Key facts
UNE unit code: HSCS533
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information

Successful facilitation of groups relies on your understanding of the dynamics and processes that drive behaviour in groups. This unit (with intensive school) explores the theory, practice and ethics of group work, enabling you to build the skills required to lead groups.
Equipping you to understand issues that arise in groups and resolve dilemmas that you will encounter during group facilitation, the unit will help to develop your knowledge of key concepts in group dynamics (power, vulnerability, conflict and connection), roles and processes, including principles of speaking and listening (dialogic), and group development over time.
You will also explore the attributes and skills needed for responsive group facilitation and key considerations for planning and writing a group work proposal.
The intensive school gives you the opportunity to translate your knowledge into practice, and experience participation in group process in an engaging, friendly learning environment.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school will be held online and attendance is compulsory. |
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:
- demonstrate a synthesised knowledge of the key concepts in group dynamics and processes;
- compare and contrast the stages of group development and critically reflect upon the attributes and skills required for effective group facilitation;
- engage in, evaluate and reflect upon a group process; and
- demonstrate ethical group work and a capacity to resolve complex dilemmas that arise in groups.
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 | 40% | All offerings | Written Assignment No. Words: 3000 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Online engagement with individual and collaborative activities. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: equiv. to 3500 |
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.
Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills
ISBN: 9781305087309
Jacobs, E., Schimmel, C., Masson, R. and Harvill, R., Cengage Learning US 8th ed. 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
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