Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW305
*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

In this unit, you will be introduced to the core knowledge and values that underpin professional social work assessment and practice across all phases of the human life span.
At the mandatory intensive school, you will learn how the core theoretical perspectives and values that underpin social work assessment and practice are incorporated into practice through analysis of case materials as well as the AASW Practice Standards and the AASW Code of Ethics.
Once the core foundations of social work have been established, you will go on to explore human development theory and consider the different age groups that social workers serve, as well as the broad range of human services that are required to meet different needs.
By drawing on real-life case scenarios, you will also critically appraise different ways that social workers need to tailor their practice to meet the individual needs of people across the lifespan in diverse, changing environments.
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 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 | 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 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 3-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:
- identify the core theories and values of social work practice and demonstrate an understanding of the AASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics;
- critically analyse and apply core social work and psychosocial theories and the values of social work;
- critically analyse the main human development phases individuals pass through from conception to death;
- assess the needs of individuals at different stages across the lifespan and critically apply developmental theories to the assessment process; and
- generate possible interventions and solutions to complex problems related to the main developmental phases that individuals pass through from conception to death.
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 | 15% | All offerings | Written submission No. Words: 800 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Written submission No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | 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.
Understanding Human Development
ISBN: 9780190323493
Harms, L., Oxford 3rd Ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice
ISBN: 9780170470940
Chenoweth, L. and McAuliffe, D., Cengage Learning 7th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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