Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW102
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Build the foundation for your career in social work, with an introduction to the defining features of this practice profession, covering core knowledge (theories and approaches), values, skills, fields of practice and organisations within which social workers are employed.
In this unit, you will develop a foundational understanding of the purpose, function and roles of social work, and how these evolved in an era of rapid social change.
You will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of social care programs and services to understand how social workers meet the needs of individuals and groups across the lifespan.
Through a social justice lens, you will examine core practice methods such as case management, counselling, group work, systemic advocacy, community development, management and social activism.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and understand the historical development of professional social work, and how this has shaped contemporary social work practice;
- identify the core knowledge, skills and values of social work practice;
- use a social justice and systemic lens to describe the breadth of social work across diverse practice fields and contexts, and examine the implications on workforce development; and
- identify and reflect on your future role as a social worker.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 1000 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Online Learning Exercise No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Oral Examination No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Social Work: Context and Practice
ISBN: 9780190308728
Connelly, M and Harms, L. , Oxford 4th ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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