Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW310
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 18
Unit information
Translate theory into real-world practice with the first of two fieldwork placement units required for your Bachelor of Social Work.
Hone your practice skills by completing 500 hours of social work field education, and engage with a range of clients as a beginner social work student, supervised by an experienced practitioner in an organisation. Apply social work theory, reflect on your practice, and communicate and work alongside people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
The precise nature of your role is dependent upon the agency in which you are placed for this unit, and its services and programs. You may be required to travel some distance to undertake your placement.
A three-day mandatory intensive school prepares you for the activities and processes you will experience during placement.
Before you begin your placement, ensure you meet all compliance requirements through ClinConnect. Find detailed information on the Field Education for Social Work and Community Services page.
Enrolment closes four weeks before trimester commencement.
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 |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 1, Online | ALL students must attend the on campus MANDATORY intensive school for the unit. This face-to-face intensive is held over a 3-day period and delivered at UNE’s Armidale and Sydney campus. The ability to enrol in this unit will be removed four weeks prior to the commencement of the trimester. Dates to be advised. |
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 2, Online | ALL students must attend the on campus MANDATORY intensive school for the unit. This face-to-face intensive is held over a 3-day period and delivered at UNE’s Armidale and Sydney campus. The ability to enrol in this unit will be removed four weeks prior to the commencement of the trimester. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Attendance at the three-day intensive is mandatory for all students. This unit also requires the successful completion of 500 hours of fieldwork.
Enrolment closes four weeks before trimester commencement.
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:
- apply foundational skills and knowledge in the formation of a social work identity. Students will work professionally and ethically in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics and Practice Standards at a minimum beginning capability of practice;
- demonstrate engagement in building knowledge and skills to support culturally responsive and respectful engagement from a critical and intersectional lens when working with people from diverse identities, backgrounds and cultures;
- critically evaluate the foundations of social work knowledge, including theoretical, research, and lived experience knowledge, to understand and inform social work practice and professional judgement;
- analyse how the human experience, and social work practice is influenced by the global, environmental, organisational, legal and political context;
- demonstrate assessment and interpersonal skills to strengthen relationships through verbal, written and digital communication which are responsive to the service user and agency needs; and
- analyse and synthesise own learning goals and engage in the learning experience, by demonstrating an openness to the supervisory relationship through the giving and receiving of constructive feedback, and commitment to ongoing learning and development.
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 | Satisfactory completion of 500 hours of placement and effective participation in professional supervision in line with the Australian Social Work Education Accreditation Standards, Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Practice Standards. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Completion of Agency Analysis and Mid-Placement Report and Presentation at Mid-Placement. No. Words: 2500 (equiv) |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Placement Portfolio. Includes: Learning Agreement, Learning Plan, Reflective Journal, Timesheet for placement hours and Supervision Records. No. Words: 3000 |
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.
Making the Most of Field Placement
ISBN: 9780170457606
Cleak, H. and Wilson, J., Thomson Learning 5th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice
ISBN: 9781350399167
Thompson, N., Palgrave 6th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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