Course overview
Social work draws on knowledge from a range of disciplines including sociology psychology, politics, philosophy, health and economics. Social workers are committed to social justice, human rights and social change. They work with and alongside individuals, groups and communities to improve people’s quality of lives, promote positive relationships, and advocate for human rights.
This graduate entry master course provides the knowledge and skills to become a professional social work practitioner and help people to address life challenges.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course is a mid-year entry, fast-track option to becoming a social worker for those who already hold a bachelor degree in a related area. This course offers Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) to domestic applicants, which means part of your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is accredited in Australia by The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Why study at Curtin?
Top 1%
Curtin is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2025).
Excellent resources
#2 in Australia for learning resources in postgraduate social work (Good Universities Guide, 2026).
Rated five stars
Rated five stars for skills development in postgraduate social work (Good Universities Guide, 2026).
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Upcoming events
24 May 2026
Curtin Open Day
Curtin Perth
Discover where in the world a Curtin Degree can take you at Curtin Open Day. Explore courses that connect with industry, meet people who can guide your career direction and see how your ideas can become a reality.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
The course focuses on how people understand and interact with each other, their communities and society.
This course has mixed modes of delivery, including online, on-campus intensive blocks and fieldwork. Please check individual unit information for tuition method.
You will complete 14 weeks or 2 semester's worth (1000 hours) of supervised fieldwork placements in the course for professional identity development.
This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
You must have a relevant bachelor degree completed, including at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (studies of the individual and society), or equivalent prior learning, including appropriate professional experience. Entry into this course is competitive. If your prior degree is not considered relevant, you may be required to undertake prerequisite bridging units before commencing the program.
You will be required to submit supplementary information with your application. Please refer to the application requirements below.
There are limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available.
Ranking and Selection Process
- Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
- Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
- Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
- In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Additional information
Application Requirements
Please refer to our application requirements before applying for this Curtin course.
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Commonwealth-supported first-year fee
$10,800*
Domestic fee-paying first-year fee
$30,222*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 225 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Block Session 5, 2026 | 1 Mar 2026 | Applications now closed |
| Block Session 5, 2027 | 1 Mar 2027 | 26 Apr 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.