Studying online

There are now 3 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to a core element of social work practice: social enquiry, or finding out what works, why it works and what else matters for good practice. Also known as social work research, these elements of practice are crucial to ensuring that the work we do is informed by good evidence as well as by practice wisdom and a range of theoretical approaches. In this unit, students will learn the foundations of systematic and rigorous methods and techniques of social work research practice which informs the work they will do with people, organisations and in the policy arena.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2023
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate familiarity with a range of research approaches and methods; (2) articulate critical issues in social work enquiry and evaluation; (3) apply ethical practice to social enquiry; and (4) produce a workable plan for a research project.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) mid semester test and (2) written proposal for a research project. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
BH017 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
and Successful completion of
48 points
Contact hours
Lectures
Tutorials
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.