Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW411
*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

Extend your practice skills by completing 500 hours of social work field education, supervised by an experienced practitioner in an organisation. This unit is the second of two fieldwork placement units for your Bachelor of Social Work, required to become eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Translate theory into real-world practice and engage with a range of clients at the level of a graduating social worker. Apply social work theory, 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 two-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 | 2 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 2-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 | 2 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 2-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 two-day mandatory intensive school is required for all students.
Advanced Standing cannot be given for this unit.
For pre-2018 students please note that AASW and UNE requirements are a total of 1000 hours placement. If you are a pre-2018 enrolled student, and prior to 2018 you have completed HSSW310, which was 450 hours, you will need to do 550 hours in this HSSW411 unit. This will ensure that you have met all accreditation requirements and completed a total of 1000 hours of fieldwork placement over your course.
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:
- critically evaluate and articulate how the social work role and development of their practice framework demonstrates a commitment to practicing professionally and ethically in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics and Practice Standards at a minimum capable level of practice;
- critically develop and implement a culturally responsive and respectful framework from a critical and intersectional lens, when working with people from diverse identities, backgrounds and cultures;
- demonstrate integration and critical reflection of the use and application of theories, modalities, lived experience and research in social practice and professional judgement;
- critically analyse the human experience within the context of global, environmental, organisational, legal and political framework; and demonstrate how this impacts current and future practice;
- critically evaluate and apply the use of effective assessment and interpersonal skills to strengthen relationships through verbal, written and digital communication which are responsive to the service user and agency needs; and
- demonstrate reflective and reflexive skills through proactive engagement in the learning experience, and in the supervisory relationship; and identify professional development and self-care needs to support sustainability of practice.
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 | 10% | All offerings | Completion of Mid Placement Report and Presentation at Mid Placement. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Placement Portfolio which includes: Learning Agreement, Learning Plan, Reflective Journal, Timesheet for placement hours and Supervision Records. Culminating in the development of a Professional Practice Framework. No. Words: 4000 (equiv) |
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
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.