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Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice unit (HGW204)

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Unit year 2026

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2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice introduces you to foundational knowledge and skills of effective professional communication for social work practice. ¿Two key themes – deep listening and critical self-awareness – are a focus throughout the learning experience to guide you on how to respond appropriately and purposefully to people's needs in a variety of social work settings. You will explore and integrate culturally responsive and decolonising social work practice as key elements of professional social interactions and building blocks for critically reflexive practice.

Summary

Unit name Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice
Unit code HGW204
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
Social Work Program
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Doctor Justin Canty
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Cradle Coast Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-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 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

  • Demonstrate effective professional communication skills for building ethical, decolonising, and culturally responsive professional relationships in social work practice.
  • Critically analyse the role of context, purpose, self, and values in building professional relationships through applying knowledge on communication, language, and social interaction.
  • Critically reflect on own communication skills, engaging with constructive feedback.
  • Identify strengths and gaps in interpersonal skills and examine possible methods for deepening and extending interpersonal skills.

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

Prerequisites

(HGW101 or HGW111) and (HGW102 or HGW112)

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

You will complete one hour of online learning activities (including lectures, videos, podcasts, and other activities) and approximately one hour of required reading per week (these count towards your Independent Learning). You will also attend weekly on-campus tutorials. This unit has a compulsory attendance requirement.

AssessmentSelf-Evaluation of Communication Skills (20%)|Critical analysis of interview recording (40%)|Video-recorded interview (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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