Clock
Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Location
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Calendar-month
Intake
February, September
Key dates
Dollar
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Entry pathways
Special entry options and Access Melbourne are available
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Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

  • An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (or equivalent), with studies to have been completed within 10 years of commencing this course, OR
  • An older undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and more recent graduate study that demonstrates current capacity for graduate study.

You must also provide:

  • A current curriculum vitae (CV) that details your education, workplace experience, and other relevant skills and training, AND
  • Contact details for a professional referee
    • Relevant work experience may be paid or unpaid, and may be full-time or part-time, but for part-time experience, at least 40 hours should normally have been obtained in a single three-month period.
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?

You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.

You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

Calculate your eligibility

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
  • English language test score requirements Chevron-down
  • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

    • IELTS

      7.0


      with no band less than 7.0

      TOEFL

      94+


      with writing 27; speaking 23; reading 24; listening 24

      PEARSON

      72+


      with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 72

      CAMBRIDGE

      185+


      with no skill less than 185
    *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

The Selection Committee will also consider your work experience and other training as detailed in your CV.

Indigenous applicants (Domestic applicants only)

Applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent are given priority access to the Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne.

All eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must submit a Confirmation of Identity for verification.

Prospective Indigenous applicants are encouraged to contact the Indigenous Support Officer to receive advice and support in relation to the application and admission process.

Rural and Regional Background applicants (Domestic applicants only)

Domestic applicants with a rural or regional background have priority access to the Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne. If you have resided, according to principal home address, for at least 5 years consecutively or 10 years cumulatively in a rural or regional area of Australia, please let us know in the application process.

Rural and regional background applicants are encouraged to:

  1. Use the workforce location map to check their geographical classification according to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Modified Monash Model (MMM). A rural/regional background is anywhere from MM2 to MM7.
  2. Complete the relevant section under the Graduate Access Melbourne requirement in the application form including providing relevant supporting documentation.

Additional information

Inherent Requirements

This course has inherent requirements. Refer to the Master of Social Work Handbook for important information on these requirements.

Clinical placements

Clinical Placements are undertaken as part of this course. All students must undertake a Police Record Check, obtain a Working with Children Check and comply with immunisation requirements. Refer to the following pages for important information:

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

Advanced Standing

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.
Need more information on the University’s general entry requirements?