Get a flying start to your social work career with a postgraduate qualification.
RMIT has been teaching social work for over 40 years, and our programs continue to reflect up-to-date ideas about social work and its place in a changing world.
Our graduates are resilient, outspoken members of society who advocate a fairer world for all.
Field education forms a large component of the social work course. You'll undertake 140 days of work placements within human and community service organisations.
Undertake 140 days of work placements, gaining practical, hands-on experience.
Engage with industry-linked experts and benefit from a job-relevant curriculum.
Gain access to our world-class research centres, run by leaders in social justice and homelessness.
You will engage with a wide variety of fields of social work practice throughout your studies.
Your studies will commence with courses that introduce you to professional practice frameworks and develop your interpersonal and communication skills, culminating in a capstone experience which orients you to your future professional practice.
Coursework is designed to prepare you for two work integrated learning experiences, in which you will undertake two 70-day placements working alongside social work practitioners in a range of organisations.
In the Master of Social Work, you will experience a variety of teaching approaches including seminars, lectures and interactive tutorials facilitated by practitioners and researchers active across different fields of social work practice.
Methods include collaborative group work, self-directed and peer learning, scenario and case-based learning and practice skills simulations.
We offer face-to-face classes with some evening options. Some classes are also run intensively through the semester.
A full-time student will attend approximately eight hours of classes per week each semester, with additional self-directed research and reading to prepare for classes and complete assessment requirements.
You will be assessed throughout each semester, through written reflections, research projects, essays, and simulated interviews, all of which give you the opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and develop your practice frameworks.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
RMIT and community service organisations work together to provide field education.
You'll undertake two field education placements within public and community sector human service organisations. Placement helps you practise your skills so that you have the confidence to apply your abilities to professional situations.
Placements may be arranged locally, with some opportunity for interstate or overseas placements for the second placement.
You could find work placements in organisations such as:
RMIT is a world leader in social justice and homelessness research, and supports a number of research projects and networks that maintain wider links with local and global communities.
The Social and Global Studies Centre develops new knowledge and critical interventions to transform policy, practice, culture and lives, locally, nationally and internationally. It is underpinned by a commitment to respond to the Global Challenges agenda and is aligned with five 2030 SDGs: good health and well-being; gender equity; reduced inequalities; peace, justice and strong institutions; quality education.
The Centre for Urban Research is a thriving interdisciplinary research centre with an emphasis on the intersecting streams of housing and homelessness, urban and regional planning, and sustainability.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through overseas work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
As a graduate of the Master of Social Work, you will be equipped with a mastery of knowledge and skills to respond to contemporary social disadvantages, oppression and marginalisation, recognising the political nature of social suffering.
Throughout this degree and into your professional practice, you will critically analyse underpinning theories and contemporary policy context, using appropriate research strategies to inform ethical practice.
You will develop advanced problem-solving skills and techniques of intervention, integrating complex information and designing innovative approaches to meet the needs of individuals, families, and groups. The interventions you theorise and develop will consider the social, structural and political factors that perpetuate poverty and inequality, and assess policies and programs designed to address disadvantage.
Essential communication skills will enable you to explain complex information and concepts to diverse audiences. You will work as an ethical and reflective social work professional, committed to to lifelong learning, and able to recognise the multicultural nature of contemporary societies, as well as the unique position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, promoting their rights and wellbeing.
This degree is designed to develop your capacity to deliver human services. and to master current and emerging policy and practice trends.
You'll reflect on and analyse social policy and organisational practices, and develop the skills necessary for advocating change. You'll graduate with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundations to bring about individual and collective wellbeing from a social justice perspective.
The Master of Social Work comprises of ten 12-credit-point core subjects, two 24-credit-point core subjects, and two 12-credit-point elective subjects. Most subjects are offered face-to-face.
Core subjects include:
Elective subjects include:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Graduates are highly employable in human services organisations, community-based agencies, various levels of government, and increasingly in corporate and private enterprise.
Some graduates help to develop social policy, some engage in research, some assist communities to develop their own services, and some provide services to individuals and families. In a social work career, there are ample opportunities to pursue different specialisations and interests.
With your working knowledge of social science, research, and social work, you'll be eligible for a wide range of human services or community jobs in areas such as:
Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for social workers are set to increase by 15.9% to 2028.
This program is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Graduates are eligible for membership of this professional association.
You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) that includes at least one year of full-time studies in social sciences (or equivalent).
Applications for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are now closed for Semester 1, 2026. Selection for CSPs is competitive, and complete applications were assessed in the order that they were received until all places were filled.
You can still apply for a full-fee place for Semester 1, 2026.
For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
If you are currently completing your degree and do not yet have a final transcript, please provide an interim transcript in your application.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline which includes at least one year of full time studies in social sciences (or equivalent).
Applicants will be selected competitively based on undergraduate results and professional experience.
Please note complete applications must be submitted by 1 November (in any given year) in order to be considered.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
CV and statement details your relevant professional experience (if applicable).
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Students who are successful in obtaining a place in the program must meet a number of Immunisation and Compliance requirements upon commencement of their studies in the program.
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.
Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, formerly known as a Police Check, for professional placements as part of this program. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks must be current and have no disclosable outcomes.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.
*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.
Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
You can gain entry to this master's degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate courses, if you meet the entry requirements.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Upon successful completion of this master's degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.
You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Master by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.
Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).
Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2026. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,738 per standard year $592 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $9,537 per standard year $1,192 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,558 per standard year $1,694 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $17,399 per standard year $2,174 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.
If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.
See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.
For Bachelor/Master of Education, Nursing or Social Work students undertaking mandatory full-time practicum placements/work integrated learning (WIL); worth up to $331.65 per week.
For Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students working, or intending to work in the social and emotional well-being workforce, enrolled in related programs; worth up to $135,000 for tuition fees, SSAF and financial support.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
More information
