Master of Social Work (Research)

Undertake further training to develop expertise relevant to your practice as a qualified social worker. Contribute to substantial and original research.

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Key facts

Locations

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

If you are a qualified social worker, undertake further research training to develop expertise relevant to your practice.

A Master by Social Work (Research) degree is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in up to two years of full-time study (or two to four years of part-time candidature).

Research areas include social work theory and practice, critical social work, evidence bases in social work, social work education, human services provision, child and family welfare, mental health, diversity and inclusivity, religion and spirituality, masculinities, gender relations and gender violence.

Award granted: Master of Social Work (Research)
Year: 2025 course information
Deakin code: H803
CRICOS code?: 072273A Waterfront (Geelong)
Level: Higher Degree Research
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition: The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course structure

To complete the Master of Social Work (Research), you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period.

Most units are equal to one credit point.

As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Note: A Master by Research degree is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in up to 2 years of full-time study (or up to 4 years of part-time study).

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

HDR applications now open
Applications for research degrees without scholarship may be made at any time. Commencement of research degrees is not confined to Deakin's trimesters.

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Workload

A full-time student is expected to commit 36 hours a week to their Master by Research program. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor. (Part-time is half the commitment.)

Work experience

Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

Academic requirements

To be considered for selection into this degree you are required to have completed:

a research project including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study at Level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65% or equivalent

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or in each component of test
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

$42,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

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Apply direct to Deakin

Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.

Learn how to apply

Research Information

The Faculty of Health provides a range of higher degree by research programs at masters and doctorate level, including professional doctorates in the discipline of psychology.

The Faculty has affiliation with six of the University Strategic Research Centres, which work with national and international partners in health communities, business, industry and government to bring about evidence-based practical, equitable health outcomes globally, nationally and in local communities. The Centres are engaged in research programs related to patient care, patient safety, health services, mental health, psychiatric disorders, molecular medicine, immunology, neurosciences, public health research and evaluation, population health, human nutrition, physical activity and health, and social determinants of health and wellbeing.

Review details of research we are undertaking and the Strategic Research Centre.

Professional recognition

Not applicable

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Course Learning Outcomes	Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods.	Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions.
Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.	Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.	Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods.

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession.

Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information.

Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions.

Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice.

Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.

Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment.

Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems.

Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.

Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.

Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change.

Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.