Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW550
*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 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 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 | Dates 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. |
| TBA | TBA | 2 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 1, Online | Dates 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
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)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- 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;
- 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;
- demonstrate integration of critical reflection on the use and application of theories, modalities, lived experience and research in social work practice;
- 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;
- 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
- 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.
| 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 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) |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 10% | 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
Text refers to: All offerings
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