Master of Social Work (Research)

What you will study

To complete the Master of Social Work (Research), you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points compulsory unit) in your first study period.

Most units are equal to one credit point.

As a full-time student, you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two yearly trimesters.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

To be considered for selection into this degree, you are required to have completed:

• A research project that includes a thesis equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study at Level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65% or equivalent.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
• IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or in each test component.
• Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed previous studies that may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You must provide a certified copy of your previous course details to determine your credit. If you are eligible, your offer letter will be filled out with information about your Recognition of prior learning.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system, which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating a substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods.
• Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethical research, and synthesise 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.
• Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Fees and CSP

Indicative first-year tuition fee in 2025: $9,314 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Could you contact the university directly to confirm?

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPS to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per unit, you're enrolled in.
• Depending on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.