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Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
The minimum academic requirement for entry to the Doctor of Social Work is a four-year Bachelor's degree, or a Master's degree, in social work with a weighted average mark of 70, or above completed within the last ten years, and at least two years professional practice as a qualified social worker.
Applicants must hold a degree from a program accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). International applicants must meet criteria for registration for professional practice in Australia. Assessment of an international degree by the AASW may incur a cost to the applicant.
Where an applicant does not meet the normal academic entry requirements, an application may be made for admission on equity or alternative entry grounds where the applicant can demonstrate, through discipline-appropriate forms of evidence:
- That they have attained the prior research and/or learning outcomes that normally pertain to the minimum academic entry requirements for the degree, and
- That they have the capacity to successfully undertake a higher degree by research.
The following conditions must be met in order to gain admission into a Doctor of Social Work degree:
- you must meet the entry requirements for the degree
- the school in which you seek enrolment must be able to provide appropriate facilities, resources and supervision for your chosen area of research.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Pathways
There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.
Use the Pathways Tool to discover other courses with pathway options available.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
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What you'll study
Work-Based Learning
A range of work based learning opportunities are available, including internships, mentoring, and industry-linked projects.
Internships: candidates who have successfully confirmed their candidature and who are making satisfactory progress may apply to participate in an internship at least one month before they submit their thesis. Refer to the Graduate Research Candidature Policy and associated information.
Candidates will apply separately to participate in an internship through a process detailed on the Graduate Research School website.
For more information visit https://www.latrobe.edu.au/researchers/grs/industry-community
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Shepparton
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
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Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Doctor of Social Work course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of research or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution of direct relevance to the profession
- Ability to provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations
- Knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques relevant to the field of research as well as identify and allow for any shortcomings associated with these techniques
- A satisfactory level of literary presentation reflecting an ability to communicate in a clear, concise and authoritative manner appropriate to the field of research and to the professional area to which it is addressed
Doctor of Social Work career opportunities
This degree will allow you to pursue professional roles in academic research, higher education, the legal sector, or the public health sector.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Costs and scholarships for graduate research degrees
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
How to apply for the Doctor of Social Work.
Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course’s start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Master of Nursing (Research)
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Master of Social Work (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Doctor of Social Work |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Anytime (2026), preferably aligned with Semester intake |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Fees |
Costs and scholarships for graduate research degrees. |
About the Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate)
If you are an experienced practitioner in social work and human services, this degree gives you an opportunity to enrich and extend your professional practice and undertake research in professional or community settings.
Areas of study include: social work practice, social policy, program evaluation, disability, intellectual disability, ageing, youth and family welfare, and mental health. The degree offers an integrated program of research with supporting coursework in the first year. Through a combination of core and elective subjects, you will gain knowledge and skills in designing and conducting research, literature review techniques, critical analysis and writing for publication, as well as opportunities to apply these skills in clinically-based professional projects. You will pursue an independent and sustained investigation into a research problem that will culminate in the submission of a thesis for examination of 60,000 words.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 10 – Professional Doctorate.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Doctor of Clinical Science (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Education (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Laws
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Letters
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Midwifery (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Nursing (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Philosophy
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Applied Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City
COURSE
Master of Arts
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Business (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Education (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Engineering (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Laws (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Nursing (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Philosophy
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Psychological Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Science
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Social Work (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton