Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

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

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The unit has an emphasis on consolidating learning from previous units in order for students to enter professional practice with relevant knowledge, skills and future professional development plans. This unit includes an analysis of knowledge and practice approaches that are commonly required for working in social work settings, such as poverty; homelessness; health and disability; substance misuse; gendered violence; sexual abuse; crime and offending; out of home care; caregiving; grief, loss and palliative care. A key overarching framework is trauma-informed social work viewed through an Indigenous cultural lens. Knowledge of intersectionality, the impact of inequalities on individuals and groups, partnership working, leadership, and working across disciplines are incorporated into the knowledge and practice learning. There is an explicit research-led and evidence-informed curriculum for this unit which allows students to focus on particular areas of interest. Assessments include two components of a research project which build on each other and allow the student to specialise in a practice and core curriculum outcome area of interest to them. The weekly blogs will relate to an ongoing case study which will touch on a broad variety of social work contexts.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025OnlineOnline timetabled
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 4 option in the Social Work major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) analyse the evidence base for research and practice in a range of social work contexts; (2) examine key social and demographic trends in Australia which impact on contemporary social work services; (3) explain at least one major area of practice applying evidence-informed perspectives and academic research methodology; and (4) develop a professional practice framework taking into account key academic and workplace professional behaviour and practice principles.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) annotated bibliography; (2) research report; (3) blogs; and (4) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the professional behaviour assessment component.

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
144 points
and SWSP3001 Field Education 1: First Placement
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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.