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Key Info

Subject Offerings

Entry Requirements

Professional Practice

Key Info

The SCEI-HE Master of Social Work (Qualifying) students will develop, practice, and advance their skills in appraising individual, family, group and community experiences and contexts for a career in the field of social work and associated professional pathways. The SCEI-HE Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will develop social work graduates who are self-sufficient, versatile, and creative social work practitioners. MSW(Q) graduates will be able to integrate core social work professional competencies into their field education and formulate solutions to manage challenging, diverse, and specialised social and cultural environments.

Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
  • 200 Credit Points
  • Full Time2 years
  • Face To Face
  • 16 Units4 per semester
  • Placement CompulsoryEmbedded throughout the course

Pathways

Students interested in progressing further in this area, may choose to study one of the following areas on completion of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

  • Doctoral Studies

Duration

  • 2 YearsFull time
  • 16 Units
  • 4 Units / Semester12 weeks length
  • 3-4 hours / SubjectFace to face tuition
  • Up to 20 hours / weekIndependent study

Employment Opportunities

Graduate employment opportunities include :

  • health
  • youth and family
  • community development
  • human resourc
  • policy and advocacy
  • child protection
  • dispute mediation
  • industrial relations
  • migration advice

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Developed an extensive body of knowledge that includes a deep ethical and values based professional understanding of recent developments in a discipline and/or area of professional practice to support the appraisal of clients, situations, and environments for a career in the field of social work.
  • Developed a sound knowledge of social work research principles and methods applicable to a field of work and/or learning specifically within their field.
  • Developed and applied established social work theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice to integrate core social work values and competencies into their field education.
  • Demonstrated mastery of the oretical knowledge which reflects critically on theory and evidence- informed professional practice or scholarship, to formulate solutions to manage the challenging and specialized environment within their field.
  • Developed technical social work research techniques that enable them to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions, and ethical professional decisions for specialist and non-specialist audiences, so they may critically evaluate their own field education.
  • Demonstrated skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyze, and theorize about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship with design solutions that demonstrate project management and leadership skills in social work practice.

Semester 1

This unit provides students with knowledge of foundational theories that inform social work practice including contemporary social work theories, approaches, models, and methods. The unit will expand students’ knowledge and understanding of the professional discipline of Social Work, its purpose, core values, and professional ethics. The content will require students to evaluate and reflect on the changing, complex, and intertwined nature of social work practice. This unit will advance student theoretical knowledge and skill base as it relates to professional social work practice in a wide range of settings including health, mental health, child protection, aged care, disability, school social work and family violence.

 

Assessment: Academic Essay, Oral Presentation

This unit of study presents knowledge about human growth and development at each stage of lifespan, which informs social work practice with various groups of people across the life course. The core knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work practice encompass the various stages of human development. The unit also provides an outline of the role, scope, contribution, and evidence base of social work practice in the field. The planning and conducting of assessments and interventions for a diverse range of people with physical needs within numerous services settings are studied.

 

Assessment: Academic Essay, Case-study Assessment, SW intervention simulation and reflection

This unit familiarises students with an understanding of human rights, social work ethics, and the Australian legal system. It investigates the values and principles which social and human services law and social work ethics are based on. This unit will explore current practice issues in relation to the law and equip pre-service practitioners with the ability to apply ethical decision-making in a diverse range of social work contexts, appropriately advocate for their clients and navigate the myriad of challenges faced through the legal system.

 

Assessment: Case Study, Online Quizzes and Academic Essay

The focus of this unit is to explore well-informed ways of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the development of social work practice that allows for knowledgeable, sensitive, and responsible frameworks. The commitment to acknowledge and understand the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia will be studied. Specific attention will be paid to the diverse cultural ways of working with individuals, groups, and communities – including practice principles, strategies and skills and the importance of critical self-reflection.

 

Assessment: Oral Presentation, Analytical Report and Academic Essay.

Semester 2

The unit explores the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required for effective social work with families, children and peer groups and builds a strong foundation for theoretically informed social work practice. The focus of this unit incorporates four main themes that social workers engage in including family support work, child protection, adoption and fostering and residential youthwork. Each of these four themes include the sub-sections of policy background, review relevant law, key theories, social work practices and current research. The unit will integrate case studies that explore the challenges in social work with practical sessions to focus on the skills necessary for social workers to practice with families, children, and young people.

 

Assessment: Role-play, Case-studies, and Academic Essay.

The focus of this unit is the research principles and research methods in the social sciences and social work program planning and evaluations. Advanced research methodologies, principles and ethics are studied to facilitate the design, planning and analysis of social work research and program evaluations. The unit of study will cover qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method research methodologies, research design and planning as well as data collection and analysis.

 

Literature Review, Research Articles Critique and Research Proposal

Supervised practical placement hours will be completed in an approved social work or human services agency. This unit will focus on integrating the theory of social work and professional practice. The professional placement requires students to log 500 hours (20 weeks at 3-4 days per week).

Completion of all supervised hours are a strict requirement of the unit; and is in accordance with the Australian Social Work Education Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) guidelines. This unit will require students to attend several placement seminars prior to and during their field work placement. Participation in these webinars is a mandatory requirement for the unit and will cover a range of different areas in in social work,
including Ethical practice; Communication; Relationship management; CALD groups; Assessments and interventions; Reflections and outcomes.

 

Assessment: Participation in Workshops and Self-reflection, Reflective Practice Piece, Work-based Practice Assessment, Mid-placement and Final Practice Evaluation

Semester 1

The unit presents human development and wellbeing across lifespan, which informs social work mental health practice with various groups of people and communities. The core knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work practice in mental health are explored including multidisciplinary team practices. The unit provides an outline of the role, scope, contribution, and evidence base of social work practice in the community mental health field. The planning and conducting of assessments and interventions for a diverse range of people with mental health disorders or alcohol or drug addictions within various services settings are studied.

 

Assessment: Report, Academic Essay, and Simulation

The focus of this unit is to examine contemporary social issues and how they relate to the practice of social work with groups and communities. Students will be encouraged to critically think about and analyse current affairs impacting global, national, and local communities on a range of issues. Students will study models of community development, advocacy, and policy formation in areas of social justice and explore concepts of lifelong learning and reflection as professional social workers.

 

Assessment: Community Development Report, Social Justice Case Study, and Advocacy and Development Plan.

The unit will explore the concepts and realities of domestic and family violence and its implications for social work practices. The prevalence of domestic and family violence will be explored together with its impact on children and families. The theory and practice which underpins domestic and family violence will be examined through a range of case studies and role-plays to practice the skills necessary to assess and examine domestic violence and empowerment practices. The research findings from domestic and family violence inquires and service-user experienced will be explored and integrated within the unit and its assessments.

 

Assessment: Case Study Safety Plan, Literature Review, and Oral Presentation.

The sociology of culture and diversity focuses on the organisation of social life. It looks at how people’s lives are influenced by their opportunities and experiences; and the impact that people have on society through acting and creating change. Sociology provides insights into the ways factors such as class, wealth, race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexuality, disability, and religion shape people’s lives, but this is only one part of it. Sociology is diverse and covers all aspects of social life. Most importantly, sociology gives a perspective on the social world that values critical thinking. The unit will also cover how social work as a profession encompasses diversity and culture and race and religion into its various practice frameworks.

 

Assessment: Short Essay, Group Presentation, and Academic Essay.

Semester 2

The unit will synthesis the skills gained across the MSWQ program and specifically the research and programs evaluation plus the theory and practice social work units. Knowledge and skills obtained in the research and evaluation unit are required to complete this research-based project. Social workers are expected to have critical analysis skills that are required for evidence informed practice. Being able to integrate research methods into social work practice is critical to be able to produce and improve outcomes for individuals and the community. This project is an essential component of the capstone experience, and it assesses the knowledge and skills across the whole unit. Students will be provided with project opportunities to complete in this unit.

 

Assessment: Oral Presentation, and Research Report.

Or

This subject will build on student’s research skill and application in the field of social work.

 

Assessment: Literature Review, Oral Presentation – Confirmation of Candidature, Research Thesis, and Oral Presentation – Defense of Thesis.

This unit will explore the leadership and management theories for social work practice within human services organisations. Aspects of leadership will be explored including sustainability of the social work profession, problem solving and decision making in social work, motivating other staff, financial accounting and human resources, financial management, strategic planning and management, resource development and community collaboration, and leadership. The unit will focus on the skills necessary to develop leadership skills and the emerging importance of technology in social work practices and management.

 

Assessment: Academic Essay, Quiz, and Social Work Program.

Supervised practical placement hours will be completed in an approved social work or human services agency. This unit will focus on integrating the theory of social work and the professional practice. The professional placement requires students to log 500 hours (20 weeks at 3-4 days per week).

Completion of all supervised hours are a strict requirement of the unit; and is in accordance with the Australian Social Work Education Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) guidelines. This unit will require students to attend several placement seminars prior and during to their field work placement. Participation in these webinars is a mandatory requirement for the unit and will cover a range of different areas in in social work, including Ethical practice; Communication; Relationship management; CALD groups; Assessments and interventions; Reflections and outcomes.

 

Assessment: Participation in Workshops and Self-reflection, Reflective Practice Piece, Work-based Practice Assessment, Mid-placement and Final Practice Evaluation.

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for an offer of admission, applicants will:

  • Hold a relevant Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in social or behavioural sciences, with at least one (1) full time equivalent year of study in any of the following disciplines:
  • Human welfare studies and services – including social work, youth work, community work, welfare studies and counselling;
  • Behavioural science – including psychology or behavioural science;
  • Human society – including sociology, anthropology, Indigenous studies or gender-specific studies; or
  • Other disciplines including political studies, policy studies, family law, justice administration, legal studies, family and consumer studies, education (with a focus on welfare), public health, health promotion, community health, mental health, nursing or community nursing.

Non – Academic Requirements

  • Applicants for education programs will need to complete a non-academic suitability test. The test measures attributes such as motivation to teach, attitude toward learning, interpersonal and communication skills, resilience, self-efficacy, how conscientious applicants are as well as organisation and planning skills. SCEI-HE currently uses the computer based CASPer Postgraduate Teacher Education test. The fee for students to take the test is approximately $80.00.

Altus Suite -

Casper and Snapshot

Altus Suite - Admissions Assessments of Non-Cognitive Skills

All applicants applying to Education courses at Southern Cross Education Institute – Higher Education are required to complete an online suite of assessments (Altus Suite), to assist with our selection process for the 2021-2022 Application Cycle.

How to Complete Altus Suite

In order to take Altus Suite, you will be responsible for securing access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and audio capabilities. You will require the following for both account creation and completing Altus Suite :
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Valid email address (the same one you will use to submit your application)
  • Working webcam
  • Working microphone
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection
  1. Please go to www.TakeAltus.com to sign up for Altus Suite for Postgraduate Teacher Education (CSP-20409 – Australian Postgraduate Teacher Education) under your specific country, and register using a piece of government-issued photo ID.When making your Altus Suite account please ensure you use the exact name and email address you have used on your application to Southern Cross Education Institute as this information will be used to match your Casper score to your application.

  2. Select a Casper test date. You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times. Please note that these are the only testing dates available for your Casper test. There will be no additional tests scheduled. Please use an email address that you check regularly; there may be updates to the test schedule.

    Important : To account for identity verification and payment processing timeline, ensure that you register for your test at least 3 days before your preferred test date and time. Last- minute bookings are not recommended.

  3. Ensure you have selected Southern Cross Education Institute – Higher Education for distribution before the posted Distribution Deadline. Likely, there will be no additional tests scheduled, but the most up to date information can be found by browsing the Test Dates and Times.

  4. You may complete Snapshot any time after you have registered for your Casper test at TakeAltus.com and we recommend you complete it within 14 days of your Casper test to ensure that all components of your Altus Suite are available together to be considered by your program(s), if they are an admissions requirement as per the program website(s). You will still be able to access Snapshot and Duet after the recommended 14 days, but must complete them before your earliest program distribution deadline, as shown on the Test Dates and Times page.

  5. Please direct any inquiries on Altus Suite to support@altus.as. Alternatively, you may use the chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of your screen on the TakeAltus.com website.
Accommodations : If you require testing accommodations for Altus Suite you will need to submit the Accommodations Request Form signed by you and your qualified professional 3 weeks in advance of your desired test date. More information regarding accommodations can be found here.
More About Altus Suite
 
Altus Suite consists of a two-part online assessment of non-cognitive skills, interpersonal characteristics, and personal values and priorities that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. Altus Suite will complement the other tools that we use for applicant screening. In implementing Altus Suite, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.
 
Altus Suite consists of :
 
  • Casper : a 60-90 minute online situational judgment test (SJT)
  • Snapshot : a 10-minute one-way interview with standardised questions.
 
About Casper
 
The Casper test comprises 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract.
 
The test typically takes between 60-90 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program.
 
No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarise yourself with the test structure at TakeAltus.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 12-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment, but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.
 
Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
 
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.
 
Play Video

About Snapshot

 

Snapshot is a one-way interview tool that takes 15 minutes to complete. It is used to help programs get to know their applicants better by assessing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as motivation for the profession.

 

Snapshot includes 2 mandatory practice questions to allow applicants to get familiar with the format and to test your audio and video capabilities. After you complete the practice portion, you will move on to record responses to 3 standardised interview-style questions.

 

Applicants have 2 minutes to record each response. You will have time to read and consider each question during a 30-second reflection period before you begin recording. All recorded responses will be submitted to the program for review.

Applicants need to provide a :

  • Current Working with Children Check
  • National Criminal History Record Check with their application

Professional Practice

The aim of industry placement program is to prepare you for the world of work and assist in applying your newly acquired skills and knowledge in real lifework environments.

 

It also allows you to make meaningful connections with potential employers that may be able to employ you upon completion of your degree, or act as a work reference for other employment opportunities.