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Contexts of Social Work Practice unit (HGW308)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

People’s lives are influenced by the policies, laws, services and organisations that inform how social issues are understood and responded to. In this unit, you will explore how social issues are constructed and contested, guiding legal and policy contexts, and the impacts for people, communities and social work practice. You will develop skills in analysing social, political, legal and organisational contexts, working with different perspectives, and advocating for change. You will apply these skills to support social work organisations to respond to changing contexts and influence policy, services and social work practice.
 

Summary

Unit name Contexts of Social Work Practice
Unit code HGW308
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
Social Work Program
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Mr Timothy Henry
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

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
  • 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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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

  • Critically engage with the problematisation of social issues through an analysis of socio-political and socio-legal power
  • Analyse the impact of policies and laws pertaining to social work practice through reflexive engagement with the experiences of a diverse array of peoples
  • Demonstrate a capacity to support social work organisations through adaptation to policy, legal, and fiscal contexts
  • Recommend changes to policies, laws, service systems and service delivery methods

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

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 weekly on-campus tutorials. 

AssessmentPolicy Review (20%)|Contextual Analysis & Sector Advocacy Elevator Pitch (40%)|Public Inquiry Submission (40%)
TimetableView 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. 

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