The Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne offers an outstanding graduate course of study. You will benefit from our research-led teaching, based on up-to-date data allowing you to apply the most relevant theory to your social work practice. This is one of the first masters degrees accredited nationally by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). A master’s degree in social work is a portable qualification, enabling you to work nationally or internationally. The course is led by highly qualified, experienced, research-active and accessible experts in the field, with strong ties to the profession and community services. Their expertise encompasses specialist knowledge in particular fields of practice including: Mental health, child and family practice, health, ageing and substance abuse. We give you strong research preparation through specific skill development in social work research. This is important in teaching you to utilise current research to inform your practice and as preparation for research studies You will undertake a specialist elective in the final semester. Throughout the degree you will find special areas of social work that interest you. You can follow these up more closely by undertaking a specialist elective in: Health Psychiatric disability Group work Aged care Child and family Social policy or mental health Course description The course offers mixed teaching methods: lectures, tutorials, seminars, collaborative learning and practice simulations. This ensures a rich and diverse learning environment, and is inclusive of all students. Our specially designed interview simulation rooms allow you to practice and review your skills in a safe environment before commencing your fieldwork placements. Degree Structure Over two years you will enrol in 175 points of coursework subjects and 50 points of field education subjects. You will undertake four theory subjects totaling 50 credit points per semester in your first year. At mid-year you will undertake a block of supervised field placement of 500 hours (approx. 67 days) duration, worth 25 credit points. In the second year you will undertake three theory subjects totaling 37.5 credit points per semester with a mid-year block of supervised field placement, also of 500 hours (approx. 67 days) duration worth 25 credit points. In the final semester one subject is an elective subject. By completing 25 credit points of research (taken in the MSW as Researching Social Work Practice 1 and 2), you are eligible to apply for the PhD directly after your MSW. Professional Accreditation This is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Further Study Graduates may progress to a range of other graduate programs including the Master of Advanced Social Work (Research), Master of Philosophy or the Doctor of Philosophy.