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

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces you to the foundations of social work practice in human service organisations. You will develop critical analytical skills to explore historical and contemporary inequalities of power and privilege based on, for example, race, gender, sexuality, geographic location and health status. Through this examination, you will be able to clarify the role of social work to create more inclusive, just and humane societies. You will gain an understanding about the purpose and domains of social work practice, professional standards, knowledge for practice, and ethics. Practice fields and methods of intervention are covered to illustrate how social workers work in micro, meso and macro environments to create a more just society and to protect and enable human rights. 

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	Doctor Bethany Wilkinson
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

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	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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

• Illustrate the role and value of micro, meso and macro social work responses to contemporary social justice and human rights issues using contemporary case scenarios.
• Use critical social work theories and critical analytical skills to reveal how historical and current inequalities of power and privilege are constructed.
• Identify personal beliefs and values and consider their impact for social work practice by using critical reflection skills.
• Examine how social work is shaped and constrained by key national and international contexts and discourses by collaborating with others.

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	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	$1,192.00	$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

Mutual Exclusions

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

HGW111

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On campus: Two hours online lectures and other activities including readings weekly Two hour face-to-face tutorial weekly Online: One hour online learning and three hours independent self-directed learning weekly. The three 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.
Assessment	Respectful online discussion of a social issue and participation in discussions. (20%)|Journal of learning provocations (40%)|Presentation of social work practice challenges (40%)
Timetable	View 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.