Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW450
*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 Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
Hone your practice skills by completing 500 hours of social work field education, supervised by an experienced practioner in an organisation, and engage with a range of clients as a beginning postgraduate social work student. Apply social work theory, reflect on your practice, 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
This unit requires successful completion of 500 hours of fieldwork. Attendance at the three-day intensive is mandatory for all students.
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:
- demonstrate advanced professional identity as a social worker, applying ethical frameworks and practice standards with autonomy and professional judgement in complex practice contexts;
- apply advanced knowledge and skills to engage critically and respectfully with people from diverse identities, backgrounds and cultures, using intersectional and culturally responsive approaches;
- critically analyse and synthesise theoretical, research and lived experience knowledge to inform complex social work practice and professional decision-making;
- critically evaluate how global, environmental, organisational, legal and political contexts shape human experience and influence advanced social work practice;
- apply advanced assessment and interpersonal skills to develop responsive relationships through sophisticated verbal, written and digital communication tailored to diverse service user and agency contexts; and
- critically evaluate own professional practice and learning, demonstrating advanced reflective capacity and autonomy in the supervisory relationship through constructive engagement and commitment to ongoing professional 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 which includes: Learning Agreement, Learning Plan, Reflective Journal, Timesheet for placement hours and Supervision Records No. Words: 3000 (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.
Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice
ISBN: 9781350399167
Thompson, N., Palgrave 6th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Making the Most of Field Placement
ISBN: 9780170457606
Cleak, H. and Wilson, J., Thomson Learning 5th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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