Social Work Research and Evaluation unit (HGW608)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

Social workers are required to regularly engage with research by conducting evaluations and using research findings to inform their practice, policy, and advocacy. In this unit, you will be introduced to the role of research and evaluation as a foundational part of social work practice. You will develop the skills to critically engage with research across a range of diverse practice settings and understand its significance in shaping and improving social work approaches and interventions. Throughout the unit, you will explore social work research designs and methodologies, develop practical research skills that can be applied in real-world practice contexts, and learn how to integrate research into your future practice and professional development. This unit emphasises key social work approaches, including reflexive practice, ethical and critical engagement with the production and use of knowledge, and decolonising and Indigenising ways of knowing and conducting research.  

Summary

Unit name	Social Work Research and Evaluation
Unit code	HGW608
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Social Work Program
Discipline	Social Work
Coordinator	Doctor Campbell Tickner
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

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 analyse the role of research as a core component of social work practice, policy, and advocacy
• Evaluate and synthesise appropriate and feasible research evidence to inform complex social work issues
• Identify, justify, and apply appropriate research approaches and methods to address practice challenges
• Critically reflect on issues of power, privilege, positionality, and bias in relation the research process and their impact on social work knowledge and practice
• Demonstrate advanced engagement with decolonising and Indigenising research approaches, recognising the ethical responsibility of social workers in knowledge production

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGW503, HGW512, HGW513, HGW516, and HGW527

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.
Assessment	Journal Club – Critical Engagement with Research Literature (20%)|Data Interpretation and Reflexive Analysis (35%)|Research proposal (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need the following text: Alston, M., & Bowles, W. (2018). Research for Social Works: An Introduction to Methods (4th ed.). Taylor & Francis Group.  You can purchase a physical copy of the book from online booksellers such as Booktopia. The UTAS library will also have physical copies (access may be limited in times of high demand) as well as access to the eBook version. All other required readings will be available via the Reading List link in MyLO or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.

Recommended

Recommended readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator 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.