The Social Work Praxis Lab unit (HGW627)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit provides an immersive learning experience aimed at preparing students to navigate the complexities of contemporary social work practice in mental health and child safety. Students will engage with a multifaceted simulation, using face-to-face and online modalities to respond effectively to client needs. 

Through applied, experience-based learning, students apply social work theories, frameworks, and evidence-based intervention strategies in ethically challenging scenarios. Emphasising interprofessional collaboration, the unit equips students with the skills needed to engage effectively across diverse agencies. These experiences foster competencies in assessment, intervention, and critical reflection, preparing students for advanced professional practice in complex settings. 

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

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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

• Critically analyse historical and contemporary conceptions of, and approaches to, mental health and the care and protection of children, underpinned by a thorough integration of theory and research evidence.
• Examine the role of social work in supporting people with mental health conditions and ensuring the care and protection of children, evaluating its intersections with other professions to facilitate integrated service provision.
• Critically reflect on personal values, assumptions, and beliefs in response to complex practice scenarios, interprofessional practice, and course content.
• Apply national and state legislation relevant to working with people with mental health conditions and the care and protection of children, demonstrating a deep understanding of legal responsibilities in diverse social work practice settings.
• Demonstrate advanced social work skills, knowledge, and ethical principles in case work, community practice, and interprofessional collaboration, including in online environments, applying these competencies to complex practice scenarios.

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	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	$1,192.00	$2,562.00

• 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
Assessment	Case Communication (30%)|Social work formulation (30%)|Case report and reflexive practice analysis (40%)
Timetable	View 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

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