Key facts

UNE unit code: HSSW550

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 18

Unit information

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Translate theory into real-world practice with the second of two fieldwork placements for your Master of Social Work (Qualifying), to become eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Extend your practice skills by completing 500 hours of social work field education, supervised by experienced practioners in an organisation, 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 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
TBATBA2 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 2, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 2, OnlineDates to be advised. 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 approximately four weeks prior to the commencement of the trimester.
TBATBA2 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 1, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 1, OnlineDates to be advised. 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 campuses. The ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approximately four weeks prior to the commencement of the trimester.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in MSW(ProfQual) or MSW(Qual) pre 2023 and 66cp including HSSW450 and HSSW510; or candidature in MSW(Qual) from 2023 and 66cp including HSSW450 and HSSW510B and HSSW655.
Restrictions
HSSW411

Notes

Attendance at the two-day intensive is mandatory for all students.

Advanced Standing cannot be given for this unit.

Enrolment closes four weeks before trimester commencement.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Eden Bailey

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. critically evaluate and synthesise 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;
  2. design, critically evaluate and implement a culturally responsive and respectful framework from a critical and intersectional lens, when working with people from diverse identities, backgrounds and cultures;
  3. demonstrate integration of critical reflection on the use and application of theories, modalities, lived experience and research in social work practice;
  4. 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;
  5. apply and critically evaluate assessment and interpersonal skills to strengthen relationships through verbal, written and digital communication which are responsive to the service user and agency needs; and
  6. demonstrate critically 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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes40%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 3Yes50%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)

Assignment 2Yes10%All offerings

Completion of Mid Placement Report and Presentation at Mid Placement.

No. Words: 1500

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

Note: e-book available 97813503991980

Text refers to: All offerings

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