Program title: Master of Social Work by Research
Award abbreviation: MSocWk
Degree type: higher degree by research
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 18 months minimum full-time, 3 years maximum full-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2010: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places
USC program code: AR862
CRICOS code: 064176B

Program overview

This research-based master’s degree has been designed for students who wish to develop their professional standing in the expanding and challenging field of professional social work. The degree is particularly designed to assist postgraduate students 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 knowledge and understanding of social work practice and can be tailored to suit individual interests. Students will take CMN575 Research Design: Method and Literature Review and a thesis. The research component involves individualised research relevant to each student’s key area(s) of interest as professional social workers and is equivalent in value to 120 units.

Students may enrol at the start of any semester. They attend lectures and tutorials with other research students with the learning and assessment tasks are commensurate with their 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

Students must have completed a professional qualification in social work, duly accredited or recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Advanced standing

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

Program structure

1 required course:
CMN575 Research Design: Method and Literature Review(24 units)
Plus a thesis of 30,000–35,000 words, equivalent to 10 courses (120 units)

Program requirements and notes

1. Students are required to successfully complete 2 courses and a thesis as specified in the Master of Social Work program structure. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures for further information.
2. 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.
3. For further information, refer to the Research Masters Degrees - Governing Policy.
4. Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
5. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
6. 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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