Higher degree Research in Social work
Since commencement in 1997, our graduates have pursued a range of exciting and influential careers in academia, industry research, and advanced practice.
Many of our students come to higher degree research studies a number of years after graduation, after developing a concern or curiosity about their practice. Our flexible program allows students to study part-time so they can continue working in the field.
The Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Program offers candidates the opportunity to develop:
- evidence-based independent and collaborative research
- knowledge to enrich social work education and community debate
- public policy and related practice
- contributions to developing more effective and equitable responses where there is social disadvantage
- understanding how structural and individual factors affect societal functioning and social capital
- partners with government and non-government community service providers and other policy bodies to provide program evaluation, advice and advocacy and offer community comment, conference presentations, and other key contributions.
The HDR program is a flexible degree that:
- has between 20 to 30 students enrolled in PhD or Master of Philosophy programs in any given year
- supports both full-time and part-time students (many students study part-time so they can engage in direct/clinical practice).
- has a cohort that is diverse in terms of interest areas, theoretical and methodological orientation, and educational background.
Areas of research
Our students are engaged in research in a range of social work related areas including:
- Child welfare, with a core focus on Transitioning from out of home care
- Criminal Justice
- Mental Health
- Social Policy
- Social Work Education
HDR conferences
A core part of our successful program are the biannual, two-day Social Work Postgraduate conferences, held in February and June/July each year. These conferences are one of the ways we facilitate Monash University attendance requirements.
The conferences provide students with a range of learning and development opportunities including:
- peer contact and exchange
- exposure to Monash professional and academic staff
- discipline specific research training (some of which is accredited as part of the required hours of professional development training in the Monash Doctoral Program)
- undertaking and participating as an audience member in required milestone presentations
- learning about research activity in the Department.
How to apply
-How to apply