University of the Sunshine Coast
Master of Social Work by Research
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Use your research skills to drive social change in a dynamic profession that is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of society and individuals.
Course overview
The Master of Social Work by Research is an advanced program that lets you address the growing need for practice-based research by completing your own original research project.
In this program, you will:
- Complete one required research course and an original thesis on a topic of your choice.
- Make an important contribution to your chosen area of social work practice.
- Explore areas of professional interest and advance your academic qualifications in the field.
- Work with highly experienced supervisors to complete an original thesis that contributes to the body of knowledge in your field.
- Advance your research skills and build your knowledge of professional social work practice.
Key facts
What you will study
A Higher Degree by Research (HDR) is a supervised research program that requires undertaking original research, resulting in a thesis, or a thesis and exegesis.
During the Master's by Research program, Master's by Research candidates are required to achieve several milestones that relate to their research training.
Milestones are program requirements and periodic assessments of candidature progression. Milestones are distributed throughout HDR candidature providing structure and mechanism for regular review and feedback on progress towards both the research project and attainment of the University’s Research Graduate Attributes.
In addition to HDR program milestones, some candidates may also have:
- Project milestones (such as external progress reports to third-party funding providers) that they are required to contribute to; and
- Scholarship conditions are specified in their scholarship conditions document.
- Coursework (discuss with your proposed supervisor prior to applying)
Contact the university for more information.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to a research Master's degree, an applicant must hold the following:
- A Bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher on a seven-point scale from a recognised higher education institution or
- A Bachelor Honours degree (AQF Level 8) Class IIB from a recognised higher education institution or
- A record of qualifications and/or professional research experience deemed to be equivalent to the standard of (a) or (b) as may be approved by the Research Degrees Committee or the Chairperson acting on behalf of the Committee.
The prior study must be in an area of study relevant to the discipline area of the Master's degree. If the prior study has not included an appropriate preparation in research methodology, the candidate will be required to undertake an appropriate research methodology course, as specified by the relevant Head of School, as part of their candidature.
The admission requirements for a specific Master degree may include additional requirements, such as a Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline, professional registration, a specified number of years of professional practice, or other requirements indicative of a suitable preparation to undertake a research program at Master level. Additional requirements should be discussed with your proposed supervision team prior to applying.
Contact the university for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
UniSC offers credit for prior learning consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework and general practice in the Australian Higher Education sector. If you've completed prior study or have relevant work experience, you may, under specified conditions, be eligible for credit towards your UniSC degree. Contact the university for more information.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Student fees may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
