Social Work
Social Work at UNE
Dr Myfanwy Maple
- Course Coordinator
Student testimonial
Kirsten Duff-Forbes
Contents
We are pleased to offer a four-year Bachelor of Social Work degree. You can study our social work program either on campus or off campus, full time or part time.
This degree is provisionally accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Our social work program is a structured program that exposes students to a variety of psychology, sociology, law and social work areas.
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.
What is a Social Worker?
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 interaction of human behaviour and complex social relations.
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.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Social Work?
Professor Victor Minichiello (PVC/Dean of the Faculty of The Professions), Dr Myfanwy Maple (Coordinator of the Bachelor of Social Work) and the Professor Alan Pettigrew (Vice Chancellor of UNE) at the launch for the Bachelor of Social Work in January 2008.
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.
Will I have to do work experience during my degree?
Students undertake 980 hours of fieldwork to fulfil requirements of the accrediting body, the Australian Association of Social Workers . These hours are split over two placements. The first occurs in semester 1 of third year and the second in the final semester of fourth year.
What are the career opportunities for social workers?
The 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.
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
IDIG 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
EDCX 410 Learning in Social Movements
LS 335 Human Rights
Elective
Year 4
Semester 1:
HSSW 410 Social Work 4A: Professional Skills
HSMH 424 Mental Health and Counselling
HSCS 478 Trauma and Violence in Counselling
Elective
Semester 2:
HSSW 411 Social Work 4B: Fieldwork 2 (24CP)
Are there any postgraduate programs in social work?
Social work is a new discipline at UNE. However, we are working on developing postgraduate programs in the near future.
Social workers who are looking to further their studies may also be interested in the Counselling and Mental Health programs we offer.
Contacts
Academic contactsDr Myf Maple (Course Coordinator)
Help for Students You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE
Future Students may also call 1800 818 865 |
