Hear more from our Academics who are researching what they are passionate about to make a change and create a world worth living in.
Domestic online
Fee paying postgraduate:
Full-time - $28,160.00 pa
Part-time - $14,080.00 pa
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.
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.
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.
Charles Sturt University offers merit-based scholarships to help you realise your study and career goals.
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.
For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.
You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.
SWK701 | Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice | 16 credit pts | ||
SWK702 | Advanced Social Research Methods | 16 credit pts | ||
SWK703 | Social Work Literature Review | 16 credit pts | ||
SWK704 | Social Work Research Proposal | 16 credit pts |
Part 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 & 2
SWK727 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 & 2
SWK726 Doctoral Thesis in Social Work full-time (128)
As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
This is an estimate
We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!
They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.
Explore scholarshipsTBA
Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).
View the course profile for this course.
Candidates for admission to the Doctor of Social Work will:
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.
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.
Check your eligibility for credit
We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.
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.
Important dates
Check out our direct application closing dates