Master of Social Work

Turn your passion for helping others into lasting impact. 

Empower people, strengthen communities, and create lasting change with a Master of Social Work (MSW). 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. Gain hands-on experience through two 14-week full-time long field placements, while connecting with our partners in industry. At the same time, you’ll deepen your understanding of social work by undertaking your own research.

Key features

• Nationally and globally accredited degree. The Master of Social Work (MSW) is accredited nationally by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS)., enabling you to work nationally or internationally.
• Comprehensive clinical placements. Choose from a diverse range of over 400 of our partnered organisations while you partake in your 500 hours of supervised fieldwork placements.
• Follow your interests. In your final semester, you will have the opportunity to undertake a specialist elective in a topic that interests you. Choices include mental health, child and family welfare, ageing, advanced trauma perspectives, domestic and family violence, disability, suicide prevention, or psychosocial oncology.

Learn about the Master of Social Work (MSW) at Melbourne

This video shows the growing importance of social work in a modern society. Watch how Van Nguyen, a PhD candidate at the Melbourne Research Alliance to End Violence against women and their children (MAEVe) is using her postgraduate education in social work to advance policy frameworks to support and protect those most vulnerable.

Why study social work at Melbourne?

Master of Social Work students receive strong research preparation through specific skill development in social work research. This teaches you to utilise current research to inform your practice and can also be preparation for research studies.

Through the theoretical and practical curricula of the MSW degree, you will develop skills essential to being an excellent social worker.

• Extensive up-to-date knowledge. Synthesise the underlying theories, principles, concepts, practice and skills of contemporary social work practice.
• Active global citizens. Communicate effectively, with empathy and respect, across diverse practice contexts and with a diversity of people, communities and organisations.
• Comprehensive preparation. Learn through mixed teaching methods: lectures, tutorials, seminars, collaborative learning and practice simulations. Interview simulation rooms allow you to practice in a safe environment before commencing your fieldwork placements.

What support services can Master of Social Work students access at Melbourne?

• Social Work Association of Graduate Students (SWAGS). Gain access to professional development opportunities, study sessions, and social events with your fellow students.
• University of Melbourne Social Work Alumni Association (UMSWAA). Reach out to a global community of social work alumni and feel connected after graduation.
• MDHS Student Hub. Stop by for student enquiries, pre-placement support checks, leadership training, and wellbeing support programs.
• Pathways to Practice Incentive Grants. Receive up to $7,500 of financial support during your placements in rural and regional Victoria.

What do students say about the Master of Social Work?

Alex Yang

“The Master of Social Work has helped me explore different parts of the social work field and understand just how diverse the career options are.”

Learn more about the School

Visit the Department of Social Work

Let’s Chat: The Social Work Podcast

Past information session

Master of Social Work Information Session

When:  Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 6:00PM - 7:00PM AEST

Hear  from our panel including Course Coordinator, Dr Lauren Kosta, placements coordinator Dr Nicole Hill and  current students, speak about course content, placements, graduate  outcomes and more. We’ll also cover eligibility, how and when to apply as well as a live Q&A with the audience.

Watch recording