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

This unit has the same content as SWSP5632 Organisational Practice and Law except for the two hours per week devoted to research methods. It is intended for Master of Social Work students who are planning to enrol in the dissertation the following year.

The major goal of this unit is to introduce students to ideas and concepts that will assist them to understand the agency context in which they practice and to work effectively as professional workers in organisations. The unit is also designed to explore the environment in which the social worker and the lawyer operate. It is expected to give social work students an overview of the sources of law, the fundamentals of its operational systems, and how the operation of the law limits and constrains what can be done by both social workers and lawyers. Additionally, the unit introduces research methods to students intending to enrol in the Social Work Dissertation in 2018. As such seminars are offered to prepare students for their dissertation planning and implementation.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand and articulate for practice the theoretical, philosophical and contextual influences on social work and legal practice in human services organisations; (2) identify appropriate roles for themselves as practitioners in multidisciplinary settings, including management, supervision and leadership in human services organisations; (3) critically evaluate the boundaries between social work and legal practice; (4) develop the ability to apply these understandings and skills to human services organisational settings; and (5) explore and understand research methods within these contexts.

Assessment



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Susan Young
Contact hours
9 hours per week for 6 weeks
Note
This unit does not fall into the standard University semesters and thus has non-standard withdrawal and census deadlines. Contact Student Administration for more information.
  • 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.