Master of Advanced Social Work (J17RE)

Overview

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

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.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the selection committee will consider:

• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• performance at interview;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• relevant prior research and/or professional experience ; and
• referee reports.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 7.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support.

All candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least six months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.
The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a research higher degree awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

Course structure

Students complete a thesis of 30,000 words and two coursework subjects. Refer to the Department of Social Work.

Attendance:

• All candidates are required to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature.
• All candidates are required to complete a minimum of 6 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.
• Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University.
• To be eligible to submit a thesis for examination, students must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 12 months full-time equivalent.

Thesis:

• Candidates enrol in a thesis subject for the duration of the degree.
• A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor/s and an Advisory Committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.
• A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).
• Academic progress in regard to the research thesis is reviewed regularly throughout the degree.
• All candidates for the degree will be examined on the basis of their thesis which is examined externally. The thesis should normally be 30,000 words in length excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography.
• Candidates should refer to the University policy library the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examinatio

Electives: Not all of elective 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.

Applications

• Find out how to apply.
• Prior to submitting an application, applicants should discuss their research interests with a potential supervisor and discuss any external commitments which may impede their successful academic progress.

Which scholarship can I apply for?

• Students can find information about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne at Melbourne Scholarships and on the Faculty website.

Facilities and Supports

• The University makes available a broad range of resources and services to graduate research students.

Last updated: 24 January 2023