* 6 month accelerated option available. Subject to topic availability.
Continue to explore course options at Flinders University.
Designed for experienced practitioners, this flexible program allows you to tailor your studies to your career goals, deepening your knowledge in high-demand areas with the option to choose from a variety of specialised minors.
A strong research component equips you with the advanced skills needed for leadership, innovation, and evidence-based practice in today’s evolving social work landscape.
This degree will advance a social worker’s practice and support career progression, given the increasing demand for high-quality community and human service providers in Australia and the world. It will help develop leadership skills through evidence-based research as well as specialised skills that social workers need for practice.
Salary
$117K
typical salary in Australia
A Social Work Centre Manager leads the operations of a community or social services centre, overseeing staff, budgets, and program delivery. They ensure services are accessible, effective, and aligned with client needs, while fostering a positive workplace culture and building partnerships to support sustainable, high-quality service provision.
A Senior Social Worker provides advanced clinical support, manages complex cases, and mentors junior staff. They often lead specialised programs or teams, contribute to service development, and ensure high-quality, client-centred care. Their expertise helps drive best practice, improve outcomes, and support professional growth within the social work workforce.
Salary
$95K +
typical salary in Australia
Researches, develops, and reviews social policies that impact communities and service delivery. Works closely with government and advocacy organisations to shape policy decisions, using evidence-based insights to influence positive social change and support vulnerable populations.
Leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of targeted support services or programs. Manages teams and resources, monitors performance outcomes, and ensures services are responsive to community needs and aligned with strategic goals.
Deepen your knowledge through core research and evaluation topics, while tailoring your learning with minors in areas such as trauma-responsive practice, mental health leadership, autism and complex disabilities, and more.
Students will explore advanced social work theory and practice, with a strong focus on research, evaluation, and leadership. Core topics include research-informed decision making and real-world data collection, alongside minors in areas like trauma-responsive practice, mental health, autism, and social impact to suit individual career goals.
*Topics may be subject to change.
Core Minor – Research and Evaluation for Practice (18 units):
All students complete this foundational minor, focusing on developing advanced research skills and the ability to evaluate practice effectively.
Topics you might complete in your first semester:
*Topics may be subject to change.
Elective Minors (54 units):
Students select three of the following 18-unit minors to tailor their learning, completing the relevant topics for each:
Each minor allows students to specialise in key areas of social work practice, enhancing their capabilities to address complex challenges in diverse settings.
1
Core Graduate Certificate (Minor)*
+
3 x additional Graduate Certificates (Minors)
=
Master of Advanced Social Work
Research and Evaluation for Practice
*Required for all students
Not sure about committing to a full Masters? You can start with a 6-month Graduate Certificate from the below list. One of these must be the Graduate Certificate in Research and Evaluation for Practice, but you can complete the others in any order and at your own pace. Each Graduate Certificate gives you credit toward the Master of Advanced Social Work, so after two, you’re already halfway there.
*Required for all students
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From course advice, recognition of prior learning assessments, to study skills and financial support, we’re here to help.
Connect with Flinders alumni and industry partners through discipline-specific networks, seminars, and career events designed for postgraduate students.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with library spaces, study and chill areas, ample parking and more.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
The Master of Advanced Social Work Practice is a postgraduate degree for qualified social workers with at least two years of experience. It builds leadership and research skills while offering flexible study options and specialised electives in areas such as trauma, mental health, and disability.
To apply, you must hold an AASW-accredited social work qualification and have a minimum of two years of post-qualification professional experience. This degree is designed for practising social workers who want to advance into leadership, policy, or specialised practice roles.
Yes, this degree offers flexible online and part-time study options, allowing you to balance your career and personal commitments while gaining advanced social work qualifications. It’s ideal for professionals already working in the field who are looking to upskill.
Graduates can pursue roles such as senior social worker, social work centre manager, policy adviser, or manager of programs and services. This degree prepares you for leadership and specialist positions across government, community services, and non-government organisations in Australia and beyond.
Select your preferred course.
Check entry requirements.
Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.
Apply online at SATAC.
Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.
Receive your offer
SATAC will notify you of an offer on behalf of Flinders University by emailing the offer letter. Offers will be made to the highest preference for which you are both eligible and sufficiently competitive.
Accept and enrol
Accept via SATAC or your offer email, then complete enrolment through the Enrolling @ Flinders portal.
Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.
If you want to change your preference, you can update your application via SATAC.
If you are unsure about your next steps, talk to us about your study options.
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