Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate)

If you are an experienced practitioner in social work and human services, this degree gives you an opportunity to enrich and extend your professional practice and undertake research in professional or community settings. Areas of study include: social work practice, social policy, program evaluation, disability, intellectual disability, ageing, youth and family welfare, and mental health. The degree offers an integrated program of research with supporting coursework in the first year. Through a combination of core and elective subjects, you will gain knowledge and skills in designing and conducting research, literature review techniques, critical analysis and writing for publication, as well as opportunities to apply these skills in clinically-based professional projects.
Mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of research or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution of direct relevance to the profession
Ability to provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations
Knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques relevant to the field of research as well as identify and allow for any shortcomings associated with these techniques
A satisfactory level of literary presentation reflecting an ability to communicate in a clear, concise and authoritative manner appropriate to the field of research and to the professional area to which it is addressed
This degree will allow you to pursue professional roles in academic research, higher education, the legal sector, or the public health sector.

The minimum academic requirement for entry into the Doctor of Social Work is a four-year degree, or a Masters degree, in social work with a weighted average mark of 65, or above completed within the last ten years, and at least two years professional practice as a qualified social worker.

Applicants must hold a degree from a program accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). International applicants must meet criteria for registration for professional practice in Australia. Assessment of an international degree by the AASW may incur a cost to the applicant.

Note: An applicant may be considered for entry with an overall weighted average mark below 65 if their weighted average mark in the final full year (FTE) of study is 65 or above.

English language requirements:

IELTS: Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0; Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 56 with no communicative skill score less than 46; TOEFL Internet based (iBT): Overall score of 79 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing; Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) / Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 with no less than 169 in any component