The Master of Social Work (Qualifying), in short, MSW(Q) at Sydney Met is an AQF Level 9 program accredited by TEQSA. This is an 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.
Developed in consultation with industry experts, the course emphasises a career-focused approach, preparing students for competency in social work through rigorous academic and practical training. The program spans two years of full-time study, though students have the option to accelerate completion through Sydney Met’s trimester system. A crucial component of the MSW (Q) is the 1,000 hours of integrated field education, which provides hands-on experience in real-world social work settings. This combination of theoretical learning and practical application ensures that graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the social work sector, addressing diverse community needs and promoting social justice.
These CLOs are aligned with the ASWEAS Profession-specific Graduate Attributes (2023). By the completion of the MSW (Q), students will be able to:
CLO 1 – Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge in core areas of Social Work, including social justice, social development, psychosocial health and wellbeing, and counselling.
CLO 2 – Analyse complex problems using critical thinking and inter-cultural skills, and evaluate social work practice solutions to meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities in diverse settings
CLO 3 – Apply knowledge, skills and values to deliver suitable social work practices for resolving personal and interpersonal problems and enhance wellbeing and development.
CLO 4 – Communicate effectively in oral and written form, work as a productive team member, and engage proactively with the broader society in culturally competent ways with special concern for indigenous peoples.
CLO 5 – Research, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge and values and apply reflective thinking skills to inform professional judgement and practice
CLO 6 – Act ethically and responsibly, showing an understanding of social work practice standards in their work.
117058K
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
2 years full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
117058K
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
2 years full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
SWK501
SWK502
SWK503
So You Want to Be a Social Worker
Being a Critical Social Work Practitioner
First Nations Peoples and Decolonising Social Work
SWK504
Professional Practice Skills for working with Individuals, Families and Communities
SWK505
Social Work Theories and Frameworks across the life cycle for Individuals, Families and Groups
SWK601
Policy, Law and Organisational Contexts of Social Work Practice
SWK602
SWK603
SWK604
Social Research and Communication for Social Work
Structural, Child and Family Violence
Social Work Practice for Mental Health and Wellbeing
SWK605
SWK606
SWK607
RSC501
Social Work for Ageing & Disability
Community Development and Advocacy
Leadership and Teamwork
Research Methods
SWK510
SWK610
Social Work Field Education 1 (18 CP, 500 hours)
Social Work Field Education 2 (18 CP, 500 hours)
Academic Requirements
To satisfy the academic requirements for admission to the Master of Social Work (MSW) (Q), applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements aligned to the required standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as follows:
English Requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements for admission, applicants must satisfy one of the following:
Course-Specific Admissions Criteria: Social Work
Students studying social work must complete 1,000 hours of field education in external placement settings. Before undertaking field education, students may have to complete one or more of the following:
*Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place in the course for which you have applied.
117058K
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
2 years full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
The Sydney Met’s Master of Social Work (Q) program offers an opportunity to learn skills that add value to your life and your community. Join our community of change makers and let’s make a difference together.
The Sydney Met’s Master of Social Work (Q) is offered with competitive fees.
We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making study accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a new or continuing student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Applying to the MSW (Q) course is simple and easy. Begin your application now.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying), in short, MSW(Q) at Sydney Met is an AQF Level 9 program accredited by TEQSA. This is an 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.
Developed in consultation with industry experts, the course emphasises a career-focused approach, preparing students for competency in social work through rigorous academic and practical training. The program spans two years of full-time study, though students have the option to accelerate completion through Sydney Met’s trimester system. A crucial component of the MSW (Q) is the 1,000 hours of integrated field education, which provides hands-on experience in real-world social work settings. This combination of theoretical learning and practical application ensures that graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the social work sector, addressing diverse community needs and promoting social justice.
These CLOs are aligned with the ASWEAS Profession-specific Graduate Attributes (2023). By the completion of the MSW (Q), students will be able to:
CLO 1 – Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge in core areas of Social Work, including social justice, social development, psychosocial health and wellbeing, and counselling.
CLO 2 – Analyse complex problems using critical thinking and inter-cultural skills, and evaluate social work practice solutions to meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities in diverse settings
CLO 3 – Apply knowledge, skills and values to deliver suitable social work practices for resolving personal and interpersonal problems and enhance wellbeing and development.
CLO 4 – Communicate effectively in oral and written form, work as a productive team member, and engage proactively with the broader society in culturally competent ways with special concern for indigenous peoples.
CLO 5 – Research, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge and values and apply reflective thinking skills to inform professional judgement and practice
CLO 6 – Act ethically and responsibly, showing an understanding of social work practice standards in their work.
117058K
February, May & September
Note: The course will be available from the May 2026 intake.
2 years full-time (or equivalent)
432 – 434 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
On-campus
SWK501
SWK502
SWK503
So You Want to Be a Social Worker
Being a Critical Social Work Practitioner
First Nations Peoples and Decolonising Social Work
SWK504
Professional Practice Skills for working with Individuals, Families and Communities
SWK505
Social Work Theories and Frameworks across the life cycle for Individuals, Families and Groups
SWK601
Policy, Law and Organisational Contexts of Social Work Practice
SWK602
SWK603
SWK604
Social Research and Communication for Social Work
Structural, Child and Family Violence
Social Work Practice for Mental Health and Wellbeing
SWK605
SWK606
SWK607
RSC501
Social Work for Ageing & Disability
Community Development and Advocacy
Leadership and Teamwork
Research Methods
SWK510
SWK610
Social Work Field Education 1 (18 CP, 500 hours)
Social Work Field Education 2 (18 CP, 500 hours)
Academic Requirements
To satisfy the academic requirements for admission to the Master of Social Work (MSW) (Q), applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements aligned to the required standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as follows:
English Requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements for admission, applicants must satisfy one of the following:
Course-Specific Admissions Criteria: Social Work
Students studying social work must complete 1,000 hours of field education in external placement settings. Before undertaking field education, students may have to complete one or more of the following:
*Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place in the course for which you have applied.
The Sydney Met’s Master of Social Work (Q) program offers an opportunity to learn skills that add value to your life and your community. Join our community of change makers and let’s make a difference together.
The Sydney Met’s Master of Social Work (Q) is offered with competitive fees.
We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making study accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a new or continuing student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Applying to the MSW (Q) course is simple and easy. Begin your application now.
Sydney Met's campus is located on the unceded territory of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the traditional owners of the land where the campus is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and Indigenous peoples globally who are presently studying, working, or contributing to Sydney Met.
