Social Work

The course is designed to allow social work practitioners to reflect on and formulate their practice; read about and appraise alternative practices and theories; and assess their work problems and clients' needs in new ways.

The aim is to evaluate existing practice and provision critically, with a view to promoting change and improvement in services offered and outcomes effected in the lives and situations of clients. It offers opportunities for the analysis and investigation of theories and initiatives in social policy and their impact.

Outcomes

The coursework program has a strong focus on critical reflection on practice, research skills and theory development. At the conclusion of this designated degree students should be able to:

• examine and develop their practice
• critically evaluate existing practice and provision
• study and appraise alternative practices and theories
• investigate initiatives in social policy and their impact
• apply new knowledge and create new knowledge for practice and social provision
• become familiar with practice research, and
• assess their workplace and citizen needs in new ways.

Master of Social Work

To qualify for the award of Master of Social Work, candidates must complete 8 units of study (48 credit points), including:

• 2 units of study (12 credit points) of core units; and
• a minimum of 1 unit (6 credit points) of capstone units; plus
• a minimum of 4 units (24 credit points) of elective units to be chosen from the units of study table below.

Capstone Experience

A capstone unit is completed in the last semester of the award course. It provides an opportunity to integrate ideas and understandings drawn from units of study taken in the course. The capstone is a compulsory requirement and is undertaken by completing an Authorised Independent Study and Report or a dissertation with an upper limit of 12,000 words.

Students who intend on undertaking a higher degree by research (MPhil, PhD, or Doctor of Social Work) in future should enrol in the Dissertation option (please note that entry requirements apply for this unit of study – consult your Course Coordinator for further details).

Graduate Diploma in Social Work

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Social Work, candidates must complete 6 units of study (36 credit points), including

• 2 units of study (12 credit points) of core units; and
• 4 units (24 credit points) of elective units to be chosen from the units of study table below.

Course convenor

Dr Margaret Spencer
Phone 02 9351 1930
Room 729, Education Building, A35
Email