Social Problems and Social Policy unit (HGA223)

Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

The unit examines significant social problems in Australia and the work of the welfare state, through social policy, to solve them. This includes looking at discourses, social actors, institutions and historical events, and how these have shaped the way social problems are thought about and acted upon. Through different approaches to policy analysis and concepts such as neoliberalism, managerialism and community, the unit explores the ideas, processes and practices that make up social policy, programs and services. There is a particular focus on the significant social issues of homelessness, income support and disability. The unit is relevant to anyone who wants to understand contemporary social problems and policies, especially those studying sociology, social work, education, law and the criminal justice system.

Summary

Unit name	Social Problems and Social Policy
Unit code	HGA223
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator	Doctor Kathleen Flanagan
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how contemporary social problems are constructed in policy making processes.
• Analyse the development and implementation of social policies in Australia.
• Apply relevant theories and concepts to social problems and social policy.
• Communicate understanding of relevant information, ideas, theories and concepts clearly and logically.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
090301	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	not applicable	$2,562.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Weekly recorded lectures (1 hour) and weekly tutorial (120 minutes) Off Campus:  Weekly recorded lectures (1 hour) and asynchronous online learning activities (equivalent to 120 minutes weekly)  Students can attend an online tutorial (120 minutes) instead of completing the asynchronous online learning activities if preferred
Assessment	Policy in practice tasks (30%)|Research essay (35%)|Take-home exam (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Readings available via the Reading List at the UTAS Library or on MyLO
Recommended	Readings available via the Reading List at the UTAS Library

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.