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
2012 Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Practice Melbourne
1 year part-time Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)

Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Practice continued…

Course description
This course is aimed at experienced practitioners keen to further develop their understanding of context while extending their conceptual range and developing practice and competencies for working in child protection, placement and family services sectors in Victoria. It is offered jointly by La Trobe, 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). The curriculum builds on requirements for working in child protection, placement and family services sectors in Victoria. Through development of a broad knowledge base and effective direct practice skills and competencies, it aims to give students confidence in their ability to work with children and families.
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree or equivalent, at least two years' child and family practice experience, and current employment in child protection, family services, and/or Aboriginal community control organisation.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2011): $4770 (60 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 Successful applicants are sponsored by the Department of Human Services.
Full course details
Child and Family Practice (Graduate Certificate)Melbourne
2012 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, current employment in child protection, family services and/or Aboriginal community control organisations, and at least two years' child and family practice experience in a leadership role.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2011): $6890 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 for more information: Lynda.whitaker@dhs.vic.gov.au Successful applicants are sponsored by the Department of Human Services.
Full course details
Child and Family Practice Leadership (Graduate Diploma)Melbourne
2012 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 inolved 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.
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): $15,440 per 120 credit points.
Additional costs
Approximate costs include: A$100 for course manuals; Accommodation costs for clinical placement vary according to the venue; National Police Check (or equivalent) - A$15 (indicative only).
Additional information
Police checks are required for the professional experience placements in clinical and community settings in this course. All students are required to obtain a police check prior to undertaking their placements.
How to apply
Apply through VTAC. All applicants must complete a VTAC Pi form.
Professional recognition
The course has provisional accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Full course details
Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Mildura
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga
2012 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Semester 1 (March)

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology continued…

Course description
This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion.
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline. In certain circumstances, consideration is given to relevant clinical or academic experience, and demonstrated potential to undertake research.
Fee type
Both Commonwealth Supported & full fee places available
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $24,190 per 120 credit points. Commonwealth Supported Places also available.
How to apply
Apply by 15 October 2011. Late applications accepted until the end of January 2012 (full-fee places only). Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form.
Full course details
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)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

Social Work international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Master of Social Work (062796A) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 (February) $25 720

Master of Social Work continued…

Year
2012
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 inolved 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.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from the La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved 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) and Working with Children check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change. Applicants for this course must also complete Supplementary Application Form from the website
Additional costs
Approximate costs include: A$100 for course manuals; Accommodation costs for clinical placement vary according to the venue; National Police Check (or equivalent) - A$15 (indicative only).
Professional recognition
This degree has been developed in accordance with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation guidelines. The School of Social Work and Social Policy is seeking provisional accreditation from the Association.
Course details
Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Mildura
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga
2012 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (022040K) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
1 year Semester 1 (February) $25 240

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology continued…

Year
2012
Course description
This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent in health sciences or related area.
Special requirements
Students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15) and a Working with Children (WWC) Check (no cost) before undertaking professional placement. This course has a clinical component. Fore more information, please visit: latrobe.edu.au/health/study/placements.
Additional information
Applications for this course close on 16 December 2011.
Course details
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga
2012 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (Social Work) (062550A) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
1 year Semester 1 (February) $25 240

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

Year
2012
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 overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved 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 presentations, academic record are taken into account.
Additional information
Applications for this course close on 16 December 2011.

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

We offer flexible entry and exit pathways to current and prospective students. You may enter the program at different year levels depending upon your qualifications.

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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