Career Pathways

Become a social worker

Make a real difference in people's lives

How long will it take?

3 years Bachelor degree
Add
2 years Master of Social Work

Why study with us?

Gain the skills to work in various facets of social work practice, including casework, counselling, advocacy and community engagement.

Study the theory and practice of social work preparing you for professional practice in a diverse range of social work contexts.

Career outcomes

Career outcomes

  • Complete specialist training in health, psychiatric disability, group work, aged care, child and family, social policy or mental health
  • This course provides a pathway for graduates wanting to pursue doctoral study
  • This course introduces students to the methods of social work practice, including casework, counselling, group work, community development, policy and research

Professional accreditation

  • Accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
  • Meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS)

Hear from our graduates

Find out what motivated our current students to choose Melbourne, and the impact studying with us has had on their lives and careers.

We do a research project at the end of every placement, and with [my last] one I found the volunteers meant a lot.

Lindiwe Mlalzi – Master of Social Work

What are the study options?

Standard entry

1. Undergraduate degree

First you need to meet the entry requirements for your undergraduate degree.

2. Graduate degree

The Master of Social Work also has specific prerequisites to be considered for entry. You must: complete an undergraduate degree with at least one year of full time study in the social sciences or equivalent, complete at least 40 hours of work experience, submit a personal statement, and nominate a professional referee.

Other entry pathways

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Find a scholarship that's right for you

Guaranteed entry

Guaranteed entry means you’ll have the peace of mind of a secure graduate pathway with us without having to make any big decisions from Year 12. You will also be able to leave Melbourne with an undergraduate qualification if you decide further study isn’t right for you.

Discover more about guaranteed entry

Looking for personalised advice?

Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.

Why study at the University of Melbourne

Industry-ready skills

Industry-ready skills

Specially designed interview simulation rooms allow you to practice and review your skills in a safe environment before commencing your fieldwork placements.

Industry-ready skills

Industry-ready skills

Be taught by highly qualified, experienced, research active and accessible experts in the field, with strong ties to the profession and to practice.

Career ready

Career ready

Gain strong skill development in social work research that can potentially provide a pathway to PhD upon degree completion.