Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

Our PHD students are studying social issues and systems affecting children, families and community and working with industry to drive responsible policy and practice change. Our PhD graduates go on to secure positions in a variety of settings within a framework of relevant legislation and procedures, supporting individuals, families, and groups within the community. The purpose of the PhD degree is to provide research training at the highest level and to enable or acknowledge the production of a substantial body of original research that contributes significantly to knowledge and scholarship. Graduates of PhD degrees will have expert, specialised cognitive, technical and research skills in a discipline area to enable them independently and systematically to demonstrate evidence of an original investigation or testing of ideas, competence in independent research or experimentation, a thorough understanding of the appropriate techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature, critical use of source material, experimental results (where appropriate), and published works, appreciation of the relationship of the special theme to the wider field of knowledge, the capacity to present well-written work, a higher degree of independence of thought and approach, a significant original contribution to knowledge.