新英格蘭大學(xué)

The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) provides graduates with the theoretical and practical skills required to work as a professional social worker, an occupation that the Australian government predicts will continue to experience very strong growth. This course is accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and graduates are eligible to become a member of the AASW. Social workers typically work with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities within a social justice and human rights framework in counselling, advocacy, and the enhancement of health and well-being. Social workers address the barriers, inequality and injustices faced by many groups in our community. UNE's social work program embraces a framework that examines the dynamic interaction of human behaviour, institutions and complex social interactions.

Career Opportunities

Social work is an occupation that the Australian government predicts will continue to experience very strong growth. It has many fields of practice, providing a diverse and rewarding career path with multiple opportunities to make a real difference in people's lives. UNE's MSW (Professional Qualifying) offers graduates highly sought after research skills. Career opportunities are found in hospitals; government agencies (such as justice, housing and youth and child protection services); community-based family support and welfare agencies; women's refuges and community legal centres; city councils; mental health, disability and aged care facilities, schools and for-profit human services (e.g. private practice counselling, employment services), to name just a few. Australian social work qualifications are portable and Australian graduates are highly regarded internationally.

Course Aims

UNE's AASW accredited postgraduate program enables students with a relevant undergraduate degree to qualify and practice as a professional social worker. This course creates a pathway for those seeking to enter and progress a career within the diverse practice fields of social work. Graduates are prepared for professional practice across a wide range of employment opportunities within Australia and internationally, embracing the values of social justice, human rights and ethical practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• demonstrate commitment to the social work professions three key value areas integral to social work practice, respect for persons; social justice; and professional integrity;
• create knowledge of, respect for, and ability to work professionally with varied social, ethnic, cultural and religious groups that make up Australian society, with a particular emphasis on marginalised and Indigenous people;
• interpret and assess the impacts of disadvantage, disability and trauma upon the health and well-being of people and its implications for practice responses;
• analyse and effectively respond to the rapidly changing social and environmental issues that impact the lives of individuals within a given community at local, national and international levels;