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Advanced Social Work Knowledge and Practice unit (HGW434)

Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

In this final-year capstone unit, you will be supported to integrate your learning across the program and prepare for your transition into professional practice. Through deep reflection and critical analysis, you will explore the complexities of contemporary social work practice, including ethical challenges, organisational constraints, and the impact of language and documentation. This will facilitate the ongoing development of your professional social work identity, capacity for critical thinking, and evaluative skills. By assessing your own development across the social work program, you will be prepared to navigate your future practice, grounded in a commitment to reflexivity, sustainability, and lifelong learning.

Summary

Unit name Advanced Social Work Knowledge and Practice
Unit code HGW434
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
Social Work Program
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Doctor Campbell Tickner
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Honours

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 21/2/2027 15/3/2027 18/4/2027 12/6/2027

* 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 reflect on the complexities of contemporary social work practice
  • Integrate theory, values, and practice experience to analyse professional decision-making in response to complex practice situations
  • Document and communicate information that reflects an understanding of how social work practices shape client narratives and impact service provision
  • Demonstrate reflexivity and critical thinking in evaluating professional development and preparation for lifelong learning
  • Identify strategies for ethical and sustainable practice that support the ongoing commitment to decolonisation social work

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGW327, HGW308, HGW312, HGW302, and HGW303.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

You will complete online learning activities (including lectures, videos, podcasts and other activities) as well as assigned reading. You will also attend weekly on-campus tutorials.

AssessmentCritical Reflection on Practice Presentation (20%)|Practice-Based Writing Analysis (30%)|Self-Assessment of Learning and Development (50%)
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

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