Theorising Social Work Practice unit (HGW302)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit explores how contemporary social work ways of thinking define, shape, and inform social work practice. Historical and contemporary social work theories are examined, including multiple ways of theorising practice, such as First Nations knowledges, the history of knowledge development, and social work ethics and values. This will provide an important foundation for grounding your emerging framework for practice. 

In this unit, we ask you to be prepared to DISCOVER, THINK and SYNTHESISE. You will discover a range of ideas to think about practice (theorise) and consider what informs your practice (synthesise) your practice for now. We work on the assumption that this process is iterative and lifelong so that your framework for practice will evolve, grow, and change as the context in which we live does so also.  

This unit prepares you for Social Work Practicum 1 by supporting you in developing theoretical foundations for social work practice. The learning and teaching activities and assessment tasks in this unit will guide you in developing a framework for social work practice that is cognisant of regenerative ways of thinking, able to evolve and grow as you proceed through your life as a social worker and is congruent with decolonisation efforts, social justice, human and non-human rights. 

Summary

Unit name	Theorising Social Work Practice
Unit code	HGW302
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Social Work Program
Discipline	Social Work
Coordinator	Doctor Tina Kostecki
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

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

Note

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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

• Identify and understand key components of various theoretical perspectives in social work, considering the role of, and the intersections with, personal and professional values, as well as the application of theory in social work practice.
• Develop an introductory practice framework that is ethical, theoretically informed, and considerate of relevant values, skills, cultural contexts, and the use of power.
• Demonstrate understanding of how a theoretically informed practice framework is applied to social work assessment and contemporary practice contexts to achieve socially just change in the lives of people, communities, and institutions.
• Demonstrate engagement with critical self-reflection as a foundational component of practice.

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

200 credit points from the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours

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. You will also attend two-hour on-campus tutorials weekly.
Assessment	Weekly Journal (20%)|A Theoretical Framework for Practice (40%)|Case Study (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	All readings will be available via the Reading List link in¿MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.
Recommended	All readings will be available via the Reading List link in¿MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.

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