Program Overview

Doctor of Social Work

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.

Key Information

• Study Mode and Sessions: Online
• Duration: Minimum time - 4 years, Maximum time - 8 years
• Entry Score: TBA
• Indicative Fees:
  • International online: Fee paying overseas - $33,120.00 pa (full-time), $16,560.00 pa (part-time)
• Course Points and Codes: Credit Points - 192, AQF - Level 10, Cricos - J

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.
• 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.
• Scholarships: Charles Sturt University offers merit-based scholarships to help you realize your study and career goals.

Career Opportunities

Charles Sturt University's Doctor of Social Work program will further your expertise as a dynamic, reflective practicing 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.

Coursework (64 Credit Points)

• SWK701: Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice (16 credit points)
• SWK702: Advanced Social Research Methods (16 credit points)
• SWK703: Social Work Literature Review (16 credit points)
• SWK704: Social Work Research Proposal (16 credit points)

Thesis (128 Credit Points)

• Candidates will be enrolled into one of the following subjects, depending on mode of study:
  • SWK726: Doctoral Thesis in Social Work FT (128 credit points)
  • SWK727: Doctoral Thesis in Social Work PT (128 credit points)

Costs

• Calculate My Fee: The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.
• Course Fees:
  • If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and meet the relevant citizenship and residency requirements, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place.
  • A fee-paying student will pay a tuition fee for each subject in the course without the Australian government contributing any financial support to the university.
• Payment Options:
  • Pay all of your student contribution up front direct to the university.
  • Pay part of your student contribution to the university and defer the balance via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).
  • Defer all of your student contribution via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).

Entry Requirements

• Selection Rank: TBA
• Academic Entry Requirements: 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.
• Language Requirements: Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.
• Inherent Requirements: Inherent requirements are the essential tasks and activities necessary to achieve the learning outcomes of a course.

Credit and Pathways

• If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree.
• 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.

How to Apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below.

• Apply via UAC: Important dates refer to key dates on the UAC website.
• Apply via VTAC: Important dates refer to key dates on the VTAC website.
• Apply directly to Charles Sturt: Check out our direct application closing dates.