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 examine how social issues are constructed and contested, how different perspectives and interests influence policy and legal responses, and the impact for people, communities and social work practice.
In this unit, you will develop advanced skills in analysing interconnected social, political, legal and organisational contexts, evaluating competing perspectives and interests, and conceptualising responses to complex systemic problems. You will apply these skills to advocate for and influence change across policy, law, services, organisations and social work practice, working collaboratively to respond to changing and contested contexts.
Summary
| Unit name | Contexts of Social Work Practice |
| Unit code | HGW516 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health Social Work Program |
| Discipline | Social Work |
| Coordinator | Mr Timothy Henry |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 |
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| Hobart | Semester 1 |
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| Launceston | Semester 1 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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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
- Critique social issues through a critical analysis of socio-political and socio-legal power
- Critically 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
- Provide a detailed analysis of policies, laws, service systems and service delivery methods to make recommendations that are culturally responsive
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 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. |
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| Assessment | Policy Review (20%)|Public Inquiry Submission (40%)|Sector Advocacy Elevator Pitch (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 |
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| 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.