Key facts
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 7.0, with no band less than 6.5. More information is available at www.ielts.org
Duration
2 years full-time
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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Social Work (Research)
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- H803
- CRICOS code?
- 072273A Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Course structure
A Master by Research degree is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in up to two years of full-time study (or up to four years of part-time study).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
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.
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Workload
A fulltime 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
Entry information
Applicants must have demonstrated evidence of a high standard of research ability. This is normally an Honours year to H2B (60%+) standard, or a coursework master degree with a substantial thesis. However, other evidence of research ability may be considered and could include a thesis as part of an international undergraduate degree; relevant refereed publications; research awards; or research experience.
For more information please visit the Deakin Research - Higher Degrees by Research page.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
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
Apply now
Higher degree by research applicants must apply via the online applicant portal. You will be required to attach a number of certified supporting documents, in addition to your research proposal and referee reports.
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
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.
To review details of the Strategic Research Centres and the research we are undertaking click here.
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 (CLOs) | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (DGLO) |
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. |