(From left) Mr Steve Deszpot MLA ACT, Vice Chancellor Professor Greg Craven, Dr Patricia Hansen, Dr Joanna Zubrzycki and Canberra Campus Dean Patrick McArdle.

Canberra Campus launches Master of Social Work

ACU's Canberra Campus has launched its newest postgraduate degree, the Master of Social Work.

The Master of Social Work focuses on the professional values and practices of the social work profession, with a strong commitment to ethical practice, human rights and social justice.

The course prepares students to practice in a wide range of social work roles in both direct and indirect practice.

Dr Patricia Hansen, Head of the School of Social Work, commented on the need for a Masters program.

"There is a growing trend in the social work industry for universities to offer Master of Social Work as a qualification to enter the social work profession and become members of the Australian Association of Social Workers," she said.

The two-year program includes 1000 hours of practical experience in the form of two block placements.  Through supervised practice, students will be introduced to agency work and procedures, effective practice and the dilemmas facing social workers.

ACU will continue to offer undergraduate courses in social work including a Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Theology and the Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Arts.

The Master of Social Work will be available from 2010 at ACU's Canberra, Brisbane and Strathfield campuses.