Key facts

UNE unit code: HSSW102

*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
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Build the foundation for your career in social work, with an introduction to the defining features of this practice profession, covering core knowledge (theories and approaches), values, skills, fields of practice and organisations within which social workers are employed.

In this unit, you will develop a foundational understanding of the purpose, function and roles of social work, and how these evolved in an era of rapid social change.

You will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of social care programs and services to understand how social workers meet the needs of individuals and groups across the lifespan.

Through a social justice lens, you will examine core practice methods such as case management, counselling, group work, systemic advocacy, community development, management and social activism.

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

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in the BSOCWK or DHSOCS

Notes

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

Unit coordinator(s)

Angela Nagle

Learning outcomes

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

  1. identify and understand the historical development of professional social work, and how this has shaped contemporary social work practice;
  2. identify the core knowledge, skills and values of social work practice;
  3. use a social justice and systemic lens to describe the breadth of social work across diverse practice fields and contexts, and examine the implications on workforce development; and
  4. identify and reflect on your future role as a social worker.

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 1Yes30%All offerings

Written Assessment

No. Words: 1000

Assessment 2Yes20%All offerings

Online Learning Exercise

No. Words: 500 (equivalent)

Assessment 3 - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

Oral Examination

No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)

To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. 

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.

Social Work: Context and Practice

ISBN: 9780190308728

Connelly, M and Harms, L. , Oxford 4th ed. 2017

Text refers to: All offerings

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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.*

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