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The Social Work Praxis Lab unit (HGW627)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit provides an advanced exploration of social work practice in uncertain contexts. Through a range of practice scenarios involving individuals, families, groups and communities, you will examine how social workers draw on and apply knowledge, theory, evidence, legislation and ethical frameworks to inform practice. The unit focuses on critical analysis, professional judgement and decision-making in situations involving harm, risk, competing rights and ethical complexity. You will explore how social workers assess and respond to complex social issues, communicate professional assessments and recommendations, and work collaboratively with other professionals across service systems.

Summary

Unit name The Social Work Praxis Lab
Unit code HGW627
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
Social Work Program
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Mrs Sarah Wynwood
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 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 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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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).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically analyse practice scenarios to inform assessment of people’s circumstances, strengths, risks and support needs in social work contexts.
  • Evaluate dilemmas in social work practice to inform ethical decision-making
  • Develop reflexive social work responses to address complex and changing circumstances affecting people, families and communities.
  • Critically evaluate and adapt professional assumptions and practice decisions using critically reflexive approaches to support advanced professional judgement in complex social work contexts.
  • Critically apply communication approaches with diverse stakeholders in complex social work practice, consistent with ethical practice

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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGW512, HGW513, HGW516, HGW527

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

2hr online learning activities and readings weekly 
2hr on campus tutorials weekly

AssessmentSocial Work Assessment and Practice Response Recommendations (30%)|Verbal Case Briefing (30%)|Ethical Decisions Making For Reflexive Practice (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All required readings are available via the units Reading List.¿The Reading List has been structured into weekly sections for ease of use.

You will need regular access to the following texts:
Taylor, B. J., Keddell, E., Graham, J. C., & Fluke, J. D. (Eds), 2023, The SAGE Handbook of Decision Making, Assessment and Risk in Social Work, SAGE Publications, Great Britain.
Alston, M., Hazeleger,T., Hargreaves, D., 2019, Social Work and Disasters: A Handbook for Practice, Routledge, London.

The Library has copies of ebooks for you to access. Links to all required reading sections appear in the Reading List. 
Recommended

All recommended readings will be available via the units Reading List 

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