Thinking about doing Social Work in 2010?

THINKING ABOUT DOING SOCIAL WORK IN 2010? Then click here

What is Social Work?

Social workers work for change with individuals, families, groups and communities. The profession is committed to the pursuit of social justice, the enhancement of the quality of life and the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in society. Social workers practise in a variety of ways, including:

Engaging in interpersonal practice, groupwork, advocacy, community work and social action to address both personal difficulties and public issues.
Undertaking research, social policy development, administration, management, consultancy, education, training, supervision and evaluation to further human well-being and social development.

Why Study Social Work at UTAS?

Obtaining a Degree

By studying Social Work at UTAS you will have undertaken a rich and rewarding educational program. People’s lives change when they obtain their degrees – doors open to new possibilities. Our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is recognised nationally and internationally as an accredited degree. At the completion of your degree you will be highly employable, work in positions where there are opportunities to act in senior and leadership roles, and you will have obtained a qualification that will enable you to enrol in further studies in postgraduate programs. You will be recognised as a skilled professional who works to support personal and social change that contributes to individual and social well-being.

Gaining Professional Knowledge, Skills and Values

The goal of social work education is to provide a rigorous program that result in graduates who are competent, effective, skilled, knowledge-based, ethically aware and confident practitioners.

Social work education prepares students for practice in the work place in local, national and international contexts according to the AASW Practice Standards: Achieving Outcomes (2003). The complexities of practice within a constantly changing society demand well developed skills. The AASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics are used as the guide for developing:

reflective and reflexive practice;
structural analysis;
critical thinking; and
ethical professional behaviour.

The BSW at UTAS is designed to meet the goals and outcomes for professional social work education that are stated in the AASW Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (2008). The BSW provides the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of social functioning, social problems and social services. It emphasises the application of professional social work methods in the workplace and aims to produce graduates who have achieved the level of competency expected of those who are beginning a career in social work.

By the end of the degree you will be able to:

reflect critically on all aspects of your practice;
use the necessary analytical and interactional skills for a wide range of situations involving individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities;
use personal insight and awareness in order to develop the potential for continued professional growth;
contribute to the improvement and development of social welfare policy and services; and
conduct research for the development of social work knowledge.

A Qualification that has Professional and Industry Recognition

The BSW at the University of Tasmania is recognised as an accredited minimum qualification for employment as a Social Worker. The degree is recognised by employers within Tasmania, nationally and internationally. The BSW offered by UTAS is the only degree taught within the state that is recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) . For a lot more information about the profession of social work, please visit the AASW website at http://www.aasw.asn.au/

Creating Career Options

Our graduates experience high rates of employment in diverse fields of practice in the health and welfare industry. BSW graduates are employed in government and non-government organisations in a variety of occupations – locally, nationally and internationally – doing counselling, advocacy, management, education and training, community development, research and policy development.

Excellence in Teaching, Research and Community Engagement

Our staff are recognised as leaders in teaching, research and community engagement in local, national and international contexts.

Teaching
The social work program has consistently achieved high ratings on teaching and unit SETL’s across the BSW and MSW programs. The track record of teaching staff that have held, and that currently hold positions within the School are also impressive. Ms. Cecilia Craft was awarded a University Teaching Award in 2002 in recognition of her outstanding performance as a social work academic during her tenure with the School. Professor Robert Bland, Head of Discipline (1997-2008), was awarded an AM in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to social work education and the field of mental health on a national level. Dr. Sonya Stanford has been awarded three University Teaching Merit Certificates and was considered for the Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning in 2009. The teaching team are committed and experienced social workers and social work educators who aim to provide the highest quality educational experience and outcomes for graduates.

Research
The research profile of staff is diverse. Lecturers’ research interests include social inclusion, genetic discrimination, mental health, health, hope, disability, gender issues, rural health, marital breakdown, social work practice, gambling, ageing, sexual assault (especially pertaining to males), program evaluation, policy analysis, risk, and ethics and morality in social work practice. For a more comprehensive list of staff research profiles please click here http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/arts/sociology/people.asp . Our increasing postgraduate profile is further testimony to the strong research foundation within the school.

Community Engagement
Social work academics are actively engaged in the community. Prof. Bland’s AM is testimony to his involvement in the community over many years of service. Prof. Bland, Head of Discipline (1997-2008) was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Community Engagement for his Active8 program run as a fieldwork placement for social work students. Staff are active on Board’s of Management, as professional supervisors for social workers practicing in the field, as members of response teams in times of community crisis and as advisors to State and Federal governments and committees.

Doing Social Work at UTAS

Study within your region

Eighty percent of the 4 year degree program of the BSW is taught within the major regions of Tasmania. This means that whether you live in the north, north-west or south of the state you can study on your local campus. In years three and four students attend classes in Launceston one day a week for 13 weeks in semester one. Buses and car-pooling are popular travel options for students who live outside of Launceston during this semester. For more information on the university bus service operated by Redline, please see http://www.tasredline.com.au/. Staff are happy to help coordinate car-pooling for students at the beginning of first semester.

Flexible study options

Study can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. In the first two years of the degree distance education is possible for some units. Full-time study in third and fourth year comprises 1.5 days on campus, one of these days being in Launceston, and the half day occurs on the campus in your region. Third and fourth year subjects in the BSW comprise web supported and web dependent subjects to assist you with your learning. In second semester of 3rd and 4th year, Second students undertake a professional Fieldwork practicum in their region. Inter-state and international placements are possible.

Support and Encouragement for Students

The social work program has staff in Launceston and Hobart. We pride ourselves on our ability to create a welcoming environment for students, visiting academics, guests and new staff. The size of our discipline enables a strong sense of connection between staff and students. Many important and long lasting friendships are established amongst students, and between staff and students. Classroom based activities, social events, discussion boards and websites enable this sense of relationship to grow and continue past the ending of the formal education experience.

for more information on the degrees on offer, please visit the following links: