Doctor of Social Work

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Do you aspire to become a leader in your field? The Doctor of Social Work program from Charles Sturt University gives you unique opportunities to undertake advanced and critical reflection on professional social work practice.

As the highest level of qualification available, this doctorate degree in social work enables you to conduct research that makes an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline.

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

    Hear more from our Academics who are researching what they are passionate about to make a change and create a world worth living in.

    Key information

    Study mode and sessions

    Online
    Next session start: July 14, 2025
    Session 1 : March 3, 2025
    Online
    Session 2 : July 14, 2025
    Online

    Duration

    Minimum time - 4 year(s)
    Maximum time - 8 year(s)

    Entry score

    TBA

    Indicative fees

    Domestic online
    Fee paying postgraduate:

    Full-time - $28,160.00 pa
    Part-time - $14,080.00 pa

    Course points and codes

    Credit Points: 192
    AQF: Level 10
    Cricos:

    Additional information

      Applications close February 12

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      Find out more

      Why study with us?

      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 opportunities

      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.

        What you will study

        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.

        Intensive school

        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.

        Coursework64 Credit Points

        Legend:
        • Intensive school
        • Workplace learning
        SWK701Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice16 credit pts
        SWK702Advanced Social Research Methods16 credit pts
        SWK703Social Work Literature Review16 credit pts
        SWK704Social Work Research Proposal16 credit pts

        Thesis128 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 pts
        OR
        SWK727Doctoral Thesis in Social Work PT128 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)

        Graduation requirements

        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.

        Costs

        Calculate my fee

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        How is this calculated?

        This is an estimate

        • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
        • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
        • Subject to annual increase each year.

        Scholarships

        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 scholarships

        Entry requirements

        Selection rank:

        TBA

        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:

        • 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.

        Credit and pathways

        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.

        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.

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