Program title: Master of Social Work by Research
Award abbreviation: MSocWk
Degree type: higher degree by research
Study mode: internal
Duration: 18 months minimum full-time, 3 years maximum full-time; 3 years minimum, 6 years maximum part-time
Commence: students can apply and start throughout the year, subject to program requirements
Fee type 2011: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places
USC program code: AR862
CRICOS code: 064176B

The Master of Social Work by Research is designed for students who want to develop their professional standing in the expanding and challenging field of professional social work. It will particularly benefit those who have an undergraduate degree in Social Work, have worked in the industry for some time, and are wishing to gain a higher degree through undertaking practice-based research.

The program offers opportunities to deepen your knowledge and understanding of social work practice and can be tailored to suit your individual interests. You complete one required research course and a thesis. The research component involves individualised research relevant to your key area/s of interest as a professional social worker.

You may enrol at the start of any semester. You attend lectures and tutorials with other research students. And the learning and assessment tasks are commensurate with your postgraduate standing. Research components of the program must be approved by the program coordinator and based on the availability of supervisory staff with relevant expertise.

Admission requirements

Candidates for the award of Master of Social Work by Research must have completed a professional qualification in social work, duly accredited or recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Entry by non-graduates who have relevant governmental or industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

In exceptional cases applications may be considered on the basis of other evidence of general and professional qualifications as approved by the Research Degrees Committee.

International students need to refer to the University’s English language proficiency requirements.

Program structure

During candidature you must complete one course — CMN575 Research Project A(24 units) — and compile a thesis of 30,000–35,000 words (120 units). You are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis. You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.

As a candidate you must clearly articulate in your research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe. Your research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives. The results of your research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures. Your syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work. Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from your analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.

Advanced standing

No advanced standing will be granted to students with an undergraduate qualification.

Program requirements and notes

1. Prospective applicants wishing to undertake a Master of Social Work will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
2. Students are required to successfully complete one 24-unit course and a thesis as specified in the Master of Social Work program structure.
3. For further information, refer to the Research Masters Degrees - Governing Policy.
4. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
5. Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
6. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
7. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enrolment and fees

1. In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL. **
2. In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. **
3. The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
4. Candidates pay full tuition fees. For selected students these fees are covered by the Research Training Scheme. These scholarships are allocated by faculties, in consultation with the Research Degrees Committee.

** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Dr Peter Innes
Tel: +61 7 5459 4802
Fax: +61 7 5430 2880
Email: pinnes@usc.edu.au

Teaching and Research Services
Research Training Officer
Tel: +61 7 5459 4526
Fax: +61 7 5430 1177
Email: lkroker@usc.edu.au

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