Postgraduate Program Handbook

Contact Details

The information in this handbook is a guide only you should refer to the University Postgraduate Handbook 2009 pages.

Welcome

Welcome to postgraduate study in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University. This Handbook is designed to answer questions you may have about your course and La Trobe.

This Handbook contains details about the School's various postgraduate courses and the University. I suggest that you retain this booklet throughout the year as a ready reference guide. There are a range of people in the School available to assist you with any issues you may have - myself as Director of Postgraduate Programs, Dr Guin Threlkeld at Albury-Wodonga campus, and Dr Jennifer Lehmann at Bendigo campus, your lecturers and your thesis supervisor.

In relation to University Regulations, this booklet is meant to serve as a guide to them only and not a definitive statement. Students should consult the relevant regulations themselves. With regard to the timetable, the School of Social Work and Social Policy reserves the right to make alterations to class times and course content, if circumstances dictate. I take this opportunity to wish you well in your postgraduate study and hope that you will both gain and contribute to the academic life of the School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University, School of Social Work and Social Policy.

Christine Bigby
Professor
Director of Postgraduate Programs
School of Social Work and Social Policy

The School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe

The School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Social Work. The focus of this handbook is the Higher Degrees Program. A separate Bachelor of Social Work Handbook is available on the School webpage at www.latrobe.edu.au/socialwork.

The postgraduate program of the School includes the Postgraduate Certificate in Complex Community Care, the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology – Social Work, the Masters by Research, a Professional Doctorate (DSW), as well as a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The School offered a Masters by Coursework program until 2004. Continuing students are completing their degree but no new applications are being accepted.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Complex Community Care commenced in June 2005 and is only offered at the Albury-Wodonga campus in 2009. Units in the Certificate can also be taken as continuing education.

The only AASW accredited degree from La Trobe University is the Bachelor of Social Work. Members of the AASW may claim continuing education points for postgraduate programs for accredited member status.

School mission and goal statement

The School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe is fully committed to the ideals and goals of the profession of social work. These are the promotion of social change in the interests of social justice and the upholding of human rights, problem solving in human relationships and communities, and the empowerment and liberation of people in order to enhance their well being.

In all aspects of its work and roles, the School focuses on problem-solving and change in the interest of people and communities who are vulnerable, exploited, struggling with poverty or otherwise excluded from the social and economic opportunities generally available to other members of society. Social workers have a distinctive responsibility in modern societies to intervene at the point where people interact with their environments, and where environments impact upon people (Adapted from International Federation of Social Workers’ definition, 2000).

The School contributes to social change through teaching, research and community service at diverse locations in Victoria. We value:

• the development of graduates who are able to use a range of different skills in a variety of areas of practice, and who can work creatively in complex organisations in situations of uncertainty and change,

• knowledge that integrates theoretical, empirical and practice understandings and which is informed by different regional perspectives,

• an outward focus, and openness to the realities of very different futures, a preparedness to adapt to change and to work collaboratively with others.

We provide undergraduate, postgraduate, research and community service activities that are relevant and effective and informed by a critical understanding of the significant economic, social, political and institutional changes in contemporary society.

Our goals are:

1. To develop and impart knowledge through an integration of the understandings gained from research, the realities of welfare practice and service delivery experience across different regions of Victoria.

2. To develop graduates who:

• are able to work with diverse groups and in different fields of practice,

• are able to respond to the complexity of needs and work in complex organisational environments,

• are able to work with disengaged and marginalised people and with people affected by violence,

• are able to creatively utilise and combine social work skills and practice in situations of uncertainty,

• are informed and enriched by the diverse urban, regional and rural constituencies of the School,

• meet the graduate attributes of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

3. To contribute to the development of welfare policy and practice through continuing education programs that are responsive to the needs of organisations and practitioners, with a particular focus on complex community care.

4. To undertake relevant and high quality research that contributes to knowledge about our diverse and changing social context and how best to respond through polices and practice, with a particular focus on:

• Health and mental health

• Aging and disability

• Families, children and young people

• Sustaining and developing communities.

5. To value and promote the community service activities of staff in order to:

• Make a contribution to the development of our communities

• Remain relevant to community needs and issues, and

• Assist in developing and undertaking research.

6. To work collaboratively with our students, staff from all campuses, welfare organisations, other parts of La Trobe university, and other universities in Australia and internationally, including other schools of social work.

Degrees offered in the School of Social Work and Social Policy

Undergraduate Programs

From 2009, the School will be offering a combined Bachelor Human Services/Master of Social Work degree which will take 4 years to complete and a two-year Bachelor of Social Work (Advanced Standing) (BSW (AS)) degree for those who have completed at least two years of university study. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). A Bachelor of Social Work with Honours degree is available to a small number of outstanding students.

The remainder of this handbook deals only with higher degrees. Details of the Bachelor of Social Work degree program are contained in a separate handbook, a copy of which is available from the School webpage www.latrobe.edu.au/socialwork .

Postgraduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Social Work
Master of Applied Science
Master of Social Work (Research)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology–Social Work

Details of Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is the principal research training degree in the University. It requires up to four years (equivalent full-time) research within the University under the guidance of a supervisor. It is also possible to be admitted as a part-time candidate. A PhD thesis shall not exceed 100,000 words. The candidate should demonstrate a capacity for independent research and an ability to make a substantial and original contribution to learning.

The normal requirement for admission as a candidate is at least an upper second class Honours degree or a Masters degree. Either degree course must have included a substantial research dissertation as part of the requirements of the course.

Research Masters students may apply for an upgrade of enrolment to PhD after the completion of at least one year’s enrolment in the Masters by Research degree. All applications are finally assessed for admission to candidature for the degree by the appropriate committee of the University.

It is expected that the normal period of candidature for the PhD degree will be between three and four years for a full-time candidate, and between four and eight years for a part-time candidate. Candidates for the PhD degree should plan their research with the aim of submitting their thesis within three to three and a half years of commencing full-time enrolment.

The degree of PhD is awarded without classification on the basis of a thesis which demonstrates the ability of the candidate to make a substantial contribution to learning and to an appreciation and an understanding of the relationship of his or her own investigations to a wider field of knowledge. Examiners will expect a thesis to be well-written and to reveal an independence of thought and approach, a deep knowledge of the field of study and to have made a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Further information about application, fees and financial aid is available from the Research and Graduate Studies Office of La Trobe University.

Application Process

Applications are made through the University’s Research and Graduate Studies Office (website: www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/ ). Before lodging an application, intending candidates should discuss their research interests with the Director of Postgraduate Studies to ensure that an appropriate supervisor is available. Normally, thesis topics are required to fit the research areas of the School.

A copy of the information booklet for supervisors and candidates for higher degrees by research is provided to students when they enrol and is also available for perusal on the Research and Graduate Studdies office, Scholarship and Candidature web page at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/scholarships.htm

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Details of the Doctor of Social Work can be found in the University Handbook, for information about specific units you should access the Unit Database..

Unit Database

Doctoral colloquia

As part of the course requirements, students will be required to present three research colloquia to their peers. These will take the form of one thesis proposal and two ‘work in progress’ presentations, one of which might be analogous to an oral defence of the nearly completed thesis. In order to fulfil the requirements of the colloquia, students will present to other professional Doctorate students at faculty level unless determined by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee (Research). One of the aims of the colloquia is to reduce the isolation most students feel while undertaking a research degree, and to introduce intermediate goals towards completion. Students must attend at least 75% of the research colloquia.

Seminars

Seminars will be arranged for all enrolled students with presentations by staff, visiting academics, and by students presenting their final thesis designs, research instruments, analysis strategies and interim results. Schools may also require professional Doctorate students to present their work as part of a school seminar program.

For the most recent descriptions of units, ie, full description of units, including the unit name, unit code, credit points, campus/location, unit coordinator, class requirements, assessment, prerequisites and readings - students should access the unit database at www.latrobe.edu.au/udb_public.

Detailed Professional Doctorate information for candidates is available on the Professional Docturates pages at www.latrobe.edu.au/health/profdocs/contents.html.

Application Process

Prospective students should contact the relevant school to discuss possible candidature prior to applying. Applications are made through the University’s Research and Graduate Studies Office (website: www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/ )

Master of Applied Science

The Master of Applied Science is a research degree that may be completed by thesis only. The period for completion is a minimum of one year full-time or the equivalent part-time, and a maximum of three years full-time or four years part-time. A thesis should not normally exceed 50,000 words in length.

The thesis submitted for a Masters degree by research should show that the candidate has mastered the skills of research appropriate to the field of study. The collection and critical evaluation of existing knowledge and techniques, their application (under supervision) to a specific program of research, and ultimately their inclusion in a well-written and presented thesis are important features of a Masters degree. Reviewing the literature, solving problems, applying techniques, designing empirical studies and undertaking data analysis are skills relevant to a Masters degree.

The normal requirements for admission to candidature are an Honours degree, or a pass degree and a postgraduate Diploma (completed with at least a B average), or the completion of the Masters preliminary studies at this university, or the equivalent.

Application Process

Master of Social Work by Research

The Master of Social Work is designed to allow social work graduates or those with an established employment record in the human services field to upgrade their professional skills.

Admission requirements

A Bachelor degree of Honours standing is required. or if not, demonstration of Honours equivalence in terms of possession of skills, experience, research and/or publications.

Application Process

Further information and application forms may be obtained from the School offices at each campus (Bundoora ph (03) 9479 5815; Bendigo (03) 5444 7415; Albury-Wodonga (02) 6024 9802 or visit our website at www.latrobe.edu.au/socialwork . Students should contact the school to discuss possible candidature prior to applying. Applications are made through the university’s Research and Graduate Studies Office (web site: www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/ ).

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology–Social Work

This course has been designed to replace Masters preliminary programs. It aims to provide the necessary preparation for higher degree studies for those candidates without substantial previous research experience, and to offer studies that are designed to suit the student’s background and proposed field of research. The course provides students with a recognised qualification upon satisfactory completion.

Students who complete this course should be able to demonstrate the acquisition of research skills and advanced discipline-specific knowledge. It is expected that Diplomates will usually proceed to enrol in a higher degree by research, provided minimum average grade requirements are met. However, this qualification will assist candidates with professional advancement and progression to postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion of the program.

Admission requirements

A relevant degree is normally required for entry. In certain circumstances, consideration will be given to clinical or academic experience relevant to the intended field of study and whether the applicant has demonstrated the potential to undertake research. In these cases, consideration will be given to professional references, the applicant’s clinical and/or academic experience, publications and/or presentations, and the applicant’s entire academic record.

Course structure

Candidates enrol in the school offering the relevant discipline. The course comprises 120 credit points, including at least 15 credit points of research methods units, at least 15 credit points of discipline-specific units and a research project of at least 10,000 words.

Candidates with appropriate backgrounds may apply for credit for all or part of the research methods and discipline-specific unit requirements. Units can be selected from the range of fourth-year units within the faculty. One unit can be a literature review or reading unit related to the proposed research topic.

Course structure of Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology – Social Work

Application Process

Further information and application forms may be obtained from the School offices at each campus. Contact details for each campus can be found at the top of this page..

Other relevant information

Fees

Voluntary general service fee

The General Service Fee is now voluntary. The Commonwealth Government passed legislation prohibiting higher education providers from charging a compulsory General Service Fee. This legislation came into effect on 1 July 2006 for students commencing their course from 1 July 2006 onwards. In response to this, the Guild was established at La Trobe University. It provides the means whereby students can have their say on the services to be provided on campus.

The La Trobe University Guild

All students and staff are eligible for Guild memberships. By payment of the Voluntary General Service Fee, students and staff will be able to access a huge range of services at discounted prices both on and off-campus.

Further information regarding services available can be obtained from the Guild and Associations located on all campuses or you can visit their website at www.latrobe.edu.au/guild/. Cost of membership is $100

There is no charge for full-fee paying international students in view of the substantial fees they pay. If students wish to join the Guild, they can do so voluntarily by applying through the normal channels.

Course fees

International course list

Fees may increase on an annual basis. In usual circumstances fees may increase up to 7% each year. Please visit : http://www.latrobe.edu.au/coursefinder/international/ for current information.

The Research Training Scheme (RTS)

This scheme was fully implemented by the Commonwealth Government in 2002 and replaces the Research Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) Exemptions Scheme. It provides Commonwealth-funded Higher Degree Research (HDR) students with an 'entitlement' to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course. Under the RTS student places are funded for a period of candidature of four years full-time equivalence for a research doctorate and two years full-time equivalent for a Masters by Research.

Postgraduate scholarships

La Trobe University offers postgraduate scholarships on a competitive basis. These scholarships are the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scholarships and La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarships. Further information can be found at the RGSO website at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/scholarships.htm

School academic expectations

Confirmation seminar

All research postgraduate students are required to present their thesis proposal to a panel for confirmation of candidature at the 12 months (or equivalent part-time) stage of candidature. The membership of the panel will consist of staff from the School of Social Work and Social Policy and an external member with expertise in the candidate’s area of study.

Postgraduate research seminars

All postgraduate research students are required to attend the Postgraduate Research Seminars in semester one and two. They are designed to provide students with the opportunity to meet with other thesis students and to discuss common research problems. Seminars provide students with an opportunity to present their research proposals and research in progress. Indeed, making such presentations may be obligatory for some students in order to meet satisfactory progress requirements.

The seminars will be coordinated by Professor Christine Bigby and will be held in Room 545, Health Sciences Building 2 from 4:00 - 6:00pm on the following Mondays – 16 March, 18th May, 15th June, 6th July, 3rd August, 14th September, 5th October and 9th November.

Publications

The School encourages students to publish their literature reviews and research findings in refereed journals. Students should discuss opportunities for publication with their supervisor. Joint student/supervisor publications are encouraged by the School.

Structure of the School of Social Work and Social Policy

The School of Social Work and Social Policy is one of eight schools within the Division of Allied Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Head of School is Associate Professor Margarita Frederico, who is responsible to the Associate Dean of the Division for all the programs delivered. The School has four campuses: Bundoora, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga and Mildura.

Staff roles across the school
Role	Staff member
Professor of Discipline	Professor Allan Borowski
Head of School and Head of Campus - Bundoora	Associate Professor Margarita Frederico
Head of Campus - Albury - Wodonga	Dr Guin Threlkeld
Head of Campus - Bendigo	Ms Fiona Gardner
Head of Campus - Mildura	Ms Paula Bruce
Director of Postgraduate Programs	Professor Christine Bigby
Director of Field Education	Dr David Nilsson

Director of postgraduate programs

The overall administration of the Postgraduate Programs of the School is the responsibility of the Director of Postgraduate Programs. Professor Chris Bigby occupies this position and is located at the Bundoora campus. At the Bendigo campus, Dr Jennifer Lehmann is the Postgraduate Programs Coordinator and at Albury-Wodonga campus, the responsibility rests with the Head of School, Dr Guin Threlkeld.

School consultative and decision-making structures

The major standing committee of the School responsible for the postgraduate programs is the Research and Postgraduate Committee whose membership normally includes the Head of School, Director of Postgraduate Programs, Campus Postgraduate Coordinators, Professor of the Discipline, leaders of School Research Groups and other staff with responsibility in postgraduate programs. There is an opportunity for student representation on this Committee.

Further information for postgraduate students

Employment

Full-time candidates are expected to devote the whole of a normal working week (nominally 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday) to the pursuit of the course of study and research, but may engage in a limited amount of academic employment.

The Head of School concerned may give permission for a candidate to engage in tutoring, or demonstrating within the University, for a maximum of 8 hours per week (or up to 240 hours a year). Other employment that makes significant demands on a candidate's research time is not allowed unless approval is given by the Higher Degrees Committee (Research) on the advice of the supervisor(s).

Where a full-time candidate chooses to undertake employment in his or her own time, the candidate cannot later claim special consideration if progress has been impeded by this employment. If a candidate considers, at the start of such employment, that progress is likely to be impeded, it would be prudent not to seek part-time enrolment.

Part-time candidates who have other employment are expected to be able to make a significant commitment to their research.

Appeal procedures

There are appeal procedures available to all postgraduate students. Appeal procedures within social work are intended to be flexible and responsive to both coursework and research student needs. Within units, students are invited to discuss concerns with the lecturer first and then the Director of Postgraduate Programs. If there is no resolution, an appeal may be made to the Head of School. Research students are invited to discuss concerns with their Research Supervisor first. If there is no resolution of these concerns, then thereafter students are invited to discuss concerns with the Director of Postgraduate Programs. Appeals may be made thereafter to the Head of School. The University's Higher Degree Committee has the authority to hear appeals outside the School of Social Work & Social Policy. If a student wishes to appeal against any decision of the Higher Degree Committee, he/she should contact the Higher Degree Appeals Committee, c/- University Solicitor's Office.

Varying conditions of

If you wish to vary in any way the conditions of candidature as previously determined by the University's appropriate committee, apply in writing, giving full reasons in support of your application. The relevant form is available on request from the Research & Graduate Studies (RGSO) counter in the Student Centre or alternatively from the RGSO website: www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/.

This requirement applies particularly to:

Extension of candidature - if your maximum period of candidature is due to expire and you have not submitted or do not expect to be able to submit the thesis by the due date.
Suspension of candidature (interruption) - if, for any reason (eg. medical, personal or family circumstances, or unusual employment commitments) you propose to interrupt the course already commenced for the degree. Suspensions of candidature are not normally granted in the first twelve months of study. The Higher Degrees Committee believes that the first twelve months of the candidature are the most critical. It is not usual for candidates to suspend their studies because of employment. In such circumstance, candidates should seek to change their enrolment to part-time in the first instance.
Change from full-time to part-time; part-time to full-time, etc. - if you wish for any reason to change the course load of your current enrolment. Full-time research candidates who wish to change their enrolment to part-time because of employment must complete an ‘Attachment A’ form setting out the amount of time available to continue with their research and that their employer must confirm that the required time is available.
Outside research or field study overseas - if a period of such is a necessary and integral part of the research program for the degree and you need to be away from the University whether interstate or overseas.
Proposed concurrent enrolment - for any unit or course at this University or any other academic institution. Permission would normally be given if such enrolment is supportive of the research program for the degree, or at least will not interfere with it.

As any change in your candidature status requires the support of the School of Social Work and Social Policy’s Director of Postgraduate Programs, it is important that you apprise the Coordinator of all details that may be relevant to your case.

Relinquishment of candidature

Withdrawal by a student from the coursework part of a course on, or after dates set by the University for each semester, normally will be counted as a failure for the units concerned. Students are responsible for informing themselves of the dates, and such information is available upon enrolment.

Withdrawal from the program cannot be initiated retrospectively. If you decide to withdraw from candidature you are asked to notify this in writing. The appropriate form, for Research students, is available upon request at the Research & Graduate Studies counter in the Student Centre or from the RGSO website www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/. For others, it is available at the School Office.

Upgrading from MSW (research) or Master of Applied Science to PhD canditure

After a period of eight months full-time enrolment (or 12 months part-time enrolment) as an MSW (Research) candidate a student may apply to upgrade to PhD candidate if he or she already fulfils the admission requirements set down in the PhD Regulations (R. 12. 1 (1 0)). A candidate for the degree of Master of Social Work (Research) in this University is eligible to apply for admission as a PhD candidate if such candidate:

has completed a substantial proportion of the masters research (e.g. two thesis chapters, paper(s) presented for publication in an appropriate professional journal, paper(s) presented at a professional conference, literary review/criticism or other documented evidence) and this has been assessed by an independent person, suitably qualified and not directly associated with the candidate's work, as demonstrating the capacity to undertake research at the PhD level, and
has been enrolled for the degree of Master of Social Work (Research) for a period of not less than eight months or, if a part-time candidature, for not less than 12 months.

Progress reports

As a postgraduate research student, you are required to maintain satisfactory progress and to submit to the relevant Higher Degrees Committee, through Research & Graduate Studies Office, progress reports, as required, on your work during each year of your candidature. The appropriate forms are sent out to candidates at relevant times.

If such reports are not submitted, the relevant Higher Degrees Committee may suspend your candidature. It may also act on any issues raised by you or your supervisor which have not been resolved within the School of Social Work and Social Policy.

Ethics approval

As stated earlier, all research conducted through the University that involves human participants as subjects, will require ethical approval. Information about the principles and procedures involved may be found in the brochure entitled ‘Ethics Approval for Research with Human Subjects: Guidelines for Research and Teaching’ available from the Secretary of the Faculty Human Ethics Committee (FHEC), Faculty of Health Sciences. Guidelines and application forms are available from the Ethics page on the Faculty of Health Sciences website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/health/ethics/index.html. Enquiries may be directed to the Secretary, FHEC, ph 9479 3575. For further information, consult your thesis supervisor.

Coursework information

Procedure for handing in assignments

Assessable Work

Work is due on the date specified by the course lecturer. If a student is unable to submit work on the due date, he/she should apply for an extension to the lecturer prior to the due date for submission of the work.

Extensions of up to four weeks may be granted by the unit lecturer. A form for this purpose has been prepared and is available from the relevant administrative office. Students applying for extensions should do so in writing on this form. Extensions of over four weeks require the approval of Director of Postgraduate Studies.

In the case of lecture/seminar units no extensions can be given beyond the end of the academic year.

Where a student requests a number of extensions for the same lecture/seminar unit or for a number of components in different lecture/seminar units this will be drawn to the attention of the Director of Postgraduate Programs in the School of Social Work and Social Policy or the relevant campus coordinator.

Bundoora Campus

Assignments should be placed into the assignment box located at the Division of Allied Health’s reception (Room 207, HS2). Assignment Lodgement Forms are available from the Division of Allied Health’s reception and also online from LMS (formerly WebCT).

The Lodgement Form (in addition to the assignment’s front page referred to above) must be completed, signed and attached to the assignment-follow the clear instructions at the bottom of the form. Please ensure that all copies are legible.

If you are downloading the Assignment Lodgement Form you must attach both pages 1 and 2 to your assignment before submitting. It is advisable to keep a copy for your own records. Please note that the Group Assignment Lodgement Form will be returned to the student number of the first student listed on the form.

Students will be informed by each of their lecturers as to how their assignments will be returned to them.

Albury-Wodonga and Bendigo Campuses

Students will be advised of the procedures for submitting assignments at each campus.

Form and style for written work

Papers must be submitted on A4 paper with a 2.5 cm margin on top, bottom and both sides for lecturer's comments. Your name, the unit, the title of assignment and lecturer's name should be on a cover page. Papers, if at all possible, should be word-processed and double-spaced. If the paper cannot be word-processed, it should be hand-printed, not handwritten.

Referencing

Referencing style (APA)

The School requires students to use the APA (American Psychological Association) citation and referencing style, which is an author-date system. The general principles of all author-date systems and specific principles of APA referencing are outlined below in the following excerpt from ‘Target your Study Skills’, an online handbook from the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Study Skills Assistance Scheme.

Or alternatively, students can find further details on this style at the web sites listed on the Library's Style Guides Manuals page. http://www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/help/style-guides.php#APA

Assessment

Lecture/Seminar Units

Lecture/seminar units are taught by a number of academic staff within the School as well as by lecturers from other schools in this University or by external experts in the field. The assessment methods used vary amongst the components taught, and may consist of all or some of the following: written papers or written examinations, project work, presentations of papers, or oral examinations. In any case of oral assessment, the candidate will prepare a written précis and the instructor will make a written assessment of the candidate's performance which will be appended to the précis.

Assessable work should normally be word processed and presented in the recommended format and accompanied by a cover sheet (as well as the Assignment Lodgement Form) showing the following:

Student's name and ID number.
The course and component title.
Lecturer's name.
Due date of assessment.

The assessed work will be returned to the student together with the assessor's comments. Assessable work is examined by the course lecturer.

All units usually must be satisfactorily completed before proceeding to the minor thesis.

Should a student's work during the course of a unit be unsatisfactory, further assessable pieces of work may be required.

The School's Postgraduate Committee will take into account the results of all assessable assignments, and the student's performance in class in determining a final mark for a lecture/seminar unit.

The results will then be forwarded, through the Head of School, as Chief Examiner, to the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Unsatisfactory academic progress

When the relevant University committee is of the opinion that a student is not making satisfactory academic progress in coursework units, as in the case of a failure in a lecture/seminar unit, it may require the student:

To ‘show cause’ why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol in the Coursework program.
To enrol but on the basis that any subsequent failure to make satisfactory academic progress will result in exclusion from the Course.
Not be permitted to re-enrol in the Coursework programme.

In the event of this process being instituted and the student not being successful in a re-enrolment request, the University's Appeals procedure may be utilised.

Information for postgraduate students (research)

Ethics approval

See the information provided above under the heading: 'Further information for postgraduate students'.

Presentation of thesis

The thesis should be the candidate's unaided work. Acknowledgment must be made in the thesis of the assistance of others in such a manner as to clearly identify it. This includes appropriate reference citation.

Supervisors and candidates should note that it is recommended in the Examinations Regulation that Masters by research thesis must not exceed 60,000 words and it is recommended that normally they should not exceed 30,000 words in science-based disciplines or 40,000 words in non-science disciplines. Professional doctorate research theses must not exceed 75,000 words and it is recommended that normally they should not exceed 60,000 words. PhD theses must not exceed 100,000 and it is recommended that normally they should not exceed 50,000 words in the science-based disciplines or 75,000 in non-science disciplines. Candidates should note that these word limits include footnotes, but do not include appendices or bibliographies and reference lists. Footnotes should be kept to a minimum. In writing a thesis, a candidate should aim for the minimum word length. If a thesis exceeds the word limit it may be returned to the candidate for editing before it is sent to examiners. Examiners may refuse to read a thesis that is excessively long, on the grounds that it fails to conform to the stated regulations.

In working out the submission date, it is desirable to allow at least eight weeks for typing, checking and binding of the thesis.

Notice of intention to submit your thesis for examination

If you are a Masters by Research, DSW, or PhD candidate, it will be necessary for you to give written notice of intention to submit your thesis for examination at least three months prior to the date on which you expect to submit the thesis. The appropriate set of forms and copies of Schedule C of the Examinations Regulations - Presentation of a Thesis - is available on request at the Research & Graduate Studies counter in the Student Centre. Please note also for the future, that in accordance with the Examinations Regulation, you are required to submit four copies of the thesis for examination together with a certificate from your supervisor(s) (more detailed information on the form of binding for the thesis is found in Schedule C of the Examinations Regulation).

You are strongly encouraged to read these forms thoroughly before you arrange typing of the Manuscript. There are regulations regarding the type of paper, layout, textual arrangement and binding. Mistakes at this stage are both time consuming and costly.

Extensions

Extensions for theses are only given in exceptional circumstances, and when the student can assure either the University's Masters Degree Committee (Coursework) for MSW students or the Higher Degrees (Research) Committee for MSW (Research) and PhD students, that they are in the stage of writing up the final draft of the thesis.

Examination of theses

Examiners are recommended by the supervisors and the Director of Postgraduate Programs. For PhD and Master of Social Work (by research) theses, examiners are normally external to La Trobe. In the case of the examination of an MSW minor thesis, normally one of the examiners is external to La Trobe.

The examination procedure may take several months. Examiners can recommend that a candidate:

(i) pass without amendment or oral examination;

(ii) pass unit to the examiners' recommended changes or corrections being made to the satisfaction of the relevant Higher Degrees Committee;

(iii) undertake an oral examination on the subject of the thesis;

(iv) be asked to rewrite the thesis for resubmission and examination. The candidate can then be allowed up to twelve months to do substantial rewriting;

(v) fail.

Resubmission

Detailed guidelines on resubmission are provided by the relevant Higher Degrees Committee upon the recommendation of the supervisor.

Supervision

This section should be read in conjunction with the ‘Handbook for Candidates and Supervisors for Masters Degrees by Research and Doctoral Degrees’ (available from RGSO or from their website www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/ . On the advice of the Director of Postgraduate Programs and the Professor of the School, the Head of School will appoint one or more supervisors at the time of the approval of candidature. The University's Higher Degree Committee (Research) will ratify this on enrolment.

A student is expected to maintain regular contact with the supervisor and submit reports on progress as required by the supervisor or the School or the Higher Degrees Committee (Research). On average, regular contact is once a fortnight. To maintain satisfactory progress, students should be in contact with their supervisor at least once a month.

Supervision of a higher degree student operates under the maxim that the student has prime responsibility for the formulation of the research topic, planning, conducting of the study, writing and presentation of the thesis.

The nature of supervision varies with respect to the research topic and the stages in preparation of the thesis. Some candidates begin with a clearly defined topic and a detailed research plan, while others spend some months establishing the parameters of their project. Most postgraduates find that redefinition occurs throughout the research process. In terms of progress it is necessary that the candidate has clarified the subject and the productive research has begun by the end of the first twelve months.

As the first stage of research - the reading and planning - is one of the most important, we advise that you consult your supervisor frequently during this period. As successful completion in a given time is the aim, it is necessary that you and your supervisor establish some flexible timetable at the outset.

In working out a timetable with your supervisor we suggest that you keep the following points in mind. These have been compiled in the light of studies of postgraduate failure.

Develop an overall plan in the first year of research, setting out dates for completion of each stage of research.
Meet with your supervisor frequently, even when you think you have little to discuss.
Do not postpone writing. Try to have something written to give your supervisor each time you meet with him or her.
If your research requires fieldwork and/or the collection, compilation of data, remember that the majority of researchers discover that the writing process takes at least three times as long as the fieldwork.
Always keep appointments with your supervisor.

Problems with supervision

The relationship between a candidate and a supervisor is primarily academic. Sometimes, however, there are problems about differing expectations with regard to consultation or commitment. Supervision problems may also arise from personality clashes, professional or theoretical disagreements, or sexual harassment.

If you experience any problems with supervision that you feel are hampering your progress, then you should discuss these immediately with the Director of Postgraduate Programs. Sometimes, it is necessary to change supervisory arrangements. This procedure can be very difficult, as a person is admitted on the basis of a particular supervisor's acceptance of that candidate, and the topic of his or her project. Sometimes there is no alternative supervisor available in the chosen area of research.

A candidate has the right to request a change in supervisor, but given that the original supervisor may have been the best qualified and most suitable person in the School at the commencement of candidature, this right should be exercised cautiously.

If you consider that the School is not dealing with your supervision problem in a way that is just and fair you should refer the matter to the Higher Degree Committee, through the Research & Graduate Studies Office.

Enquires, information and administrative matters

The administration of all postgraduate students (except Research students), is shared by the School and the Faculty. Your first port of call should be the School's Director of Postgraduate Programs and then the Faculty. The Research & Graduate Studies Office is responsible for the administration of Research students. However, it is wise to consult the School's Director of Postgraduate Programs before you take some issues to Research & Graduate Studies Office. In particular, proposed changes in candidature or problems that are hindering progress should be discussed at School level before you proceed with these to the relevant Higher Degree Committee level.

Work stations

The School of Social Work and Social Policy has limited work stations for postgraduate students to work in the School (Room 210, HS2). The School supplies basic furniture, some filing space and bookshelves. If you wish to access work stations, please contact the Director of Postgraduate Programs at Bundoora campus or the relevant campus Postgraduate Coordinator.

Sofware

SPSS and Endnote are available from all La Trobe University computers. At Bundoora campus, the University site licence covers home use of Endnote for all students on personal systems. A distribution agreement has been put in place between ITS and The Smart Shop for all students to purchase a copy of Endnote media under the University licence.

The Computer Studyhall support at the Bundoora Campus Ph: 1300 786 535 can provide a copy of the Endnote media (subject to the usual identification and licence declaration).

ICT Software licenses

After hours building access

Postgraduate Research students can borrow building keys for after hours access. Contact your relevant Postgraduate Coordinator for more information.

Student pigeonholes

There are student pigeonholes in HS2 Building Level 5 Room 509. Information for students and marked assignments will be placed in these pigeon holes. Please check regularly.

Photocopying

The School photocopier is available to MSW (Research) DSW and PhD students. Contact your relevant Postgraduate Coordinator for more information.

Student email

Faculty Postgraduate Support Grant Scheme

This grant is available to any student currently enrolled in a postgraduate research degree in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

General information

How to have a say in the faculty

Some of the University and Faculty decision-making committees have provision for student representatives. These include Health Sciences' Faculty Board, University Council, Academic Committee and a variety of other University committees and sub-committees such as the Finance and Resources Committee, Equal Opportunity Committee, General Service Fee Review Committee and Parking Fee Committee, just to name a few.

To review the full directory of committees, please visit the Governance, Policy and Planning Unit pages. If you would like more information, please contact the Student Representative Council on 9479 2976, the La Trobe University Postgraduate Association on 9479 2438 or the Faculty Office on 9479 3583.

Support for students

Current students - Faculty
Study Skills Assistnace Scheme

Academic and student services

Health Services

Overseas Student Health Cover
Health care and emergency services

Childcare

Community Children's Centre

Library facilities

Equal opportunity

Equality and Diversity Centre

Appendix A

La Trobe University, Regulation 21.12 Examinations and Assessment: Schedule B: Theses Requirements Option one: Standard Presentation of a Thesis (PDF 87.5KB)

Appendix B

Using Sources in your writing (PDF 49KB)

Alternate Format

Postgraduate Program Handbook (DOC 1.57MB)