Postgraduate - Course2698 - Master of Social Work (Research)

The Master of Social Work (Research) is a research degree offered by the Department of Social Work in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Candidature involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the candidate. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the chosen discipline by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Candidates are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their candidature.

Successful completion of the program will signify that the candidate has successfully completed a course of postgraduate training in research under academic supervision, and has submitted a thesis that the examiners declare to be a contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the candidate's capacity to carry out independent research.

Candidates 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 master's 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.

Candidature rules

For all candidature rules and other important information for candidates refer to the Handbook for Research Master's DegreesHandbook for Research Master's Degrees (http://www.monash.edu.au/migr/research-degrees/handbook/masters/).

This course consists of a research and thesis component.

Areas of research

This course may be undertaken in any of the areas of researchareas of research (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/research/) offered by the faculty.

• Social work

Candidates must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(a.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the faculty in the candidate's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the faculty

(b.) submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 50,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. The thesis should embody the results of the candidate's investigation, which demonstrates independence of thought and the candidate's ability to carry out research in that discipline. Submission of the thesis based on or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work may be permitted.

Students may apply to upgrade to PhD candidature after a defined period (usually 9-12 months candidature full-time or equivalent), provided that satisfactory progress has been made and certain conditions are met.

Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Research)