Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW511
*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
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Successful group work and community development relies on your understanding of the dynamics and processes that drive behaviour in groups. This unit explores the theory of group and community work, empowering you to lead groups in diverse environments.
You will build up-to-date knowledge, examining the role of community development in relation to social work practice, and focusing on the current socioeconomic climate, theoretical frameworks and practical skills.
Understand the stages of group formation, development, processes and closure by critiquing and linking the key concepts underpinning group dynamics and community work.
Extend your communication skills with online technologies for interaction with a range of audiences.
Translate your knowledge during the intensive school and demonstrate professional practice skill development, whilst receiving feedback in an engaging learning environment.
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 | 4 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 4-day period at UNE’s Armidale and Sydney campus. Dates to be advised. Further details about the intensive school, including preferences for Armidale or Sydney options can be found in the Mylearn site once the trimester begins. Faculty of Medicine and Health considers that this unit also provides days of required face-to -face interaction for Social Work students, as required by the Australian Social Work and Education Accreditation standards. |
| TBA | TBA | 4 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 4-day period at UNE’s Armidale and Sydney campus. Dates to be advised. Further details about the intensive school, including preferences for Armidale or Sydney options can be found in the Mylearn site once the trimester begins. Faculty of Medicine and Health considers that this unit also provides days of required face-to -face interaction for Social Work students, as required by the Australian Social Work and Education Accreditation standards. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
ALL students must attend the on campus MANDATORY intensive school for the unit. This face-to-face intensive is held over a 4-day period at UNE’s Armidale and Sydney campus.
Further details about the intensive school, including preferences for Armidale or Sydney options can be found in the Mylearn site once the trimester begins.
Faculty of Medicine and Health considers that this unit also provides days of required face-to -face interaction for Social Work students, as required by the Australian Social Work and Education Accreditation standards.
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 the processes involved in group planning, formation and development;
- demonstrate an ability to practise community and group work in professional contexts;
- articulate a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of community work;
- link skills needed for group work and community work in a range of settings; and
- use online technologies to communicate interactively to a range of audiences.
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 | 25% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Completed at the Intensive School No. Words: 1500 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Written Assessment 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.
Developing Communities
ISBN: 9780170452755
Kenny, S. and Hand, T., Cengage Learning 6th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
An Introduction to Group Work Practice, Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292352091
Toseland, R.W. and Rivas, R.F., Pearson 9th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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