Social Work

Why study Social Work?

Our postgraduate coursework program is for graduates of other disciplines who wish to move into social work from a related area. We offer a Master qualification and two specialised courses in child and family practice. You will be prepared for key social work roles in community work, social policy, social research, and organisational planning and administration. Our curriculum is based on a social justice philosophy and you will develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively in complex organisations. Practical placement allows you to gain valuable practical skills and experience in the field.

Career opportunities

Social workers are employed in a range of social policy, community and direct practice areas in public and non-government agencies. Areas include hospitals and community based health services, disability, substance abuse, child protection and family care, aged care, indigenous support, housing services, mental health, family services, psychiatric services, protective services, refugee and asylum seeker support services, local government, community work, social justice advocacy, and counselling services.

Courses

Local students

Social Work courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Practice Leadership Melbourne
2 years part-time Semester 2 (July)

Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Practice Leadership continued…

Course description
Aiming to produce responsive and dynamic leaders for the child and family sector, this course builds on current requirements for roles in child protection, placement and family services sectors in Victoria. It is designed for supervisors and frontline managers who want to become more confident and effective leaders in the child protection, placement and family services sectors in Victoria. The course is offered jointly by La Trobe's Department of Social Work and Social Policy, The Bouverie Centre, and the Department of Human Services, in partnership with the University of Melbourne School of Social Work, Berry Street Take Two and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA).
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree or equivalent and must be employed in child protection, family services and/or aboriginal community control organisations, and have at least two years' child and family practice experience in a leadership role.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2011): $8,030 per 120 credit points. Successful applicants are offered a full scholarship.
Additional costs
Students are required to pay for travel and accommodation (if necessary) to attend seminars located in Melbourne.
How to apply
Apply directly to the Department of Human Services: contact Lynda Whitaker. Email: Lynda.whitaker@dhs.vic.gov.au. Applicants must download and complete a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB).

Successful applicants are sponsored by the Department of Human Services.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Child and Family Practice Leadership (Graduate Diploma)Melbourne
2013 Master of Social Work Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Mildura
2 years full-time or 3-4 years part time. Semester 1 (March)

Master of Social Work continued…

Course description
This course aims to prepare students for key social work roles - in which they might work with individuals, families and groups, or be involved in community work, social policy, social research, and organisational planning and administration. The curriculum is based on a philosophy of social justice, and students should acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively in complex organisations. A key feature is the practical placement component, which allows students to gain practical skills in the field. Honours is available during the final year.

For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions.
Prerequisite
Australian Bachelor degree or overseas equivalent, preferably in arts, social science, psychology, teaching, nursing, economics, legal studies, politics, or disciplines related to social work. Applicants must have obtained a minimum average grade of 65% in their undergraduate degree.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $16,980 per 120 credit points.
Additional costs
Approximate costs include A$100 for course readings (available from the La Trobe Co-op bookshop), which remain students' personal property, and A$15.50 for a National Police Check. Accommodation costs for clinical placements vary according to the venue.
Additional information
Students must obtain a Federal police check (or equivalent) and Working With Children Check before undertaking clinical professional placements.

Please note that professional placements are unpaid and may be located in metropolitan or rural areas, interstate or overseas. Students may be required to do their placement outside semesters. For more information about clinical placements, visit www.latrobe.edu.au/health/study/placements
How to apply
Through VTAC or UAC. Students applying to our Albury-Wodonga or Mildura campuses can apply directly to La Trobe University. Please note that direct applications are only available to non-Year 12 applicants and to applicants who have not already applied through VTAC. For more information about direct applications please visit Ask La Trobe.
Professional recognition
The course has provisional accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Mildura
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Social Work international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Master of Social Work (074028J) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
2 years See additional information $27 560

Master of Social Work continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course aims to prepare students for key social work roles - in which they might work with individuals, families and groups, or be involved in community work, social policy, social research, and organisational planning and administration. The curriculum is based on a philosophy of social justice, and students should acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively in complex organisations. A key feature is the practical placement component, which allows students to gain practical skills in the field. Honours is available during the final year.

For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent.
Special requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the: Health Sciences website for important information.

All students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15.50) and Working with Children check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.
Additional costs
Approximate costs include A$100 for course readings (available from the La Trobe Co-op bookshop), which remain students' personal property, and A$15.50 for a National Police Check. Accommodation costs for clinical placements vary according to the venue.
Additional information
This course commences on February 25, 2013 at the Melbourne campus, and on 18 February 2013 at the Albury-Wodonga and Bendigo campuses.
Professional recognition
The course has provisional accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Mildura
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (Social Work) (062550A) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
1 year Semester 1 (March) $26 300

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (Social Work) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course aims to provide the necessary preparation for higher degree studies to candidates without substantial previous research experience. As such, the course offers studies designed to suit the student's background and proposed field of research.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
A relevant Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent. In certain circumstances consideration will be given to clinical or academic experience relevant to the intended field of study, and if the applicant has demonstrated the potential to undertake research. In these cases, an applicant's professional references, clinical and/or academic experience, publications and/or presentationsa and academic record are taken into account when being considered for admission to the course.
Additional information
Applications for this course close on 14 December 2012.

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Master of Social Work (graduate level program)

Alternative pathways

Students from different academic backgrounds may be eligible for entry into our Master of Social Work - Graduate Entry.

Social Work placements

Working alongside experienced professionals is a critical part of your Social Work education. In each of the final two years of your course you will complete a 70 day block placement. Here you will be supervised by a qualified and experienced social worker and will work towards developing the skills required for professional practice. You will have the opportunity to work in diverse and challenging fields of practice including community development, advocacy, research, mental health, education, child and family, disability, health and youth.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

You can apply to take one placement overseas. We have partnerships with a number of international organisations in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia and China.

Specialised courses in Child and Family Practice

These courses are offered jointly by La Trobe University, The Bouverie Centre and the Department of Human Services, in partnership with the University of Melbourne School of Social Work, Berry Street Take Two and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) and have been designed for people working in the child protection and family services sector in Victoria (including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations) who hold a degree or the equivalent and have a minimum of two years’ experience in child and family practice experience. Life and work experience will be taken into consideration for applicants with no formal tertiary education.

These courses are funded by the Department of Human Services which pays for course fees and materials.

The Graduate Certificate is for experienced practitioners keen to further develop their understanding of context while extending their conceptual range and direct skills in child and family practice.

The Graduate Diploma is designed for supervisors and frontline managers who want to become more confident and effective leaders in the child and family sector.

2012 Mid-Year Intake

Applications are now open for the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Practice - July 2012 to July 2013.
Please visit the DHS web site for further information or contact Lynda Whitaker from the Department of Human Services
E: lynda.whitaker@dhs.vic.gov.au or T: 9096 9283.

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Social Work.

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