Why study with us?
We are one of the world’s top research universities and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight network and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Please note: This course will no longer be available from 2022 onwards. Please apply for Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) instead.
The Master of Philosophy involves research and advanced coursework. You will be assigned a research supervisor and an auxiliary supervisor. You will be required to complete a probationary year and produce an extended research proposal at the end of that year.
Research can be undertaken in areas including gender relations and gender identity; Indigenous issues; sexuality and sexual identity; social change; sociology of knowledge; knowledge building in social work practice; ageing and the end of life; child and young people safety and wellbeing; counselling; welfare and community services; disability and mental health; social policy; social work in health care; violence against women and children; or an area negotiated with a potential supervisor.
From 2021, Higher Degree by Research students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study relevant for research students.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Specific closing dates apply for each research period Research period 2: 31 October of the preceding yearResearch Period 3: 30 May of the commencing year. Separate scholarship application deadlines apply - Visit Research Scholarships
Research Period 2: Start date 1 March
Research Period 3: Start date 1 July
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
Specific closing dates apply for each research period Research period 2: 31 October of the preceding year "Research Period 3: 30 April of the commencing year. Separate scholarship application deadlines apply - Visit Research Scholarships
Research Period 2: Start date 1 March
Research Period 3: Start date 1 July
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
Master of Philosophy candidates may undertake research in one of the following areas: gender relations and gender identity; indigenous issues; sexuality and sexual identity; social change; sociology of knowledge; knowledge building in social work practice; ageing and the end of life; child and young people safety and well-being; counselling; welfare and community services; disability and mental health; social policy; social work in health care; violence against women and children or an area negotiated with a potential supervisor.
Changes to higher degree research in 2021
In 2021, the University is introducing a new coursework curriculum to support research success. Masters students will complete 6 credit points of coursework and be able to choose from a pool of 270+ units from any faculty. The pool comprises a range of development opportunities that include specialist analytical methods, professional development units, and discipline-specific subjects relevant for research students. Refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies handbook.
There is no separate tuition fee cost for the coursework units of study you will undertake, it is part of the tuition fee for the course. See the 'Your Fee' section for fee information. Additional non-tuition course costs vary depending on the units of study.
You will be able to see and enrol in any of the units available, subject to capacity restraints and your own background. Note that your faculty may elect to make certain units compulsory for a given degree.
1. Supervisors within the School of Education and Social Work are listed in Supervisor Connect. You are encouraged to email the academic directly. To find the academic’s email address, follow the link provided to their profile page. Introduce yourself and provide some academic background. You may be asked for an academic transcript. Explain why you are interested in your area of research and, if appropriate, why you are interested in working with the recipient.
2. Your research proposal should be no more than 2,000 words. Refer to How to write a research proposal for guidance. Attach your research proposal to your email when you approach a prospective supervisor.
3. If you need assistance or advice finding a supervisor, contact our Research Student Liaison Officer or Admissions Coordinator.
4. Obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. You may upload letters of reference or template .
5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply: evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
7. Applications are made via the University's online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply Now' button on the right hand side of this page.
To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:
Thesis submission requirements and examination procedure as set out in the Academic Board resolutions for this course and the Higher Degree (HDR) Rule 2011.
Applicants are required to complete a research proposal (500 to 1000 words) addressing criteria specified by the faculty. Applicants must also have been in full-time employment in social work for a minimum of one year, and have one of the following qualifications:
(i) a four-year Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent with 1st or 2nd class Honours; or
(ii) a Bachelor of Social Work (without 1st or 2nd class Honours), either produce evidence to the satisfaction of the faculty of having completed equivalent work or complete a period of probationary candidature; or
(iii) a Master of Social Work with merit.
Through the completion of the MPhil degree, students gain deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem solving, communication and project management skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. MPhil graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.
