Sociology
Why study Sociology?
Study human social behaviour and the origins, organisation, institutions and development of human society. Explore social action and social and cultural differences. Learn how we shape our world and are shaped by it. Develop skills in research, analysis, writing, argument and thinking.
Career opportunities
Teaching, social research, market research, community development, human resource management, immigration and work with youth.
Courses
Local students
2013
Master of Social Work
- Duration :
- 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part time.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus:
- Albury-Wodonga
- Bendigo
- Melbourne
- Mildura
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course aims to prepare students for key social work roles - in which they might work with individuals, families and groups, or be involved in community work, social policy, social research, and organisational planning and administration. The curriculum is based on a philosophy of social justice, and students should acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively in complex organisations. A key feature is the practical placement component, which allows students to gain practical skills in the field. Honours is available during the final year.
For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions. - Prerequisite
- Australian Bachelor's degree or overseas equivalent, preferably in arts, social science, psychology, teaching, nursing, economics, legal studies, politics, or disciplines related to social work. Applicants must have obtained a minimum average grade of 65 per cent in their undergraduate degree.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2013): $16,980 per 120 credit points.
- Costs
- Approximate costs include A$100 for course readings (available from the La Trobe Co-op bookshop), which remain students' personal property, and A$15.50 for a National Police Check. Accommodation costs for clinical placements vary according to the venue.
- Additional information
- Students must obtain a Federal police check (or equivalent) and Working With Children Check before undertaking clinical professional placements.
Please note that professional placements are unpaid and may be located in metropolitan or rural areas, interstate or overseas. Students may be required to do their placement outside semesters. For more information about clinical placements, visit: latrobe.edu.au/health/study/placements - How to apply
- Through VTAC or UAC. Students applying to our Albury-Wodonga or Mildura campuses can apply directly to La Trobe University. Please note that direct applications are only available to non-Year 12 applicants and to applicants who have not already applied through VTAC. For more information about direct applications please visit Ask La Trobe.
- Professional recognition
- The course has provisional accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- Full course details
- Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Mildura
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga
How to apply?
Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.
Fees and scholarships
Postgraduate coursework programs are either:
- Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
- CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.
Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.
International students
2013
Master of Social Work (074028J)
- Duration :
- 2 years
- Semester starts :
- See additional information
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 27 560
- Campus
- Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course aims to prepare students for key social work roles - in which they might work with individuals, families and groups, or be involved in community work, social policy, social research, and organisational planning and administration. The curriculum is based on a philosophy of social justice, and students should acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively in complex organisations. A key feature is the practical placement component, which allows students to gain practical skills in the field. Honours is available during the final year.
For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;
TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;
TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;
Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne. 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 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- An Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Additional costs
- Approximate costs include A$100 for course readings (available from the La Trobe Co-op bookshop), which remain students' personal property, and A$15.50 for a National Police Check. Accommodation costs for clinical placements vary according to the venue. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Additional information
- This course commences on February 25, 2013 at the Melbourne campus, and on 18 February 2013 at the Albury-Wodonga and Bendigo campuses. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Professional recognition
- The course has provisional accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Full course details
- Social Work (Master)Melbourne
Social Work (Master)Bendigo
Social Work (Master)Mildura
Social Work (Master)Albury-Wodonga
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Related study options
Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:
Your study experience
Other ways into postgraduate study
Contact the faculty office to find out about other ways into postgraduate study.
External Opportunities
The Aurora Native Title Internship Program introduces students of Aboriginal Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Australian Studies, History, Sociology and Social Sciences as well as graduates and qualified anthropologists. For more information and to apply visit the Aurora Project website. Visa restrictions may apply for international students; consult La Trobe International before undertaking work experience. All students must have approval from Lecturer/Course coordinator.
Overseas study opportunities
The Displacement, Development, Disadvantage: Study Tour (ANT23DDD) is available to students of anthropology and sociology. This subject offers an intense learning-by-immersion experience into issues of forced displacement, development and disadvantage in one of a number of countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.
In addition, there are many opportunities for La Trobe students to study overseas. Students from overseas can come to La Trobe and do a short term Study Abroad program. Some short courses are also available to international students. Short courses are also available to international students. Visit International Students for more information.
Student and graduate profiles
Students of the Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or focus on staff in Sociology.
Sociology events
There are no upcoming Sociology events. Browse other events.


