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Charles Sturt University

  • 24% international / 76% domestic

Doctor of Social Work

  • Doctorate (PhD)

The Doctor of Social Work program is designed for professionals to enhance their practice, explore theoretical issues, and acquire advanced research skills. It offers guidance from experienced supervisors, networking opportunities, and merit-based scholarships.

Key details

Degree Type
Doctorate (PhD)
Duration
3 years full-time
Study Mode
Online
Intake Months
Mar, Jul
Domestic Fees
$29,120 per year

About this course

Overview

The Doctor of Social Work program is designed for professionals who wish to extend their levels of professional practice, explore theoretical and practice issues in the profession and acquire advanced research skills.

Research proficiency

Under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor, you'll develop an advanced understanding of human service research methods, conduct an original research investigation and present your findings in a dissertation. You are invited to view the social work and human services research page where projects undertaken by our staff are detailed.

Outstanding reputation

Charles Sturt University is a leading Australian provider of social work courses. Our academic staff draw on extensive industry experience and the latest research to inform their teaching. You'll experience the benefits of group-based learning and forge professional connections that will extend well beyond your studies. Doctoral students are offered regular networking opportunities and ongoing support through optional seminars (usually one per semester) and an online peer support site especially for doctoral students. Many doctoral students find these initiatives invaluable as they work towards completion.

Scholarships

Charles Sturt University offers merit-based scholarships to help you realise your study and career goals.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Candidates for admission to the Doctor of Social Work will:

  • have completed a Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) degree or
  • have a master degree in social work or human services by coursework attained at a credit average (5.0) or better in the research and dissertation subjects, equivalent to a Charles Sturt University 16 point subject or greater, of the applicant's substantive degree or have a master degree by research in social work or human services, and
  • have at least three years of full-time-equivalent professional practice in social work or human services

Variation to admission requirements based on alternative academic qualifications will be provisionally assessed by the Course Director and a recommendation on admission made to the Research Committee.

Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply. Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

Study locations

Online

What you will learn

The Doctor of Social Work program is designed for professionals who wish to extend their levels of professional practice, explore theoretical and practice issues in the profession and acquire advanced research skills.

Research proficiency

Under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor, you'll develop an advanced understanding of human service research methods, conduct an original research investigation and present your findings in a dissertation. You are invited to view the social work and human services research page where projects undertaken by our staff are detailed.

Outstanding reputation

Charles Sturt University is a leading Australian provider of social work courses. Our academic staff draw on extensive industry experience and the latest research to inform their teaching. You'll experience the benefits of group-based learning and forge professional connections that will extend well beyond your studies. Doctoral students are offered regular networking opportunities and ongoing support through optional seminars (usually one per semester) and an online peer support site especially for doctoral students. Many doctoral students find these initiatives invaluable as they work towards completion.

Scholarships

Charles Sturt University offers merit-based scholarships to help you realise your study and career goals.

Career pathways

Charles Sturt University's Doctor of Social Work program will further your expertise as a dynamic, reflective practising social worker. Available online and on campus, this course represents the ideal preparation for management, policy, research and practice leadership roles.

Course structure

Essential set (192 pts)Coursework64 Credit PointsLegend:Intensive schoolWorkplace learningSWK701Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice16 credit ptsSWK702Advanced Social Research Methods16 credit ptsSWK703Social Work Literature Review16 credit ptsSWK704Social Work Research Proposal16 credit ptsThesis128 Credit Points

Legend:

  • Intensive school
  • Workplace learning

Candidates will be enrolled into one of the following subjects, depending on mode of study:

SWK726Doctoral Thesis in Social Work FT128 credit ptsORSWK727Doctoral Thesis in Social Work PT128 credit ptsStandard enrolment patternsPart time

Year 1 - Session 1 SWK702 Advanced Social Research Methods (16)

Year 1 - Session 2 SWK701 Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice (16)

Year 2 - Session 1 SWK703 Social Work Literature Review (16)

Year 2 - Session 2 SWK704 Social Work Research Proposal (16)

Year 3 to 6 - Session 1 & 2SWK727 Doctoral Thesis in Social Work part-time (128)

Full time

Year 1 - Session 1 SWK702 Advanced Social Research Methods (16)SWK701 Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice (16)

Year 1 - Session 2 SWK703 Social Work Literature Review (16)SWK704 Social Work Research Proposal (16)

Year 2 to 3 - Session 1 & 2SWK726 Doctoral Thesis in Social Work full-time (128)

Credit for prior study or work

If you've completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

How to apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Social Work courses at Charles Sturt University.
81.2%
Overall satisfaction
81.8%
Skill scale
64.5%
Teaching scale
89.7%
Employed full-time
$80k
Average salary