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. Covering all the core requirements of an accredited professional social work degree, the MSW (Professional Qualifying) at UNE emphasises practice in rural and complex community environments, and focuses on rights-based practice, mental health, Indigenous peoples, child protection and the law. The course incorporates the mandatory 1000 hours of professional fieldwork placement supervised by experienced practitioners indiverse social work settings locally and overseas. Study requirements allow students choice to study either on campus or online, with periodic compulsory intensive face-to-face classes for students who learn by distance.