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Social Work Practicum 1 unit (HGW518)

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Unit year 2026

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2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Students undertake 500 hours (minimum) of placement in a setting that is relevant to social work practice

To be eligible to undertake this professional experience placement (PEP) students are required to:

  • attend compulsory Preparation for Placement seminars;
  • meet the academic pre-requisites for this unit;
  • meet the Functional Requirements for students enrolled in Social Work; and,
  • undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check (Volunteer).

You will be advised of how to meet these requirements at the Fieldwork Orientation Session during Orientation week.

See more information and resources at Field Education Placements.

Introduction

Social Work Practicum 1 is a cornerstone unit in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying). You are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of placement in an agency setting that enables them to meet the learning outcomes of the unit. You are allocated a Placement Educator, and through regular supervision—provided by a qualified social worker with at least two years of full-time post-graduation experience—you learn to translate social work theory into professional practice. Prior to commencing placement, you must attend preparatory seminars, and throughout the placement they participate in integration workshops to support your learning and development.

Summary

Unit name Social Work Practicum 1
Unit code HGW518
Credit points 50
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 14 Week Session Jun This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Cradle Coast 14 Week Session Sep This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart 14 Week Session Jun This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart 14 Week Session Sep This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston 14 Week Session Jun This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston 14 Week Session Sep 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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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
14 Week Session Sep 13/9/2026 5/10/2026 1/11/2026 19/12/2026
14 Week Session Jun 7/6/2026 10/9/2026 11/9/2026 12/9/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate adaptability, and model ethical, inclusive and culturally responsive social work practice skills in complex professional contexts. (Practice Standards 1, 2, 3 & 4).
  • Contrast, compare and critically analyse social work theories as they relate to practice in complex professional contexts (Practice Standard 5).
  • Demonstrate capability to construct, implement and appraise a range of tasks and social work interventions, methods, and techniques within a professional setting.
  • Demonstrate, model and adapt professional attitudes, workplace behaviours and communication skills (verbal, nonverbal or written) appropriate to the profession of social work particularly in complex and challenging situations (Practice Standards 1, 4, 7 & 9).
  • Demonstrate capability to critically assess your own practice within professional supervision. (Practice Standard 8).

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 $8,699.00 $4,082.00 $4,768.00 $10,248.00
  • 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

HGW516, HGW527, HGW512 and HGW505

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Students undertake at least 14 weeks FTE of placement. Placements are undertaken on a full-time basis. In some circumstances part-time placements may be negotiated, subject to availability. Full-time placements are undertaken over a period of 14 weeks. Students will also be required to attend preparation seminars prior to placement, some of these may occur in Semester 1.

Placement (full-time) commences in late August and concludes in early December.

AssessmentFinal Placement assessment|Mid-placement assessment
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required
  • Cleak, H & Wilson J. 2022 , Making the Most of Field Placement, Thomson, Australia.  

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