The Master of Social Work prepares students for practice as professional social workers. 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).

The Master of Social Work is a vibrant and challenging program that encourages students to build on their existing knowledge and experience as well as providing a sound understanding of social work values and practice approaches. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on social justice, human rights, and on achieving the best possible outcomes for the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community.

Students will be taught by leading social work practitioners and academics and there is a strong focus on experiential learning throughout the course.

Graduates may be eligible to progress to higher degree research programs within ACU.

To be eligible for admission to the course, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised university which includes a minimum of 8 units (2 full-semesters) of study in the social sciences.

These units may include psychology, sociology, anthropology, policy studies, history, law, health and disability, technology, philosophy, indigenous studies, culture and human diversity, media study, gender studies, social theory and population studies.

The undergraduate degree must have at least one unit in human behaviour AND one unit in sociology.