Social Work Research Project unit (HGW426)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit serves as the capstone experience for the Social Work Research Pathway, enabling students to undertake an independent and substantial research projects that builds on their prior study of research methods and design. Under the guidance of academic supervisors, students will develop and produce an 8,000-10,000-word significant piece of work on a topic of their choosing, demonstrating capacity for critical inquiry, advanced research skills, and academic communication. The unit will strengthen students’ ability to meaningfully contribute to social work knowledge and practice while preparing them for future research opportunities, including postgraduate research studies.  

Summary

Unit name	Social Work Research Project
Unit code	HGW426
Credit points	25
College/School	Health Social Work Program
Discipline	Social Work
Coordinator	Doctor Campbell Tickner
Delivered By
Level	Honours

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Block 4	5/9/2027	20/9/2027	29/9/2027	23/10/2027

* 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

• Demonstrates advanced understanding of research methods by designing and conducting and independent research project relevant to social work
• Critically engages with relevant research literature to situate research project within existing knowledge and theoretical frameworks
• Demonstrates understanding of ethical considerations in social work research by addressing issues of power, positionality, and responsibility
• Develops and articulates a well-structured significant piece of work that demonstrates critical analysis, methodological rigour, and academic writing proficiency
• Reflects on how social work research informs and strengthens the profession’s commitment to ethical, sustainable, socially just, and decolonised practice

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGW423, HGW427, HGW428

Concurrent Prerequisites

HGW429

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	You will attend one three-hour Zoom workshop and 2hrs per week independent learning plus working on your Thesis
Assessment	Presentation of Thesis Plan and Research Findings|Thesis (Research Pathway) (100% of total mark) (100%)
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.