La Trobe University

Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate)

La Trobe University

Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Postgraduate
CRICOS: 00115M

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 of your own design that will culminate in the submission of a thesis for examination of 60,000 words.

Standard entry requirements

  • Postgraduate: Prerequisites - Course specific requirements - The minimum academic requirement for entry into the Doctor of Social Work is a four-year degree, or a Masters degree, in social work with a weighted average mark of 65, 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. Note: An applicant may be considered for entry with an overall weighted average mark below 65 if their weighted average mark in the final full year (FTE) of study is 65 or above.
  • International: IELTS - 6.5 < 6.0 (PG minimum) - 6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
  • Note: This course may be subject to alternative or extra entry requirements depending on your life circumstances and/or work experience. For the complete entry requirements, please search for your course on the La Trobe website: latrobe.edu.au/courses

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