Social Work

Why do research in Social Work?

Our research informs social policy, program design and implementation in the human services, and enhances the practice of social workers and other helping professionals. The school is represented on four campuses throughout Victoria, so our perspective is rural, regional and urban. Core research themes are child, youth and family welfare; disability and aging; health and mental health; and indigenous issues. We have strong research links with government and non-government agencies, a track record of attracting research grants and significant contracted research and consultancy funding. Our school has strong collaborative ties with other schools at La Trobe and Australian and international universities. Members of our staff edit two key Australian human service journals, Australian Social Work and Children Australia.

Research specialisations

Courses

Local students

Social Work courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Doctor of Philosophy Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
Other
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time Anytime

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Course description
This degree requires a major original research project under supervision and the submission of a thesis. While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates. Areas of study include: health systems, policy and management, social policy; social participation; evidence based-practice; ageing and aged care; health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; prosthetics and orthotics; social work and social policy, rehabilitation; and injury prevention.
Prerequisite
Applicants with first-class or upper second-class honours (or an equivalent qualification) may be admitted directly to PhD candidature. Others will normally be required to enrol initially in a research master's program and, if appropriate, transfer to PhD candidature when they have demonstrated the capacity for independent research at a suitable level.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Full course details
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne
Health Sciences (PhD)Bendigo
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne (City)
Health Sciences (PhD)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate) Albury-Wodonga
Melbourne
4 years full-time or 8 years part-time Anytime

Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate) continued…

Course description
This degree provides experienced practitioners in social work and human services professions with an alternative to the traditional PhD. Areas of study include: social work practice; social policy; program evaluation; disability; intellectual disability; ageing; child and family welfare; and mental health.
Prerequisite
Honours degree of H2A standard or Masters degree (including a thesis component) and at least three years professional experience.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Full course details
Social Work (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
Social Work (Professional Doctorate)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Master of Social Work (Research) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time Anytime

Master of Social Work (Research) continued…

Course description
This course requires students to complete a research program in social work, to attend research seminars and submit a thesis on an approved subject. Areas of study include: social work practice, social policy, intellectual disability, ageing, child and family welfare, health, and mental health.
Prerequisite
Bachelors degree with Honours, or demonstrated Honours equivalence in terms of skills, experience, research and/or publications.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Professional recognition
This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
Full course details
Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga

How to apply

You can apply for research candidature at any time. However, applications for research scholarships close on 31 October.

To apply for Master's candidature, you need an Honours degree or Master's Preliminary. For Doctoral (PhD) candidature, you need a Master's or a Bachelor's degree with Honours, usually with a result of at least H2A.

Before applying, it's best to contact a potential academic supervisor and receive in-principle approval for your topic.

Once you've done this, you can download an application form [PDF 1.02Mb] and submit it to La Trobe's Research Services office.

Fees and scholarships

Research degrees are funded by the Commonwealth Government via the Research Training Scheme (RTS) (fees may apply to some components of some Professional Doctorates).

There are a range of scholarships available for local students.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Social Work international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Doctor of Philosophy (006629C) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
4 years Anytime $27 800

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This degree requires a major original research project under supervision and the submission of a thesis. While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates. Areas of study include: health systems, policy and management, social policy; social participation; evidence based-practice; ageing and aged care; health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; prosthetics and orthotics; social work and social policy, rehabilitation; and injury prevention.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Master's degree or Bachelors degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants must also provide evidence of substantial prior research expertise.
Full course details
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne
Health Sciences (PhD)Bendigo
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne (City)
Health Sciences (PhD)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate) (029305M) Albury-Wodonga
Melbourne
4 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $27 800

Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This degree provides experienced practitioners in social work and human services professions with an alternative to the traditional PhD. Areas of study include: social work practice; social policy; program evaluation; disability; intellectual disability; ageing; child and family welfare; and mental health.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent, plus at least three years of relevant professional experience. Applicants are also required to provide evidence of research expertise.
Full course details
Social Work (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
Social Work (Professional Doctorate)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Master of Social Work (Research) (055101G) Bendigo
Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 (March) $27 560

Master of Social Work (Research) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course requires students to complete a research program in social work, to attend research seminars and submit a thesis on an approved subject. Areas of study include: social work practice, social policy, intellectual disability, ageing, child and family welfare, health, and mental health.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Bachelors degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants with Honours at H2B level, or equivalent, may be considered in some instances.
Full course details
Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fee costs for international students is indicated for each course above. There are also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Finding a supervisor

One of the most important aspects of your research study will be finding a supervisor in Social Work.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

You can apply to take one placement overseas. We have partnerships with a number of international organisations in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia and China.

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

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