Alex Yang

I chose the Master of Social Work at the University of Melbourne mainly because I wanted to do something meaningful, something where I get to face difficult challenges everyday while actually helping people who are in tough situations. The course felt like a good mix of understanding human nature and also seeing how the broader systems around us work.

As for the uni itself, Melbourne’s reputation in research and reaching definitely stood out to me. The faculty here is made up of people who are not just academics, but also experienced practitioners, which makes the learning more grounded and relevant. I also liked how the course content is informed by current research, so that we’re learning what actually works in practice.

Besides, based in the heart of the city, you will be surrounded by and connected to community organisations, hospitals and services that relate to your studies.

What I like most about the Master of Social Work is how it’s designed to balance theory and practice. If you’re in the Start Year Intake, you do your first placement right after your first academic semester. Then, when you come back for the second semester, everything kind of clicks in a deeper way because you’ve already seen how things play out in real life. It really helps you make sense of the theory with a more grounded, contextual understanding – they feed into each other.

Another thing I appreciate is Social Work’s cohort diversity. You get to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, both local and international, which really reflects the nature of the field we’ll be in as social workers. It is a very connected and supportive community.

Critical reflection is another big part of the course, and it’s definitely pushed me to grow not just academically, but personally too. Along the way, I’ve also built up a range of practical skills like counselling, communication, and being able to adapt in different situations.

There are some challenges as well. Most subjects are delivered in a flipped classroom style, so you’re expected to go through all the lectures and readings before tutorials. It takes a bit to get used to, but it’s a good way to develop your time management and accountability.

Right now, I’m interested in areas like mental health and refugee welfare, but I don’t have a fixed career goal yet, which I believe is totally okay. The Master of Social Work has helped me explore different parts of the social work field and understand just how diverse the career options are. Having two placements in different settings gives me a chance to try out different roles, reflect on what kind of work fits me, and build skills that are transferable across many areas.

• Get your placement compliance checks done early
• Don’t stress about your academic background
• Try volunteering in your local community now