Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Be an agent of change and make a difference in the lives of families, individuals, and communities. Our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) provides you with the skills and knowledge to work in a diverse range of practice contexts including urban, regional remote, and international settings. As a provisionally accredited course, graduates are eligible for membership to the Australian Association of Social Workers and will be a part of a growing and diverse CDU social work alumni. During the course, you will explore themes and concepts such as social justice, human rights, critical reflection and supervision, culturally responsive practice, research, and advocacy. Students will complete two placements in the field to further consolidate classroom learning with real-world practice.

Why Study Social Work at CDU?

Study social work with us and make a real difference to local communities, families, and individuals, or in the humanitarian aid industry abroad. You'll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through placements and intensive units, and graduate as a culturally competent specialist ready to create change.

• #1 Australian university for postgraduate social work employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
• #3 in Australia for social work starting salaries (GUG 2024)

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Professional Recognition

As a graduate, you will be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Charles Darwin University is a truly unique institution.

With our home and our heart in the Northern Territory, we embrace the inclusive, resilient, and courageous spirit of the NT in our campuses and delivery sites that reach a diverse footprint from the capital cities of Darwin, Brisbane, and Sydney to the regional hubs of Alice Springs, Palmerston, and Katherine and our remote locations in Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and on Country – in community, with the community.

Our multi-campus, dual-sector status, virtual and online expertise, course profile, research activities, delivery methods, and operation result from our commitment to the regions in which we operate.

The Northern Territory spans approximately one-sixth of Australia’s landmass and yet is home to just one percent of the population, of whom 30 percent are First Nations Peoples.

Due to our location, we are in an enviable position to contribute to the future opportunity of Northern Australia, and our neighbors in the Asia Pacific, through our innovative and impactful training, education, and research.

The University now has a new Strategic Plan in place, which will guide the development of our university over the next five years. It gives us a very clear road map to building a bigger, better, and stronger university, valuing and empowering our people to make a difference.

CDU believes in the transformative power of training, education, and research to change people’s lives for the better. We have a collective responsibility to make sure that our training, education, and research are not only high quality and delivered by outstanding educators and researchers but are accessible and meaningful. What we do matters to our communities.

We are a deeply connected university, working in partnership and collaboration with First Nations peoples, our communities and industries, government, and alumni to address the needs of the Northern Territory and regional, rural, and remote people nationally and globally.

We are committed to making significant contributions to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the NT and Northern Australia and to exporting our expertise nationally and globally.

Values and Culture

At Charles Darwin University we have a passion and a vision to use our skills and knowledge to help shape a brighter future. We intend to become outstanding achievers across all areas of our core business – teaching and learning, research, engagement, Indigenous leadership, and internationalization.

Research and Innovation

Located in the remote far north of Australia, research is central to the purpose of Charles Darwin University and closely tied to the needs of the Northern Territory and the Territory’s immediate region: Timor Leste, Eastern Indonesia, and the Arafura Sea.