Ready to channel your passion for helping others into a career that truly makes a difference? UQ's Master of Social Work (Qualifying) can turn your aspirations into reality.
This program provides the credentials you need to become a professional social worker, accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It’s perfect for recent graduates looking for a clearly defined career path as a social worker, as well as for people already working in human services wanting to upgrade their skills to become a qualified social worker.
Discover why UQ’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) could be the best choice for shaping your future and making a meaningful difference.
What does "Master of Social Work Qualifying" mean?
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is a postgraduate degree for individuals with an undergraduate background in relevant fields such as psychology, sociology, or human services, including 1 year of full-time study in social and behavioural sciences. The "Qualifying" designation indicates that the program meets professional accreditation standards, enabling graduates to become qualified social workers. This type of degree typically includes a strong focus on practical placements alongside academic coursework, preparing students for social work practice.
Seamless integration of theory and practice
UQ’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program offers a robust blend of specialised skills, comprehensive knowledge, and practical experience.
You’ll engage with essential social work theories and apply them directly through extensive field placements. This combination of academic study and hands-on training bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping you with expertise and confidence for your future career.
The program includes core courses in health and ageing, child youth and family practice, and mental health, along with 1,000 hours of supervised placements in diverse settings such as hospitals, non-profits, schools, and community centres. This includes opportunities to work in regional, rural, and remote areas through our partnership with Southern Queensland Rural Health.
Esha, a UQ Master of Social Work student, found her hospital placement with cancer patients instrumental in shaping her professional identity.
"Engaging with diverse individuals and applying insights from my coursework significantly boosted my confidence and enhanced my understanding of the complexities of social work."
Unique learning experiences
What sets UQ apart as a top choice for studying social work is the exceptional range of unique learning experiences we offer our students. These include:
- Simulations with actors will allow you to practise client interactions in realistic and supportive scenarios and enhance your confidence.
- Working on interactive, scenario-based case studies will assist with your problem-solving skills.
- Immersive field visits to community organisations and social service agencies will provide you with valuable insights into various work environments.
- Participating in interdisciplinary workshops that bring together students from different health and human service fields including nursing, occupational therapy and psychology will help foster collaboration and teamwork skills.
- Taking part in group discussions and written reflections will help you constructively evaluate your own performance and improve as a professional.
This variety of learning methods ensures you effectively apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, preparing you thoroughly for professional practice.
"Blended and flexible learning approaches offer the best of both worlds – combining traditional classroom structure with adaptable, real-time practical experience."
- Dr Jemma Venables, Program Lead for UQ's Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
I've developed the ability to hold meaningful, empathetic conversations, conduct and evaluate research, work with individuals and families, and collaborate effectively within diverse teams. The skill of critically reflecting and applying those reflections to enhance my practice has been invaluable.
A well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to provide you with a well-rounded education in social work, integrating cutting-edge techniques with current research. Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), our program is carefully crafted to meet industry standards while addressing the needs of our students.
You’ll start with a strong foundation in core social work principles, then progress through specialised courses in health and ageing, children, youth, families, and mental health. Your education will be enhanced by targeted research and placement opportunities, integrating crucial knowledge and skills in social work, social policy, and research.
UQ’s Master of Social Work program prepares you to address a wide range of social issues and make a significant impact across diverse professional settings.
One of my favourite courses has been Direct Practice. In this course, I learnt how to engage with clients, build strong therapeutic relationships, and conduct effective consultations. This course did an amazing job of linking theory with real-world application, and it has been crucial in preparing me for my future career.
Award-winning teachers
UQ is Australia’s most-awarded university for teaching excellence. Our teachers are leaders and experts in social work, bringing years of industry experience directly to the classroom to enrich your learning with real-life, practical knowledge. When they're not teaching, they're actively shaping the future of social work through groundbreaking research, addressing critical issues like intergenerational trauma and fair treatment in child protection and justice systems.
Learning directly from these educators will help you stay on top of the latest research and methodologies in social work, so you’re always ahead of the curve.
My educators at UQ were instrumental in inspiring and supporting me as I transitioned into practising social work. Their approachability and willingness to share their professional real-life experiences made the learning environment rich and relatable.
Successful graduates
UQ social work graduates are in high demand thanks to their hands-on experience, specialised knowledge, critical thinking skills, and confidence in navigating diverse professional environments.
“Our graduates are thriving in a wide range of careers, including family therapy, medical social work, child protection, and youth mentoring," says Program Lead Dr Jemma Venables.
"Many are successfully guiding individuals through complex life transitions and handling critical situations.”
She adds that social work offers extensive opportunities for career progression, making it a compelling long-term choice.
“We also have graduates who have advanced into senior roles, such as directors of family support services and leaders in social work research and policy,” she says.
Karina Maxwell, a UQ social work graduate and proud Ngugi woman from the Quandamooka nation, hopes to distil decades of experiences into PhD research aimed at inspiring future generations to overhaul social work and child protection systems. Read her story.
Matheus is another UQ graduate who is thriving in the industry and making a meaningful impact on the community.
“As a recovery and wellbeing facilitator, I provide psychosocial outreach support to adults with severe mental illness and those at risk of homelessness," he says.
"My role includes case management, psychoeducation, and goal-focused interventions. I utilise mental health recovery principles, strength-based approaches, systems theories, and trauma-informed practices to deliver effective support.”
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
At UQ, we celebrate diversity and inclusion to create a supportive learning environment for everyone. These values are at the heart of our social work programs, teaching students how to respect, understand and help people from different backgrounds and diverse communities. By the end of your program, you’ll feel prepared to support people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and ages.
By studying a Master of Social Work at UQ, you'll develop the expertise to combat inequalities and create meaningful change in people's lives.
