Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health SciencesSocial Work at Melbourne

Research Higher Degrees

Thinking of a career in academic research?

Interested in pursuing a research degree in areas such as mental health, trauma and resilience, ageing and disability, child and family welfare, or inequality, social justice and social policy?

As one of Australia's leading centres of social work research, the School of Social Work at the University of Melbourne offers a number of options for postgraduates looking to develop advanced research skills.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

This is the major research degree offered within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and is administered by the School of Graduate Studies under the control of the Academic Board of the University. Applications are accepted from graduates with honours in either a social work, life or physical sciences degree.

PhD candidates undertake a substantial piece of original research while under academic supervision. The work submitted must satisfy the examiners that it makes a significant and new contribution to the discipline and communicates research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. Supervision is normally through a supervisory panel with one principal supervisor.

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Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an internationally recognised masters (by research) degree. Over a an eighteen month (to two year) period students complete a thesis, approximately 30,000 words in length, based on independent and sustained research. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship.

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Master of Advanced Social Work (Research)

The Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) program is a 100-point program enabling students to undertake coursework and a shorter thesis based on extensive independent research in social work. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.

The Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) encourages graduates to strive for academic excellence and to develop a commitment to life-long learning. Students undertaking this course bring a broad range of skills and maturity to the program, having already completed a first degree and worked for a minimum of two years in the field, and are therefore well-placed for preparation as leaders within the social work profession.

For further information, please click here.

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