Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work

Undertake a PhD in Social Work at Flinders

Be the change for better communities

Our PHD students are studying social issues and systems affecting children, families and community and working with industry to drive responsible policy and practice change.

Domestic

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Domestic Student

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Why undertake a PhD in Social Work at Flinders

Tackle the big issues and question the status quo.
Research change in our ever-evolving world.
Make meaningful connections between human condition, policy and social work practice.
Study with our social work champions to make the world a better place.

Your career

Our PhD graduates go on to secure positions in a variety of settings within a framework of relevant legislation and procedures, supporting individuals, families, and groups within the community.

Potential occupations include:·

Change agent
Consultant or advocate
Policy and program specialist
Organisational leader
Researcher

Potential employers include:·

Public sector
Welfare organisations
Humanitarian NGOs
Universities

Social Work Innovation Research Living Space (SWIRLS)

Research in life, not in the lab.

Social Work Innovation Research Living Space is developing a formidable reputation for producing theoretically driven research to examine social issues and social work practice. The evidence produced – when put into action – will help social workers and others to work more effectively with our communities.

Find out more

Potential research supervisors

Hear from Dr Helen McLaren about PhD opportunities in Social Work, as well as her own research interests.

Professor Sarah Wendt	Domestic violence, child protection practice
Professor Damien Riggs	Family diversity, transgender parents, fertility preservation, heterosexual first-time parents, surrogacy, foster care, and embryo donation for formation
Associate Professor Lorna Hallahan	Disability, social inclusion, worker’s rights
Dr Carmela Bastian	Child and family wellbeing, social work practice
Dr Priscilla Dunk-West	Identity/selfhood, intimate relationships, parenting
Dr Yunong Huang	Social gerontology, mental health, disaster social work, and social work theory
Dr Michelle Jones	Social policy, the caring professions
Dr Helen McLaren	Women and children’s empowerment across cultures
Dr Kate Seymour	Masculinities, gender and violence