M6012 Master of Social Work

The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Advanced preparatory studies for social work practice and Part B. Social work practice applications.

Part A.  Advanced preparatory studies for social work practice

These studies will equip you with the in-depth knowledge, skills and competencies underpinning the practice of social work as a professional, ethical and humanistic endeavour. This part of the course pays particular attention to scaffolding your learning to the four pillars of effective social work practice – professionalism, knowledge, skills, and context. The units in Part A are situated in a competency framework that has critical thinking at its core. You will explore the breadth of social work fields of practice and service delivery, the constituent elements of Australia’s legal system and with an emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. You will learn the fundamentals of human behaviour, social work assessment and intervention, and develop the meta- competencies for effective client, engagement, relationship building and beginning case conceptualisation in client interviews. You will also develop an understanding of mezzo and macro practice level interventions in the context of the Australian welfare state, and an appreciation of the role research plays in the delivery of evidence informed social work.

 Part B. Social work practice applications

The units in Part B provide you with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills developed in your advanced preparatory studies, including in authentic practice settings. Through direct and supervised practice engagement, you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of the complex interactions between social workers and their clients, agency settings and the constraints of service delivery. The units are also designed to facilitate your participation in an area of practice interest such as child protection or family violence, through the selection of a social work practice elective. Additionally, you will also be given the opportunity to complete a capstone unit; a select group will be offered an alternative opportunity, to complete a research project.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 96 points structured into two parts: Part A. Advanced preparatory studies for social work practice (48 points) and Part B. Social work practice applications (48 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Advanced preparatory studies for social work practice (48 points)

You must complete:

• SWM5100 Orientation to practice
• SWM5004 Foundations for social work practice (12 points)
• SWM5112 Research for social work practice (12 points)
• SWM5006 Assessment and Intervention: Working with groups and communities
• SWM5119 Social work practice in health and mental health
• SWM5133 The Australian welfare state and social policy

Part B. Social work practice applications (48 points)

You must complete:

• SWM5005 Supervised professional practice 1 (18 points)
• SWM5007 Supervised professional practice 2 (18 points)

AND

You must complete either the coursework or research option.

Coursework option

You must complete:

• SWM5131 Social work capstone: Contemporary issues in social work practice

and one elective unit from the following list.

• SWM5122 The child in society: Promoting children’s well-being and responding to abuse and neglect
• SWM5125 Social work practice in a hospital context
• SWM5127 Family violence and social work practice
• SWM5132 AOD (drug and alcohol) and social work

OR

Research option

You must complete:

• SWM5171 Advanced research and policy practice capstone project (12 points)*

*Note: Enrolment in SWM5171 is by invitation only, after acceptance of an expression of interest.