Master of Advanced Social Work (Research)
The Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) allows students to combine coursework with extensive independent research in social work. It encourages an advanced practice-oriented and theoretical approach to learning to ensure close links between theory and practice and to support self-directed and life-long learning.
An honours grade of at least H2B (70%) average must be attained in the respective thesis and coursework components of the course to qualify for the award of the masters degree.
Students who complete the masters will:
- acquire research skills and undertake a shorter thesis which is relevant to social work practice and/or social policy;
- undertake preparation for advanced practice.
Course Structure
The Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) is comprised of 150 credit points. Students complete a thesis of 30,000 words, the Research Processes subject, and one elective.
Credit points: Total 150 points.
Duration: 1.5 years full-time / 3 years part-time
Attendance: Students are required to regularly attend the relevant postgraduate research seminars organised by the School of Nursing and Social Work.
Electives: Not all of these subjects will be available every year. Some may be on a two year cycle. Students may vary their course plans by negotiation with the Course Coordinator if they wish to undertake a specific specialist or elective subject.
| Requirement | Code | Title | Credit points |
| Mandated | 514-779 | Thesis (30,000 words) | 125 |
| Mandated | 514-796 | Research Processes | 12.5 |
| Elective (Choose 1) | 196-505 | Advanced Child and Family Practice | 12.5 |
| 196-508 | Researching Social Work Practice | 12.5 | |
| 196-515 | Managing Human Service Organisations | 12.5 | |
| 196-516 | Ageing, Social Work & Social Policy | 12.5 | |
| 196-518 | Critical Issues in Social Work | 12.5 | |
| 196-519 | Issues in Women's Mental Health | 12.5 | |
| 196-520 | Advanced Psychodynamic Perspectives | 12.5 | |
| 196-521 | Advanced Practice with Groups | 12.5 | |
| 196-523 | Serious Mental Illness: Policy & Practice | 12.5 | |
| 196-524 | Managing People in the Human Services | 12.5 | |
| 196-528 | Depression and Anxiety | 12.5 | |
| 196-526 | Advanced Clinical Practice | 12.5 | |
| 196-525 | Social Work in Health | 12.5 | |
| 196-527 | Psychosocial Themes in Health Practice | 12.5 | |
| TOTAL | 150 | ||
Entry Requirements
The Selection Committee will consider applications from individuals with:
a) a qualifying Australian Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent within the last ten years with a grade point average of 75% or above.
AND
b) eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers
AND
c) two years of documented professional social work practice
How to Apply
You will need to complete an application form, and attach the following:
- A 600 word written proposal, which includes:
- Background literature and aims
- The research question(s)
- The proposed method including ethical considerations, data collection, sampling and data analysis
- An argument for the relevance of the study to social work
- A time line for completion - Original or certified copies of official transcripts, including full details of all courses undertaken, completed and grades obtained.
- A copy of your CV, which includes details of published papers, if any; details of any experience since graduation which is relevant to the proposed field of research.
- Two academic referee reports
For further information
Dr Monica WehnerStudent and Research Programs Manager
School of Nursing and Social Work
Tel: +61 3 8344 9430
Email: mwehner@unimelb.edu.au