Master of Social Work (Research)

To apply for a research degree at Deakin, you will need a qualification at level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, completed within the last five years. For a PhD, you need a minimum grade equivalent to 70%, including a research component with a dissertation or equivalent. For a masters by research, the minimum is 65%, including at least 65% for the research component. If your qualifications are older than five years, you can still apply with a portfolio of recent research or professional experience. As an international applicant, you will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency and hold a valid student visa (Subclass 500). Refer to the entry requirements section on the course page for specific requirements.

Both degrees involve producing an original written thesis with the support of a research supervisor, but they differ in scope, duration and depth. A masters by research takes approximately two years full time and can serve as a pathway to PhD study. A PhD takes approximately three years full time and requires original research that makes a new contribution to your field, with higher entry grade requirements.

Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support. From orientation to graduation, you will benefit from dedicated supervision, a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and access to the Researcher Development Academy, which offers workshops on research practice, writing and communication. You may also access experiences beyond your thesis, including study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships and industry mentorship. Support continues after graduation through Deakin's researcher development programs and lifetime access to Deakin TALENT.

The two main scholarship options for international graduate researchers are the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and Deakin's Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR). These scholarships may include full tuition fee coverage, Overseas Student Health Cover, relocation allowances and a tax-exempt living stipend. To be competitive, you will generally need an H1 grade average or equivalent. Use the find a scholarship tool to explore all available options.

Australia is consistently recognised as one of the world's most liveable countries, and Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool offer an immersive experience in vibrant, multicultural communities. As an international graduate researcher at Deakin, you will join a diverse research community, access world-class facilities and benefit from a safe, supportive campus environment. Depending on your visa conditions, you may also be able to work part time while you study.

Finding the right supervisor is an important first step in your research journey. Begin by reviewing Deakin's research strengths and browsing our institutes and research groups to identify a topic that aligns with work happening across the university. Then use the supervisor directory to search by name, faculty, research area or keyword. Check individual profiles to confirm availability, then email your preferred supervisor directly to introduce yourself and discuss your research interests. At Deakin, you will be supported by a team of at least two supervisors throughout your degree.

If you are applying to the Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin will identify a relevant supervisor based on your proposed research area and available expertise. Before applying, explore Deakin's Business and Law research to understand where your proposed research aligns with our areas of expertise.

Your supervisor can make a significant difference to your research journey, so it is important to find the right fit. When searching for a supervisor, look for expertise that aligns with your research interests and take time to understand how they approach supervision and work with their team. You can search Deakin's directory of experts by name, faculty, research area or keyword, then reach out directly to discuss your interests and explore supervision opportunities.