Master of Advanced Social Work

The Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) allows students to combine coursework with extensive independent research in social work. It encourages an advanced practice-oriented and theoretical approach, and supports self-directed, lifelong learning. To be eligible for the award of the degree, candidates must achieve an average grade of at least H3 (65%) or higher.

Intake

• Students may commence the degree at any time during the year between 1st February and 15 December.
• Commencement is subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor and the MDHS Student Centre. (Scholarships have separate rules and students should seek approval from Melbourne Scholarships to vary their scholarshp commencement).
• Please check with the relevant academic unit prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.

Policies
A range of University policies and procedures apply to Higher Degrees by Research and students should familiarise themselves with these policies.

• Candidature (enrolment)
• Examinations
• Courses and course structures
• Academic progress
• Preparation of the thesis
• Selection and admission
• Management of research data and records

Graduates of the degree will:

• acquire research skills and undertake a shorter thesis which is relevant to social work practice and/or social policy;
• undertake preparation for advanced practice.

The Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) is comprised of 150 credit points. Students complete a thesis of 30,000 words, the Research Processes subject, and one elective. Refer to the Department of Social Work.

Credit points: Total 150 points.

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / 3 years part-time

Attendance:

• All candidates are required to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature.
• All candidates are required to complete a minimum of 6 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.
• Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University.
• To be eligible to submit a thesis for examination, students must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 12 months full-time equivalent.

Thesis:

• Candidates enrol in a thesis subject for the duration of the degree.
• A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor/s and an Advisory Committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.
• A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).
• Academic progress in regard to the research thesis is reviewed regularly throughout the degree.
• All candidates for the degree will be examined on the basis of their thesis which is examined externally. The thesis should normally be 30,000 words in length excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography.
• Candidates should refer to the University policy library the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examinatio

Electives: Not all of elective subjects will be available every year. Some may be on a two year cycle. Students may vary their course plans by negotiation with the Course Coordinator if they wish to undertake a specific specialist or elective subject.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 80% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent);

or

• a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 80% or (University of Melbourne equivalent);

or

• a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent; and
• submit a research proposal; and
• provide referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years); and
• obtain the endorsement of a prospective supervisor.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the selection committee will consider:

• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• performance at interview;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• relevant prior research and/or professional experience ; and
• referee reports.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 7.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment. The University will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for higher degree by research students.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a higher degree by research awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit Website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Research Masters degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who have a capacity for defining and managing a research project characterised by originality and independence. Their training equips them for more sustained and original work at the doctoral level or for applied research positions in a wide variety of contexts.

The University expects its research masters graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

• an ability to initiate research projects and to formulate viable research question.
• a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined project.
• an ability to manage time to maximise the quality of research.
• an understanding of the major contours of international research in the research area.
• a capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature.
• well-developed and flexible problem-solving abilities appropriate to the discipline.
• the ability to analyse research data within a changing disciplinary environment.
• the capacity to communicate effectively the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication.
• an understanding of and facility with scholarly conventions in the discipline area.
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship.
• a capacity to cooperate with other researchers.
• an ability to manage information effectively, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study.

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Applications

• Find out how to apply.
• Prior to submitting an application, applicants should discuss their research interests with a potential supervisor and discuss any external commitments which may impede their successful academic progress.

Which scholarship can I apply for?

• Students can find information about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne at Melbourne Scholarships and on the Faculty's website.

Facilities and Supports

• The University makes available a broad range of resources and services to graduate research students.