Bachelor of Social Work

Sociology is a discipline dedicated to the study of human social life as found in groups, institutions and societies. Students examine a number of important substantive areas of social life in which we find sociological theory and method at work. The unit provides an historical and contemporary viewpoint of sociology and requires students to think critically about the society in which they live. Students are encouraged to develop a critical perspective on the shape of society, how society has changed and will change over time, and the fortunes and positions of different individuals.

Students are introduced to sociological theories, perspective and methods in order to critically analyse the changing nature of Australian society, social systems and policies, and to interpret new developments and issues which impact on social work client groups. Students acquire a basic understanding of the social, systemic and political factors which create and sustain social disadvantage, marginalisation, and injustice in Australian society. The unit examines the Australian welfare system and the ways in which social work impacts this system in order to advocate on behalf of individuals, families and communities.

This subject orientates students to the social work profession. Students are introduced to the knowledge base of social work practice and to the various contexts in which social workers are located. Key topics include: history and development of social work as a profession; knowledge, theories and methods for social work; the values and ethics of social work; human rights and social justice foundations; and the development of professional identity.

This subject introduces students to theories about diversity in social work. Diversity refers to
traditions over generations, ideologies, beliefs and religions, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Aspects of diversity impacted by political, professional and organisational factors are considered, and evidence based methods are used to inform learning about diversity. The unit also considers human rights social work practice models for work with diverse client backgrounds, including linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders, migrants, refugees, and LGBTI+.

The history, evolution and influence of international human rights, basic principles of social justice, and the influence these have had on the social work profession. Students analyse the key principles of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the ways in which they intersect with social work’s professional objectives, ethics, and practice. These concepts are explored in relation to social work practice across a range of fields and groups experiencing disadvantage, including children and families, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and minority and marginalised groups.

This subject provides students with the knowledge of the development of human lifespan. It introduces students to the fundamental theories of development that lead students to developing an understanding of the interplay of biological, sociological and psychological forces in human development. Students develop knowledge on the diverse influences relevant for supporting healthy development, including attachment theory, cognitive and social development and the role of families and wider communities.

This is the first of two subjects introducing students to key social work theories for practice. Students consider the role of social work in the context of key theoretical paradigms. Students then apply theory to practice in group-based assessments allowing a dynamic appraisal of the strengths and limitations of theory in practice.

This introductory subject explores the fundamental principles underpinning the study of human psychology. It covers the philosophical, historical, theoretical and methodological background of the discipline of psychology. The unit provides foundational knowledge of the five key domains in psychology: Behavioural psychology; Developmental psychology; Humanistic; Personality; and Social Psychology. Primary topics include biological bases of behaviour, learning and memory, emotion and motivation and developmental psychology.

Students learn how the process of colonisation in Australia continues to shape the contemporary
Australian context and impact on First Nations people. Students are exposed to both the implications and opportunities this brings to social work in working towards dismantling oppressive practices. Key concepts such as racism, cultural safety, structural violence, cultural competence, social justice, human rights and Indigenous rights are covered.

Students learn the key principles and practices of effective communication, specifically relevant for social work practitioners. The fundamental nature of effective communication is covered along with the perception, attitudes, values, cultural issues and social barriers that can complicate the communication processes. Students develop practical skills including listening and non-verbal communication, conflict resolution and reflective skills, and preparing to work with diverse cultural groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This subject provides an overview of mental health in Australia. The attitudes and values central to working with mental health consumers are explored, along with the knowledge and skills social workers utilise in practice. Key topics include the prevalence of mental health problems, models of intervention and assessment for social work practice in mental health, and attitudes/values pertaining to mental health in Australia.

Building on Social Work Theories for Practice 1, students to research regarding effective practice, exploring some theoretical paradigms that have been researched in practice-based settings. A number of practice theory paradigms are explored, focussing on the development of theoretical knowledge and skills required for social work, with an emphasis on the conceptual components of practice frameworks.

This subject examines child and family wellbeing in the context of children’s rights, developmental needs and child protection from both an individual and systemic perspective. Key aspects such as assessment, early intervention and out of home care are covered. Students are introduced to the basic attitudes and values, knowledge and practice skills required by social workers to promote the wellbeing of children, young people, families and caregivers, and to prevent or respond to child abuse and neglect.

This subject overviews the theory and practice of group work. Students gain conceptual understanding of group dynamics and how group work is a powerful medium for individual growth and social change. Students learn to recognise the power balance in therapeutic groups, explore effective small group skills, how to manage conflicts and diversity in groups, facilitate group communication and planning. Different stages of group work are examined, and students learn how to evaluate within the groups.

This subject builds on the fundamental concepts of the community services framework. It examines the community development’s conceptual approach to building active and sustainable communities in order to enhance social, economic and environmental objectives. The values, principles and practical skills of capacity building are examined and students learn models of innovative community development programs.

This subject focuses on the role of social workers in a variety of health settings, including ageing and disabilities. Students are introduced to the eclectic nature of work in health, along with the theories and research that inform intervention in this context. Social work in health care settings is explored with a focus on family violence, palliative care, hospital-based trauma work and vulnerable populations.

Building on Skills for Social Work Practice 1 and Social Work Theories for Practice 1 and 2, this subject presents direct practice skills for social work, supporting both the student’s development of these skills and the processes to assist with application. Students are introduced to some of the challenges and opportunities social workers face in practice, and examine engagement, the helping relationship and assessment in detail.

The subject explores specific legal contexts in social work practice concerning child protection, human rights, mental health, criminal law, domestic violence and mental health as well as the nature of multidisciplinary practice with lawyers. It offers students insights into how the different areas of law interact with and impact upon social work practice. Students also obtain knowledge on the legal aspects and requirements of social work practice such as duty of care, ethics, confidentiality, record keeping, attendance at courts and tribunals, interaction with interpreters and giving of evidence.

Following on from Skills for Social Work Practice 2 and 3, this subject focuses on skills for change and intervention with individuals, families and communities. The concept of working from an evidence-based perspective is introduced, along with contemporary intervention models of social work intervention. Students apply intervention models to case scenarios, and develop skills in managing difficult clients, barriers to change and working with reluctant clients.

Students cover both quantitative and qualitative methods of research, and the process of social research. Students develop the ability to plan a research project and formulate research questions and gain an appreciation of a variety of research methods including, quantitative and qualitative research, focus groups, surveys and sampling, questionnaires, and conducting structured and unstructured interviews. A clear understanding of ethical issues in a research context is also covered.

This subject prepares students for transition into professional practice as a new graduate. It examines the transition framework based on the Schlossberg’s Theory and highlights the barriers for transition to professional work. Students learn practical skills on preparation for employment, team and partnership working, conflict resolution, and managing communication in the digital age. Students further develop skills on managing reflective and professional development processes.

Field education is a core component of the Bachelor of Social Work course. In Field Education 1, the students undertake a 500 hour professional practice placement in a human services organisation under the supervision of an experienced social worker.

The focus of this subject is on working with family groups (2 or more family members). The subject provides students with an understanding of a range of theories and models of family therapy and research relating to their effectiveness. It introduces students to a collaborative family work model and to practice using the model through role play exercises.

This subject aims to extend students’ current knowledge of systems and policy to the main principles of social policy development in a comparative, historic and contemporary context. It explores the sociological perspectives, theoretical concepts, values and alternative approaches of social policy development. It also covers key models of social welfare service provision and social protection.

The purpose of Field Education 2 is to enable students to consolidate learning and skills gained in the first placement, further develop their understanding of the social work role, and develop a professional identify under the supervision of an experienced social worker. Field Education 2 provides experiential learning in which students’ knowledge and skills are applied and assessed in a workplace context.

This subject examines the prevalence of violence against both women and men as well as the impacts it has on the perpetrators, the victims and on children. The occurrence of family and domestic violence in cases involving vulnerable groups is also examined.

This subject focuses on the interactions of children and young people with the Australian criminal justice system. How children and young people are understood and responded to in the criminal justice system are explored along with the range of criminal justice responses from early intervention to tertiary responses including detention.

This elective subject provides students with the opportunity to develop the basic knowledge and skills required to work in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector. Students gain knowledge of a range of the most commonly abused drugs and their impacts on individuals, families and communities in terms of physical and mental health, and social functioning. Approaches to working with clients, rehabilitation approaches, and case management are also explored.

Experiences of loss and grief in contemporary society are shaped by many factors, including the globalization of culture, the popular culture of the mass media, and changing views on spirituality. The experience of loss and grief is examined, and students explore the diversity of people’s experiences of loss, trauma and grief and the differing meanings given to these experiences, along with approaches and interventions.

This subject equips students with adequate understanding and knowledge with regard to working with asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Students develop an understanding of the refugee experience, including the trauma, loss and separation. The core principles of empathic relationships and working with refugees and asylum seekers in an ethical, respectful, client- centred and strengths-focused manner is also covered.