Master of Social Work/Master of Mental Health Practice

All students commencing in the Master of Social Work/Master of Mental Health Practice are required to attend at least 20 days on campus throughout their full period of study. This is a non-negotiable requirement of all Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited social work programs in Australia. This program requirement is achieved by attending the compulsory intensives at Gold Coast campus:

• 7060HSV Foundations of Social Work Practice (10 days)
• 7002HSV Applied Counselling (5 days)
• 7063HSV Critical Reflective Practice in Social Work (5 days)

This program is offered in full-time and part-time mode. However, if you are intending to study part-time, it must be noted that the two field placements components of the program are to be completed within a full-time study load (at a minimum of three days per week).

Student Income Support

The Master of Social Work / Master of Mental Health Practice is not eligible for student income support. Please refer to the Australian Government website for a list of approved courses and education providers.

Managing Study Interruptions

Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure

Work-integrated learning activities (professional placements) integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith's commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life.

There will be two field placement courses. These field placements are of 500 hour minimum duration in an agency that meets the requirements of Griffith University. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a work-place based field placement. Students enrolled in this double degree program will be supported to undertake their second field placement in a mental health related field of practice.

In accordance with Section 4 of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2020 "Placements will be undertaken over at least two years of the professional social work program of study".

This program includes compulsory study in Trimester 3.

This degree prepares graduates for practice in a range of social work and mental health roles, including working with individuals, groups and families, community work, advocacy, research, planning and policy development, and management and administration. This program of study is aimed at broadening graduates employability, rather than providing you with specialist training. You will graduate as social workers equipped to work in any field of social work practice, and in addition you will have received further training to deepen your knowledge and understanding of mental health practice.

This double degree has been developed in part in response to the growing interest in social work graduates seeking AASW accreditation as Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. Accreditation as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker requires at least two years' (post-qualifying) supervised social work practice experience in mental health or related field. Graduates of this double degree program will be better equipped to secure employment in qualifying roles.

There are career opportunities for social workers and mental health workers in government, non-government and private sector agencies with jobs in hospital and community health settings, youth work, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, child and family welfare, child protection, youth and adult offending, employment and income support, aged care, community development, family support, disability services, services for women, multicultural services and many other social welfare organisations.

This program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

Enrolled students and graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), particularly in relation to English language proficiency. As these requirements may change from time to time, students should contact the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to confirm registration requirements.

There are placements associated with this program and before undertaking professional experience placements, all students in this program are required to have completed the following by the end of their first trimester of study:

• Vaccinations and Health Tests
• Licenses and Certificates
• Online Training
• Health Placement Requirements

Students should refer to the checklist of professional practice requirements for their Health discipline on the Health Placement Support Hub for full details of the requirements regarding professional placement to ensure that they meet eligibility for placement.

Students who have successfully completed the Master of Social Work/Master of Mental Health Practice (Dissertation pathway) may be eligible for admission to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) subject to the specified requirements for candidature in the Higher Degree Research Policy.