Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston
Restricted to MSW only.
Introduction
This unit examines how social work theories and knowledge traditions can be brought together to inform professional reasoning in complex and contested practice contexts. You will develop the theoretical component of your professional practice framework: the part you carry into Social Work Practicum 1, where you complete the framework by integrating practice skills, procedural and empirical knowledge, and use of self.
You will synthesise social work theories and knowledge traditions to formulate responses to complex practice and professional decision-making. You will position theories and practices in relation to decolonising perspectives and First Nations knowledges, interrogating how they respond to inequality and injustice. You will examine the assumptions about knowledge, power and practice underpinning your theoretical reasoning, and work through tensions arising from competing ethical and value positions in professional judgement.
You will bring these theoretical, ethical and value commitments together into an integrated theoretical component of your professional practice framework. The framework should make visible how your theoretical commitments relate to your professional reasoning and decision-making, including the tensions, assumptions and limitations that inform your developing approach to practice. It is not a final position, but a basis for continuing to adapt your framework as your knowledge, practice and contexts change.
Summary
| Unit name | Theorising Social Work Practice |
| Unit code | HGW512 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health Social Work Program |
| Discipline | Social Work |
| Coordinator | Doctor Tina Kostecki |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
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 |
|
|
|
|
| Hobart | Semester 1 |
|
|
|
|
| Launceston | Semester 1 |
|
|
|
|
- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
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 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).
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise social work theories and knowledge traditions to formulate responses to complex practice and professional decision-making.
- Situate social work theories and practices in relation to decolonising perspectives and First Nations knowledges to interrogate their responses to inequality and injustice.
- Construct a theoretical component of a professional practice framework to critically examine the assumptions about knowledge, power and practice underpinning professional reasoning.
- Navigate tensions in professional judgement arising from competing ethical and value positions underpinning theories of social work practice to guide professional decision-making.
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.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | You will complete eight hours of online learning activities (including lectures, videos, podcasts, required reading and other activities). You will also attend two hours weekly on-campus tutorials. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Case Study (30%)|Theoretical Journal (30%)|Professional Practice Framework (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.