Social Work
Social Work
Contents
The new Bachelor of Social Work prepares graduates for employment as professional social workers in a variety of fields including, designated social work positions with government and non-government agencies, local and community services, general positions that aim to redress issues of social inequality and disadvantage, as well as research positions in related fields. Social workers typically work with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, groups and communities within a social justice framework in counselling, advocacy, and the enhancement of quality of life. Social workers work toward addressing barriers, inequality and injustices faced by many groups and sub-groups in our community. Social work education is grounded within a framework that examines the nexus of human behaviour and complex social interactions. While covering all the core requirements of a professional social work degree, the BSW at UNE provides students with a rural focussed program, with additional foci on Indigenous peoples, child protection and law.
In the first year students are introduced to broad psychosocial theories provided through foundational units in sociology, psychology, political science and Indigenous studies which complement two social work theory and practice units. The second year of the program builds on the first, deepening students understanding of the ways in which culture, policy, law, society and community influence the way life is experienced and the role of the social worker for those groups who are marginalised or disadvantaged, particularly Indigenous peoples, those who live in rural areas and/or are involved in social services. The first half of the third year of the program is focused on fieldwork whereby students reflect on their practice and integrate theory as part of a social work agency team. The second half of the year develops students’ knowledge of broader issues affecting groups and communities at local, national and international levels, focussing on social action and human rights. The final year of the program develops students’ counselling and professional skills in preparation for their final practicum in semester 2 and then into the professional workforce. Students undertake 980 hours of fieldwork to fulfil requirements of the accrediting body, the Australian Association of Social Workers (www.aasw.asn.au). The Bachelor of Social Work has been granted provisional accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
The PVC/Dean of the Faculty of The Professions, Professor Victor Minichiello, Dr Myfanwy Maple and the Vice Chancellor of UNE, Professor Alan Pettigrew at the launch for the new Bachelor of Social Work.
Course Structure
List of units
Year 1
Semester 1:
HSSW 100 Social Work 1A: Introduction to the Profession
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology I
SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
PAIS 101 Australian Politics
Semester 2:
HSSW 101 Social Work 1B: Development through the Lifespan
PSYC 102 Introduction to Psychology II
SOCY 101 Understanding Everyday Life
PDAB 101 Issues in Contemporary Indigenous Societies
Year 2
Semester 1:
HSSW 300 Social Work 2A: Disadvantage and Service Provision
HSSW 302 Law for Social Work
PHIL 151 Introduction to Philosophy A:The Examined Life
SOCY 313 Social Policy
Semester 2:
HSSW 301 Social Work 2B: Interpersonal Skills
HSSW 303 Rural Social Work
HSSW 304 Juvenile Justice and Child Protection
HS 265 Research Methods in Health
Year 3
Semester 1:
HSSW 310 Social Work 3A: Fieldwork 1 (18CP)
Elective
Semester 2:
HSSW 311 Social Work 3B: Groups and Communities
PDLD 410 Learning in Social Movements
LS 335 Human Rights
Elective
Year 4
Semester 1:
HSSW 410 Social Work 4A: Professional Skills
HSCS 419 Mental Health and Counselling
HSCS 478 Trauma and Violence in Counselling
Elective
Semester 2:
HSSW 411 Social Work 4B: Fieldwork 2 (24CP)