2698 - Master of Social Work (Research)

The MSocWk (Research), is a research degree which requires a candidate to submit a thesis. The work undertaken as part of this research degree must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of social work, and must demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to carry out independent research.

The MSocWk (Research) is offered by the Department of Social Work. For detailed descriptions of research disciplines available, please refer to 'Principal areas of research' listed in the faculty chapter of this handbook. The degree provides health and welfare professionals with the opportunity to explore original ideas and research questions.

A candidate for the MSocWk (Research) is required to conduct a prescribed program of research for a specified period under the direct supervision of a member of the academic staff. The supervisor, in consultation with the candidate, is responsible for developing the research program to be followed by the candidate, and for reporting at regular intervals on the candidate's progress.

Candidature rules

Duration of candidature

The total permissible period of candidature is two years full-time, or its equivalent in part-time candidature up to a maximum of four years part-time, after which the candidature will lapse. The minimum period of candidature is one year (two years part-time). Candidates are encouraged to complete their theses as quickly as possible.

Probationary candidature

Probationary candidature applies for all masters by research candidates. Candidature will be confirmed subject to the receipt of a satisfactory report of progress at the end of the 6-month (full-time) or one-year (part-time) period of probationary candidature. The head of the academic unit may lodge a request for deferral of the confirmation process where it is anticipated that a masters by research candidate will upgrade to doctoral candidature following one year full-time or two years part-time candidature.

Time available for study

Full-time candidates must be able to devote the equivalent of a minimum of four days a week to the pursuit of their research project; all part-time candidates must devote at least two full days a week to their studies. In the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, part-time candidates in laboratory disciplines must undertake their two days of study during normal working hours/week days. For those part-time students in non-laboratory disciplines, at least one of their study days must be a week day.

External candidature

External candidates must demonstrate personal maturity and research experience to pursue independent, sustained and structured research off-campus. In addition to the conditions above, external students must satisfy an annual five-day on-campus attendance requirement each year or equivalent over the period of candidature. A portion of this attendance may be off-campus, provided that the candidate is able to interact with the principal or associate (university) supervisor during this time. Regular interactive communication should take place between candidate and supervisor at least once every two weeks, via telephone, video conference, email or other interactive communication. Daily communication should also be possible, as required.

Employment restrictions

Full-time candidates are permitted, with the approval of their main supervisor, to undertake a strictly limited amount of paid employment throughout the year, being no more than 15 hours of work per week on average. Up to a maximum of six hours only on average of this employment may be undertaken during normal working hours (9 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays). However, this may be extended to a maximum of eight hours if the employment is limited to one weekday. The candidate's supervisor(s) must be satisfied that any part-time work undertaken does not interfere with the candidate's study program and progress. International students need to be aware that the employment restrictions outlined above apply even though a student visa permits students to work up to 20 hours a week.

Students who have completed the course will demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant research techniques in their field through a review of the relevant literature. They will demonstrate their ability, under supervision to apply relevant research techniques to their chosen field of study. Students will be able to present high-quality written work suitable for publication in appropriate scholarly journals, and be able to critically evaluate both their own and others' written work in their chosen field.

Students will also be able to:

• identify and define research questions
• identify the appropriate research methods to address the research questions
• demonstrate mastery of their chosen research methodology/methodologies
• demonstrate theoretical knowledge at masters level in their chosen field of social work
• communicate their research findings in a format appropriate to their academic discipline
• write up their research into a high quality thesis
• contribute new information or new ways of understanding information in the field of social work.

Assessment is by thesis only. Students submit a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words. The thesis may be in the form of a traditional monograph or as a thesis by publication. The work presented for examination must be the original work of the candidate, except where due reference is made in the text. A candidate may include published work which is directly relevant to the argument of the thesis, provided such work has been written during the period of candidature. Candidates may not present in, or in support of, a thesis any work which the candidate has presented for any other degree or diploma at this university, or any other institution, except with the permission of the Faculty's Research Degrees Committee.

Students may apply to upgrade to doctoral candidature after 12 months candidature (full-time or equivalent), provided that satisfactory progress has been made and certain conditions are met.

Master of Social Work (Research)