Master of Philosophy (Social Work) (CRICOS course code 039860A) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Sydney over 2 years. This research-focused program falls under the broad field of Society and Culture, specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services, and is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in social work. As a CRICOS-registered course on the Commonwealth Register, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolments, ensuring you receive quality education and consumer protections under the ESOS Act. The University of Sydney, a leading public research university in Australia, is located in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales—a city with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant student community. This course is ideal for those looking to deepen their expertise in social work through independent research, contributing to evidence-based practice and policy development.
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Master of Philosophy (Social Work) (CRICOS 039860A) is a Masters Degree (Research) at AQF Level 9, offered by The University of Sydney (CRICOS 00026A). This 2-year (104-week) program is conducted entirely in English and leads to a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. As a research degree, it requires students to complete a substantial thesis under supervision, contributing new knowledge to the field of social work. The field of education is Society and Culture (09), specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905) and Social Work (090501). Graduates typically go on to careers in academia, policy development, or advanced practice in social welfare. The University of Sydney is a member of the Group of Eight, consistently ranked among the world's top universities, and offers extensive research facilities and support for international students.
The Master of Philosophy (Social Work) focuses on advanced research skills and theoretical frameworks in social work. Students engage in independent research under expert supervision, covering areas such as social justice, human rights, community development, and clinical social work practice. The program develops critical analysis, research methodology, and scholarly writing skills. While specific syllabi vary by supervisor, typical research topics include child protection, mental health, ageing, disability, and multicultural social work. Students are expected to complete a thesis of up to 40,000 words, demonstrating original contribution to the field. This level of study prepares graduates for doctoral research or leadership roles in social work practice, policy, and education.
According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 2 years (104 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification—not a dual award—and does not include foundation studies. As a research degree, full-time enrolment is typical, though part-time options may be available subject to visa conditions. The University of Sydney advises students to plan for intensive research periods, including data collection and thesis writing. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment as per visa requirements. The course is delivered at the Camperdown campus in Sydney, with access to world-class libraries, research centres, and supervision from leading academics.
The indicative fees for Master of Philosophy (Social Work) are as follows: tuition A$105,400, non-tuition fees A$752, and an estimated total of A$106,152. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are NOT included. For current fee schedules, always refer to The University of Sydney's official website. International students should budget for additional costs such as accommodation (indicative weekly rent in Sydney ranges from A$300 to A$550), groceries (A$70–A$120 per week), and transport (A$30–A$60 per week). These are estimates and vary based on lifestyle.
English language requirements vary by provider—typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this Masters by Research, The University of Sydney generally expects an IELTS score of 7.0 overall (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent. Prior qualifications: a bachelor's degree with honours (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as social work, psychology, or sociology is typically required. Research experience or a strong research proposal is highly valued. Foundation or pathway options: if you do not meet entry requirements, consider a Graduate Diploma or a Pre-Masters program offered by the university or other providers. Always check the specific entry criteria on the university's website, as requirements may differ by supervisor and project.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, students may have opportunities to engage in teaching or research assistant roles within the university, subject to visa conditions. As a research degree, the primary focus is on independent thesis work, with no compulsory industry placement. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, providing flexibility to gain experience while studying.
This course is delivered at The University of Sydney's main campus in Camperdown, New South Wales. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers. The Camperdown campus is located just 3 km from the Sydney CBD, with excellent public transport links including buses and trains. Students enjoy access to the Fisher Library, the Quadrangle, and numerous research centres. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$300–A$550. However, the city offers a vibrant multicultural environment, world-class cultural attractions, and numerous scholarships for international students.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The University of Sydney, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. OSHC is mandatory for health cover; typical costs are around A$600–A$800 per year. With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to note that HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice—consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa applications. All CRICOS-registered courses provide ESOS Act protections, ensuring a safe and quality education experience.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Philosophy (Social Work) at The University of Sydney: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Masters by Research), field (Social Work), and location (NSW). Compare providers and ensure the course is CRICOS-registered (like this one). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check The University of Sydney's specific entry requirements, including English language test scores, academic transcripts, and a research proposal. Submit your application online before the deadline. You may also need to find a supervisor who matches your research interests. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the university issues a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa, ensuring you meet all GTE, OSHC, and financial capacity requirements. Start the visa process early to allow for processing times.
Here are answers to common questions about Master of Philosophy (Social Work) at The University of Sydney.
Start your research on headstartacademy.com.au to explore more Masters by Research courses in Social Work across Australia.
Master of Philosophy (Social Work) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Sydney. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.