Master of Social Work (Research)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Master of Social Work (Research)
Deakin course code	H803
Faculty	Faculty of Health
Campus	Offered at Waterfront (Geelong)
Online	Yes
Duration	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	072273A Waterfront (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course sub-headings

Course overview

If you are a qualified social worker, undertake further research training to develop expertise relevant to your practice.

A Master by Social Work (Research) degree is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in up to two years of full-time study (or two to four years of part-time candidature).

Research areas include social work theory and practice, critical social work, evidence bases in social work, social work education, human services provision, child and family welfare, mental health, diversity and inclusivity, religion and spirituality, masculinities, gender relations and gender violence.

Indicative student workload

A full-time student is expected to commit 36 hours a week to their Master by Research program. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor. (Part-time is half the commitment.)

Professional recognition

Not applicable

Research information

The Faculty of Health provides a range of higher degree by research programs at masters and doctorate level, including professional doctorates in the discipline of psychology.

The Faculty has affiliation with six of the University Strategic Research Centres, which work with national and international partners in health communities, business, industry and government to bring about evidence-based practical, equitable health outcomes globally, nationally and in local communities. The Centres are engaged in research programs related to patient care, patient safety, health services, mental health, psychiatric disorders, molecular medicine, immunology, neurosciences, public health research and evaluation, population health, human nutrition, physical activity and health, and social determinants of health and wellbeing.

Review details of research we are undertaking and the Strategic Research Centre.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes	Graduate Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods.	Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions.
Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.	Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.	Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.

Graduate Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods.

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession.

Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information.

Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions.

Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice.

Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.

Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment.

Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems.

Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.

Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.

Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change.

Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.

Course rules

To complete the Master of Social Work (Research) students must pass 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Note:

A Master by Research degree is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in up to 2 years of full-time study (or up to 4 years of part-time study).

Work experience

Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.