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), preparing you for professional social work practice across a range of sectors.
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Extensive placement experience
Complete more than 1000 hours of professional placement across community and healthcare settings, supported by qualified social work practitioners.
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Flexible online and on-campus study
Build collaborative practice skills through interprofessional learning alongside students from other health disciplines.
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Study contemporary social work practice
Explore areas including trauma, violence and abuse, poverty and social exclusion, and critically reflective approaches to practice.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build a career improving the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Social work can lead to roles across health, mental health, child and family services, community development, policy, advocacy and government.
Social worker
Support individuals, families and communities to navigate complex challenges, access services and strengthen wellbeing. Social workers work across health, mental health, child protection, family services and community settings.
- $100k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 14.6%
Projected job growth in five years
- 4.1
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Case manager
- Child protection officer
- Community development officer
- Disability support coordinator
- Mental health coordinator
- Specialist family violence practitioner
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 19 October 2026 for CSP and 23 November 2026 FFP
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Master of Social Work?
You will develop the knowledge, practical skills and critical reflection capabilities required for contemporary social work practice across health, community and human services settings. Through professional placements, interprofessional learning and studies informed by social justice and community practice, you will prepare for work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Build foundations for contemporary social work practice
Explore contemporary social work practice
Build an understanding of social work theory, ethics, professional identity and approaches to care, risk and advocacy.
Examine social inequality and exclusion
Explore areas including poverty, social exclusion and the social conditions that influence health and wellbeing.
Begin professional practice learning
Develop research, communication and reflective practice skills while preparing for placement and collaborative practice.
Apply social work practice across diverse settings
Build practice experience through placement
Complete more than 1000 hours of professional placement across community and healthcare settings, supported by qualified practitioners.
Respond to contemporary social challenges
Explore practice approaches in areas including trauma, grief and loss, violence and abuse, and community and group work.
Develop collaborative and reflective practice skills
Learn alongside students from other health disciplines while strengthening critically reflective and evidence-informed approaches to social work practice.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Social Work, you must pass 16 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Students must complete one of the two course pathways:
Research pathway
^ Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60 to be eligible to undertake the research pathway
Practice pathway
Professional recognition
The Master of Social Work is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). 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.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Police Record Check
In accordance with the policies of health and human services organisations, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to undertaking professional placements in each calendar year that they are enrolled in a placement unit. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of a professional placement will not be able to undertake their mandatory placement units and this will impede progress in the course.
Working With Children Check (or State/Territory equivalent)
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional placement. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional placement will not be able to undertake their mandatory placement units and this will impede progress in the course.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
All students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to the commencement of professional placement. This is an assessment of whether a person poses risk to NDIS participants. A placement organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if they fail to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check. This may impede progression in the course.
Immunisation Status
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health and human service organisations where they will be undertaking their professional learning experience. A placement organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the placement organisation. This may impede progression in the course.
Note
Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining the above mandatory checks which are required prior to commencing professional placement:
- Working with Children Check, (approximately $130)
- An NDIS worker screen, (approximately $130)
- A National Police Record Check (approximately $100)
- Immunisation Status
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are those skills, values and behaviours that students must demonstrate in order to complete the Master of Social Work. Learn more about inherent requirements.
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week. This may include a combination of self-paced study, lectures, seminars, simulations and online interactions. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Attendance requirements
As part of the AASW accreditation you must attend 20 days of on-campus face-to-face learning. Intensive dates can be found on the Master of Social Work intensives webpage. If you feel for any reason you cannot attend these intensives you must contact your units chair as soon as possible.
Attendance requirements can be found on the Master of Social Work intensives webpage.
Students must complete 2 practice education units as part of the core units, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across a minimum 65 days) of practicum (field placement) in a social or community service agency or program. Please note that all students will need to undertake the required field placements in order to qualify for the degree. These field placements are unpaid. It is recommended that students have planned for these periods of unpaid placement time prior to commencing the course.
During the academic and placement components of a social work degree, students are expected to attend seminars and classes, and/or participate in online learning activities. In-person attendance for some activities, including placement, is compulsory for all students including those enrolled as online students.
In accordance with the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) online students are required to attend on campus intensive seminars for a minimum of 20 days throughout their course. Intensive seminars are linked to individual units of study. Refer to the individual unit details in the University Handbook for more information about attendance requirements for specific units.
Practice Education
All students are required to complete two field education placements, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across at least 65 days) of practicum (field placement) in a health or human service organisation or program.
Students must also attend and participate in the associated pre-placement preparation seminars at the Geelong Waterfront campus in the trimester prior to the placement being undertaken. Dates for 2027 are available here.
Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for the first placement only (HSW714 Professional Practice in Social Work A) for students who are able to demonstrate that their prior work experience has provided them with the knowledge and experience that would normally be provided in the first placement. Applications for RPL are due 31 March of the year students are due to undertake their first placement. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Further information is available in the RPL Guidelines.
Deakin University does not require any student to have a driver’s licence but encourages students to obtain one if possible. Many placement providers expect students to hold a full driver’s licence and students who do not have this may be limited in the placement opportunities available to them. Organisations which require students to drive as part of their placement work should provide access to an agency vehicle and not expect students to have their own car.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Critically apply understanding of the histories, aims, values, ethics, theories and practice approaches of social work in contemporary Australian contexts, across all domains including working with individuals, families, groups, communities, management, research education and social policy. Practice social work reflectively in line with the code of ethics and professional practice standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers. |
| Evaluate and apply appropriate communication and interpersonal skills in a broad range of social work practice contexts and with a diversity of people, communities and organisations. |
| Use digital technology in social work practice ethically and appropriately, including service provision and management, information acquisition and dissemination, and research and evaluation. |
| Critically analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge of social work theories, methods and skills to promote positive social change. Engage in reflective and responsive practice that considers the social context, and the positioning of self and others. Evaluate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research paradigms and methods to the design and conduct of research relevant to the practice and evaluation of social work. |
| Apply social work knowledge and intervention skills to appropriately and creatively respond to the needs of individuals, groups and communities in diverse settings, client groups and geographic locations. |
| Demonstrate a sense of identity, integrity and self-management as a professional social worker in all areas of practice. Demonstrate the capacity to engage in professional supervision, be accountable for professional decisions and actions, and recognise the need to engage in on-going professional development, including supervision. |
| Work and learn respectfully and inclusively in collaborative intra and inter disciplinary settings. Work and learn across diverse social, cultural and political locations. |
| Enact acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians into social work practice. Evaluate and apply local and global knowledges of the social, political, cultural, legal and economic contexts of social work practice to respond effectively within a human rights and social justice framework. |
- Award granted
- Master of Social Work
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H703
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$27,800
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Estimated tuition fee
$9,881
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course , unit enrolment and the type of fee place you are offered. In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your student contribution is determined by the units you choose. For full fee-paying places, tuition fees are determined by your course and the units you choose. Your student contribution or tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may be eligible for a Government HELP loan to defer all or part of your student contribution.
Please be aware, there are limited Commonwealth Supported Places available in this course.
Check your eligibility or learn more about a Government HELP loan.
CSP Places
There are limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) in the Master of Social Work. Therefore CSP are not guaranteed and are allocated according to time of receipt of a completed application
Applications for CSP usually closes in mid-late November each year. Applications received after this time are considered for full-fee places only.
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.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best.
If you're eligible, the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) can help with the costs of completing a mandatory placement as part of your course.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 19 October 2026 for CSP and 23 November 2026 FFP
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Students must have completed Masters level education to be granted for approved prior study. Applications for RPL on the basis of prior study should be submitted at least one week prior to the commencement of the trimester of offer. RPL cannot be granted for informal learning for any Master of Social Work units other than HSW714 – Professional Practice in Social Work. Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for the first placement only (HSW714-Professional Practice in Social Work A) for students who are able to demonstrate that their prior work experience has provided them with the knowledge and experience that would normally be provided in the first placement. There is a separate process in applying for this type of RPL and more information is available in RPL Guidelines. Applications for RPL are due 30 March of the year students are due to undertake their first placement. Late applications cannot be accepted and students are encouraged to apply earlier than this if possible.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses.