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Introduction to Social Work and Human Service Practice unit (HGW101)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces you to social justice, human rights and decolonising perspectives that underpin social work practice. You will explore how social, cultural, historical and structural factors shape inequality and influence the experiences of diverse people and communities. You will examine how power, privilege and assumptions influence communication, relationships and engagement in social work contexts. You will develop an understanding of how ethical and culturally responsive approaches can inform social work responses to inequality, injustice and barriers to accessing social services.

Summary

Unit name Introduction to Social Work and Human Service Practice
Unit code HGW101
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
Social Work Program
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Mr Matthew Williamson
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Cradle Coast Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
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 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse social justice and human rights issues to explain structural drivers of inequity.
  • Analyse how power, privilege and inequality influence communication and engagement with diverse people, communities, and organisations to inform culturally responsive social work practice.
  • Apply ethical, human rights and decolonising social work perspectives to guide practitioner responses to inequality and injustice in social work practice.
  • Examine how experiences of inequality influence access to social services to identify barriers and enablers of people’s engagement.

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
090501 $2,253.00 $1,057.00 $1,235.00
  • 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

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HGW111

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On campus:
Eight hours online lectures and other activities including readings weekly
Two hour face-to-face tutorial weekly

Online:

Two hour online learning and eight hours independent self-directed learning weekly. The eight hours includes one hour as dedicated reading time.
Additionally optional drop in sessions will be offered over the semester to support students with engaging with content and clarity about assessment. 

AssessmentCritical analysis of case study resources and implications for social work practice (30%)|Reflective learning journal (35%)|Social Work Practice Analysis (35%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All readings will be available via the units Reading List
Recommended

All readings will be available via the units Reading List

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