Doctor of Social Work - International

Program Overview

Charles Sturt University's Doctor of Social Work program equips professionals with advanced research skills, enabling them to make significant contributions to the field. Through coursework, research, and a dissertation, students gain expertise in social work theory, research methods, and social policy, preparing them for leadership roles in practice, policy, and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Social Work program from Charles Sturt University 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. 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.

Objectives:

• To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct advanced research in social work.
• To prepare students for leadership roles in social work practice, policy, and research.
• To contribute to the development of new knowledge and theory in social work.

Program Description:

The Doctor of Social Work program is a four-year, full-time program that consists of coursework, research, and a dissertation. The coursework provides students with a foundation in research methods, social work theory, and social policy. The research component of the program allows students to develop their research skills and to conduct an original research project. The dissertation is a major research project that makes a significant contribution to the field of social work.

Outline:

Content:

• Research methods
• Social work theory
• Social policy
• Advanced practice skills
• Dissertation

Structure:

• Four-year, full-time program
• Coursework, research, and dissertation
• Coursework provides a foundation in research methods, social work theory, and social policy
• Research component allows students to develop their research skills and to conduct an original research project
• Dissertation is a major research project that makes a significant contribution to the field of social work

Course Schedule:

• Year 1: Coursework
• Year 2: Research
• Year 3: Dissertation
• Year 4: Dissertation

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• SWK701 Advanced Social Work Theory and Reflective Practice: This module provides students with an advanced understanding of social work theory and its application to practice.
Students will explore the major theoretical perspectives in social work, and they will learn how to use theory to inform their practice.
• SWK702 Advanced Social Research Methods: This module provides students with an advanced understanding of social research methods.
Students will learn how to design and conduct research studies, and they will gain experience in analyzing and interpreting research data.
• SWK703 Social Work Literature Review: This module provides students with the skills necessary to conduct a comprehensive literature review.
Students will learn how to identify, evaluate, and synthesize research literature.
• SWK704 Social Work Research Proposal: This module provides students with the opportunity to develop a research proposal for their dissertation.
Students will learn how to write a research proposal that is clear, concise, and feasible.
• SWK726 Doctoral Thesis in Social Work FT: This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct their dissertation research.
Students will work with a faculty supervisor to design and conduct their research study, and they will write a dissertation that presents their findings.
• SWK727 Doctoral Thesis in Social Work PT: This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct their dissertation research.
Students will work with a faculty supervisor to design and conduct their research study, and they will write a dissertation that presents their findings.

Assessment:

Students in the Doctor of Social Work program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Written assignments
• Oral presentations
• Research projects
• Dissertations

Teaching:

The Doctor of Social Work program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in research and practice. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Supervision

Careers:

Graduates of the Doctor of Social Work program are prepared for a variety of careers in social work, including:

• Research
• Teaching
• Policy
• Practice
• Administration