Overview

Advanced professional practice in the discipline of social work involves the continuous development of knowledge for practice. Leadership in social work requires experience, in-depth advanced practice study and sophisticated research skills.

The programme

In this Social Work Professional Doctorate (PrDoc) at the University of New South Wales , in-depth advanced practice study is achieved in the specialised coursework component, which builds on foundational social work education and the experience gained through professional practice.

This advanced practice study provides the basis for a contribution to social work knowledge through empirical or conceptual research. The thesis study component of the program develops the sophisticated research skills necessary for an original and significant contribution to social work knowledge.

The Social Work (PrDoc) program as a whole prepares experienced practitioners for research and practice leadership in the discipline of social work.

Graduates of this program will have:

a substantial body of knowledge in one area of advanced social work practice, including knowledge generated through their own original research

substantial knowledge of research principles applicable to a selected field of advanced social work practice.

Programme Structure

Courriculum:

The 48 UOC coursework will be taken within the Master of Counselling Social Work OR the Master of Development Studies OR the Master of Public Policy and Governance.

The program of study should be approved by the relevant Masters Convenor and the Social Work (PrDoc) Program Convenor.

In the research component, which is 96 UOC, students undertake supervised research leading to the production of a thesis.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-15 00:00:00

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Starting 2026-01-06 00:00:00

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Starting 2026-02-17 00:00:00

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Starting 2026-06-02 00:00:00

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More details

Applicants must submit their application (and all required documentation) at least eight (8) weeks before.

Language

English

IELTS

7

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PTE Academic

64

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TOEFL^® IBT

94

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Credits

144 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Canberra, Australia

Disciplines

Social Work View 6 other PhDs in Social Work in Australia

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

7

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

64

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

94

Schedule TOEFL®

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

CRICOS 080467B

A social work qualification established by eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers, or membership of an equivalent overseas professional social work association

A minimum 2 years post-qualifying professional social work practice experience

A first or upper-second class (Distinction) thesis research Honours degree (minimum thesis wordlength: 10,000 words) OR a Masters (Coursework) degree with a distinction average and a significant research component, minimum equivalent 18 unit of credit content, consisting of methodology training and a stand-alone research project.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of New South Wales and/or in Australia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

Living costs for Canberra

1425 - 2504 AUD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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