Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Professionally accredited postgraduate studies
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Upskill & expand your knowledge
- Shape your identity in the field
Domestic Fees
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
| Units x Cost 10 x $2,817 2 x $8,452 Indicative Total Annual Course Fees* $22,537 per 1.0 EFTSL** Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) * The Total Indicative Annual Course Fees are charged against individual units of study which may increase from time to time and does not take into account personal circumstances such as RPL, credit, repeats and some specialised electives. ** EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) is a measure of a full-time student's study load for a year. A full-time study load equates to 1.0 EFTSL. Typically, a full-time study load at ACAP is 8 units of study over the year, each with an EFTSL value of 0.125 For more information view the ACAP Fees & Payments page. |
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Overview
What to expect when studying a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) with ACAP University College
If you’re a passionate Human and Community Services professional seeking a postgraduate degree in social work, this is the ideal next step in your career. ACAP’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) delivers a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind human thoughts and behaviour, as well as the essential skills and knowledge to enhance your role as a Social Worker.
Throughout your degree, you’ll study social work as a profession, including its history, ethics and key influences. Informed by principles of social justice and human rights, you will develop an understanding of the social work practice methods required to work effectively and ethically with a wide range of service users in diverse contexts.
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program will see you strengthen your skills in critical thinking and analysis, anti-oppressive practice, community empowerment, systemic advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and social research. You will also have the opportunity to integrate your classroom learning with professional practice through placement opportunities and supervision, totalling 1000 hours of practical work experience.
This is an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and meets the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). The accrediting body may have additional requirements, including minimum English language, to meet professional social work accreditation standards. For more information on meeting these requirements, visit aasw.asn.au. It is a condition of progression in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) that students complete a national police record check in their first trimester of enrolment.
The Navitas Professional Institute (NPI) has also accredited the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course under its self-accrediting authority.
Potential Careers
Once you graduate from the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.
-
Health Care Social Worker
-
Community-based Social Worker
-
Child Protection Worker
-
Aged Care Assessment Advisor
ACAP ADELAIDE SCHOLARSHIP
To celebrate the launch of ACAP’s postgraduate social work courses at our Adelaide campus, we’re offering a limited number of scholarships valued at 20% of the first years’ tuition fees* to eligible international students who enrol in the Graduate Certificate of Human Services or the Master of Social Work (Qualifying).
Valued at 20% of the first years’ tuition fees (max 3 trimesters), the scholarship is available to new international students enrolling in Trimester 1, 2025 intake at the ACAP Adelaide campus. GCHS students who continue to the MSW(Q) will receive 20% off their GCHS tuition fees (2 trimesters) and the first trimester MSW(Q) tuition fees.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
By combining expertise in human behaviour with a focus on applied knowledge and practical experience, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) equips you with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.
Gain insights into the policies and frameworks that shape social work practice and learn how to navigate and influence social policies to promote social justice and equality.
Develop critical thinking skills and engage with various theoretical perspectives to analyse and address social issues, while enhancing your ability to advocate for marginalised populations.
Explore different fields of social work practice, such as healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and community development. Acquire specialised knowledge and skills to work effectively within these specific areas.
Study the dynamics of individuals and families within a social work context, including assessment, intervention, and support strategies to enhance their well–being and promote positive change.
Learn how to facilitate group processes, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and navigate organisational structures. Enhance your skills in teamwork, leadership, and organisational development.
Engage in practical, hands-on learning through field placements, where you will apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. These placements provide valuable opportunities for experiential learning and professional development.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Social Work is a tertiary degree-qualified profession that aims to empower people to make positive changes in their lives.
Social Workers advocate for their clients and offer support and resources to help them overcome personal challenges, achieve their goals and improve their overall emotional and social wellbeing.
Social Workers may provide support to the wider community or specialised groups such as families, children and adolescents, or marginalised members of society. They can work across a variety of sectors, including private practice, schools, hospitals and within state or federal Governments.
To become a qualified Social Worker, it’s required that you study an undergraduate degree such as our Bachelor of Social Work course. This provides foundational knowledge and practical experience in real-world social work settings.
To advance your knowledge and equip yourself with the skills needed to effectively navigate complex caseloads, our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is the ideal next step. Upon completion, this degree also allows career-changers with a related undergraduate degree to practice as a qualified Social Worker.
When it comes to social work courses in Australia, the two most common qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work.
A Bachelor of Social Work is a four-year undergraduate degree program designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and skills. With an introductory focus on social work as a profession and key theories and skills, a Bachelor’s degree is the first step towards becoming a qualified Social Worker in Australia.
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Social Work or a similar undergraduate program, students can choose to undertake further study by completing the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program.
Designed to help Social Workers establish their professional identity, the Masters of Social Work course delivers the advanced expertise and in-demand practical skills needed to support clients with more complex needs.
As one of our postgraduate social work courses, the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is professionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Completion of our master’s degree in Social Work allows students to be registered with AASW as a qualified Social Worker in Australia and can be completed full-time over two years or part-time over four years.
Units within our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) in Australia focus on a variety of advanced concepts, including social policy, critical theories, supporting individuals and families, and Indigenous social work.
The program also includes mandatory field education units totalling 1000 hours of work placement, ensuring graduates are equipped with the practical experience needed to succeed in their careers.
Completing a master’s degree in Social Work enables graduates to support social work clients with more complex needs. Utilising advanced case management strategies and specialised skills, graduates of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) in Australia will be well-equipped to explore senior and leadership positions within the profession.
WHY CHOOSE THE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (QUALIFYING) AT ACAP
Pursuing a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) combines theoretical depth and practical application, designed for impactful careers in social work. ACAP prepares students with a comprehensive understanding of social work principles, equipping them with professional skills and values.
Course structure
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course is comprised of 12 units, which are level 600 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.
The course duration is 2 years full time or part time equivalent. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the social work profession, its history, philosophy, values, ethics, practices and key influences. Students gain an overview of the social work practice context, focusing on diverse fields of practice.
Informed by principles of social justice and human rights, students will develop an understanding of the social work identity, roles and practice methods required to work effectively and ethically with a wide range of service users in diverse contexts.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom or on-campus]. This three-hour workshop is comprised of didactic material delivered, interactive class learning, group discussion, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expect to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Learning and Teaching Approach:
- Learning is an active process – which involves both questioning and challenging.
- Learning is a shared process – where others’ thoughts and ideas are presented, critically analysed, exchanged and respected.
- Learning is a collaborative and empowering process for self and others.
- Learning is thoughtful and reflective.
- Learning requires integration with prior knowledge and other arenas of knowledge development in the program.
- Preparation for lectures and seminars and reading the recommended texts and references is essential.
The content of this unit has been designed to maximise both online and face-to-face learning to integrate the subject matter.
Students are expected to:
- Complete all activities
- Complete readings
- Complete all assessments
- Attend all classes
It is also recommended that students:
- Keep a record of new terminology that is introduced in this unit
- Keep a copy of assessments and other correspondence
- Make notes on unit content and readings
There will be learning activities linked to all lecture materials which are designed to encourage students to deliberate and reflect and to provide opportunities for further learning. The activities are designed to help students think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit as well as provide valuable learning opportunities.
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Unit Description:
Critical thinking, critical analysis and critical reflection are core social work skills. This unit introduces students to guiding principles of theoretical analysis within social science in general, and social work specifically. Students will critically examine the relationship between structural analysis, working theoretical models and the implications and applications of these to social work practice.
This unit enables students to gain a rigorous foundation in critical self-reflection and a firm basis for conducting skilled, theoretically-informed, socially transformative, social work practice. Specific teaching activities have been designed to help students link their philosophical and political positionality with theoretically rigorous personal practice that attends to the personal and the structural factors impacting the people they work with.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom]. One hour will be didactive material delivered in lecture format. Two hours will be interactive class time, for discussion of the lecture, readings, assessments and class activities
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: SWSP6003, SWSP6013
Unit Description:
This experiential unit introduces students to essential interpersonal and communication skills necessary for anti-oppressive social work practice. Students will explore professional and personal ethics and values, cultural sensitivity, interviewing and assessment skills necessary for effective and engaging social work practice. This subject sets the scene for the integration of theory with practice- a crucial part in becoming a professional and competent social work practitioner. It also provides necessary preparation for field placement.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a. Lectures and critical discussion
b. Tutorials and skill development activities
c. Online pre-learning activities
d. Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3-hour learning session [via Zoom or on-campus]. This three-hour workshop is comprised of didactive material delivered, interactive class learning, group discussion, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: SWSP6003, SWSP6013
Unit Description:
This unit explores the complexity of practice faced by social workers engaged in individual and family work. Students have the opportunity to develop and apply critical social work skills aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of individuals and families. Students will use anti-oppressive practice approaches, critical reflection and a strengths-based practice framework to examine and explore ethical dilemmas, cultural identity and power when working with individuals and families across different fields of practice.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom]. One hour will be didactive material delivered in lecture format. Two hours will be interactive class time, for discussion of the lecture, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Readings
Recommended Text
- The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link
Recommended Readings
- Refer to the readings list located on the online class space.
Journals
- Australian Social Work
- ADVANCES: Journal of Social Work and Welfare Education
- Australian Journal of Social Issues
- Critical Social Work
- Journal of Social Work Education (USA)
- Journal of Social Work (UK)
Academic Misconduct
Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy for full details.
Disclaimer
This unit outline may be updated and amended from time to time. To ensure you have the correct outline please check it again at the beginning of the trimester. For a list of required textbooks for the upcoming trimester, please click here.
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: SWSP6003
Equivalent Units: SWSP6023
Unit Description:
Social workers advocate for policy initiatives, approaches and practices aimed at achieving fair and equitable access for people to social, health, economic, environmental, and political resources. This unit teaches students important components of the Australian constitutional and political framework and the implications of these for critical social work practice in Australia and beyond.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
a. Critically analyse Australian constitutional and political structures as they relate to the production of social policy and social outcomes.
b. Investigate and critically analyse the concepts of political ideology, social capital and civic participation in the Australian context.
c. Conceptually map and review the Australian policy cycle and methods of policy analysis.
d. Investigate the impact of Australian political and social policy in international spheres.
Learning and Teaching Approach:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom]. One hour will be didactive material delivered in lecture format. Two hours will be interactive class time, for discussion of the lecture, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expect to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Level: Master
Credit Points: 18
Prerequisites: SWSP6003, SWSP6013, SWSP6163, SWSP6033
Unit Description:
Field education is a core component of social work course and is intended to assist students with integrating classroom learning with professional practice. Field Education socialises students into the profession, by providing an experiential learning opportunity to develop their professional identity and practice framework.
Field Education 1 is the first work integrated learning experience, embedded in real practice contexts. It introduces students to professional social work in human services agencies and fields of practice, when engaging with communities, individuals, groups and families. Students on placement are expected to continually develop a range of social work skills and knowledges, all of which assist them to reflect on the social work profession, and further develop their ways of thinking, doing and being in contemporary social work practice. Through processes of professional supervision from a qualified social worker students apply knowledges into practice settings using critical reflection and professional feedback as the means to develop practice which is safe, ethical and accountable and prepares them for Field Education 2. The focus of the learning in Field Education 1 is directly linked to the AASW Practice Standards (20203) and AASW Code of Ethics (2020). This unit is supported by concurrent, compulsory theory-practice integrative seminars.
The unit consists of at least 500 hours of supervised field education, with formal supervision provided by a qualified social work Field Educator. Included in the 500 hours are compulsory integrative seminars, totaling 14 hours. Prior to commencing placement, students engage in a preplacement seminar to prepare them for their field placement which outlines, processes, assessments, responsibilities and management plan.
Unit Workload:
Integrative Seminar: The unit includes five weeks of 2.5 hours of class time, fortnightly.
Integrative seminars are designed to facilitate the integration of theory and practice during students’ placement and to support their learning experience.
This time will be used for interactions with students to facilitate discussion of field education unit materials and assessments, readings, presentations and group activities.
Course material will be available in the online class space.
In addition to the seminars, students are expected to engage in 4-5 hours of private study per week including completing the required reading tasks, completing a Field Education Journal and developing a reference list of relevant literature and research. Private study cannot be counted towards placement hours.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Approach:
- Learning is an active process – which involves both questioning and challenging.
- Learning is a shared process – where others’ thoughts and ideas are presented, critically analysed, exchanged and respected.
- Learning is a collaborative and empowering process for self and others.
- Learning is thoughtful and reflective.
- Learning requires integration with prior knowledge and other arenas of knowledge development in the program.
- Preparation for lectures and seminars and reading the recommended texts and references is essential.
The content of this unit has been designed to maximise both online and face-to-face learning to integrate the subject matter.
Students are expected to:
- Complete all activities
- Complete readings
- Complete all assessments
- Attend all classes
It is also recommended that students:
- Keep a record of new terminology that is introduced in this unit
- Keep a copy of assessments and other correspondence
- Make notes on unit content and readings
There will be learning activities linked to all lecture materials which are designed to encourage students to deliberate and reflect and to provide opportunities for further learning. The activities are designed to help students think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit as well as provide valuable learning opportunities.
Readings
Recommended Texts
- The required text book for this unit can be found on the textbook list webpage – select the course and trimester.
Recommended Readings
- These are provided in the readings list located on your online class.
Journals
- Australian Social Work
- ADVANCES: Journal of Social Work and Welfare Education
- Australian Journal of Social Issues
- Critical Social Work
- Journal of Social Work Education (USA)
- Journal of Social Work (UK)
Academic Misconduct
Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy for full details.
Disclaimer
This unit outline may be updated and amended from time to time. To ensure you have the correct outline please check it again at the beginning of the trimester. For a list of required textbooks for the upcoming trimester, please click here.
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: Completion of SWSP6003, SWSP6013, SWSP6143 and SWSP6053
Unit Description:
This unit gives students an advanced understanding of social research aimed at influencing practice and policy outcomes. Students will explore the research process and discuss qualitative and quantitative social research methods. Students will gain an understanding of the theoretical and ethical considerations of undertaking social research and develop a research proposal.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
a. Articulate the components required to undertake a research project.
b. Develop and write a research proposal, ethics application, and conduct a literature review.
c. Evaluate ethical issues and ethical guidelines for conducting social work research.
d. Analyse the socio-political and cultural context for undertaking research and its influence on the policy process.
Learning and Teaching Process
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom or on-campus]. This three-hour workshop is comprised of didactic material delivered, interactive class learning, group discussion, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expect to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Learning and Teaching Approach:
- Learning is an active process – which involves both questioning and challenging.
- Learning is a shared process – where others’ thoughts and ideas are presented, critically analysed, exchanged and respected.
- Learning is a collaborative and empowering process for self and others.
- Learning is thoughtful and reflective.
- Learning requires integration with prior knowledge and other arenas of knowledge development in the program.
- Preparation for lectures and seminars and reading the recommended texts and references is essential.
The content of this unit has been designed to maximise both online and face-to-face learning to integrate the subject matter.
Students are expected to:
- Complete all activities
- Complete readings
- Complete all assessments
- Attend all classes
It is also recommended that students:
- Keep a record of new terminology that is introduced in this unit
- Keep a copy of assessments and other correspondence
- Make notes on unit content and readings
There will be learning activities linked to all lecture materials which are designed to encourage students to deliberate and reflect and to provide opportunities for further learning. The activities are designed to help students think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit as well as provide valuable learning opportunities.
Readings
Recommended Texts
- The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: https://www.acap.edu.au/student-resources/student-central-your-studies/textbooks-and-course-materials/
Recommended Readings
- These are provided in the readings list on your online class space.
Journals
- Action Research (SAGE)
- ADVANCES: Journal of Social Work and Welfare Education
- Australian Journal of Social Issues
- Australian Social Work
- British Journal of Social Work
- Critical Social Work
- Health and Social Care in the Community (UK)
- Journal of Social Work (UK)
- Journal of Social Work Education (USA)
- Journal of Sociology and Social Work
- Qualitative Social Work
- Research on Social Work Practice
- Social Justice Research
- Systemic Practice and Action Research
Academic Misconduct
Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy for full details.
Disclaimer
This unit outline may be updated and amended from time to time. To ensure you have the correct outline please check it again at the beginning of the trimester. For a list of required textbooks for the upcoming trimester, please click here.
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: Successful completion of SWSP6003, SWSP6013, and SWSP6143
Unit Description:
This unit will introduce students to the diversity of the social, cultural and political situation in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live. Indigenous Knowledge and practice as a new framework for working effectively within First Nations communities and influencing social work knowledge and practice will be explored.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom or on-campus]. This three-hour workshop is comprised of didactic material delivered, interactive class learning, group discussion, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Learning and Teaching Approach:
- Learning is an active process – which involves both questioning and challenging.
- Learning is a shared process – where others’ thoughts and ideas are presented, critically analysed, exchanged and respected.
- Learning is a collaborative and empowering process for self and others.
- Learning is thoughtful and reflective.
- Learning requires integration with prior knowledge and other arenas of knowledge development in the program.
- Preparation for lectures and seminars and reading the recommended texts and references is essential.
This course is experiential and interactive; students are encouraged to actively participate in group discussions and group activities and exercises.
Students are expected to:
- Complete all activities
- Complete readings
- Complete all assessments
- Attend all classes
It is also recommended that students:
- Keep a record of new terminology that is introduced in this unit
- Keep a copy of assessments and other correspondence
- Keep notes on unit content and readings
There will be learning activities linked to all lecture materials which are designed to encourage students to deliberate and reflect and to provide opportunities for further learning. The activities are designed to help students think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit as well as provide valuable learning opportunities.
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: Successful completion of SWSP6003, SWSP6013, SWSP6143 and SWSP6053
Unit Description:
The objective of this unit is to convey advanced knowledge on the theoretical framework of social work with groups. The unit provides an overview of group work intervention and applies group work processes so that the student will be able to develop an understanding of the nature and application of group work as a social work method. The value of the unit is that students will get an opportunity to integrate theory and practice in simulated situations so that they can be prepared for application of group work processes in their future work.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom or on-campus]. This three-hour workshop is comprised of didactic material delivered, interactive class learning, group discussion, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expect to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: Successful completion of SWSP6003, SWSP6013, SWSP6143, SWSP6053
Mode(s) of delivery: Online & On-Campus
Core/elective: Core
Unit Description
This unit introduces students to the philosophies, theory, principles, values, strategies and skills of community work as a way of building capacity in community and society over the long term. This unit of study has a practical component which will enable students to develop their skills as community and social development practitioners. Advocating for social change will be explored through social action theory and practice, building on social justice, community empowerment and anti-oppressive theory and practice approaches and strategies.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
- Lectures and critical discussion
- Tutorials and skill development activities
- Online pre-learning activities
- Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom or on-campus]. This three-hour workshop is comprised of didactic material delivered, interactive class learning, group discussion, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expect to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Learning and Teaching Approach
- Learning is an active process – which involves both questioning and challenging.
- Learning is a shared process – where others’ thoughts and ideas are presented, critically analysed, exchanged and respected.
- Learning is a collaborative and empowering process for self and others.
- Learning is thoughtful and reflective.
- Learning requires integration with prior knowledge and other arenas of knowledge development in the program.
- Preparation for lectures and seminars and reading the recommended texts and references is essential.
The content of this unit has been designed to maximise both online and face-to-face learning to integrate the subject matter.
Students are expected to:
- Complete all activities
- Complete readings
- Complete all assessments
- Attend all classes
It is also recommended that students:
- Keep a record of new terminology that is introduced in this unit
- Keep a copy of assessments and other correspondence
- Make notes on unit content and readings
There will be learning activities linked to all lecture materials which are designed to encourage students to deliberate and reflect and to provide opportunities for further learning. The activities are designed to help students think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit as well as provide valuable learning opportunities.
Level: Master
Credit Points: 18
Prerequisites: Completion of SWSP6003, SWSP6013, SWSP6163, SWSP6033, SWSP6153, SWSP6043 & SWSP6053
Unit Description:
Field Education 2 is the second and final placement which provides students with the opportunity to further develop the professional knowledge and skills acquired in their first placement. Students are expected to apply critical thinking and critical analysis to their practice when working with individuals, groups, families and communities within the relevant organisation field of practice.
Students will consider the role of social worker within multidisciplinary settings, their ability to promote the profession by having a practice framework which is safe and ethical drawing on relevant and contemporary theories, skills and knowledges. Field Education 2 will also assist students to critically analyse and respond to the complexity of social policies, legislation and professional mandates and advocate for change within contemporary social work settings with consideration given to power, oppression, privilege and structural inequity.
Students’ development in Field Education 2 is facilitated through the ongoing application of critical reflection and critical reflexivity, through formal social work supervision, assisting students in being able to articulate their professional identity as an emerging social worker. Their ability to account for lived experiences in ethical decision-making processes as well as assess risk. This unit is supported by concurrent, compulsory theory-practice integrative seminars.
The unit consists of at least 500 hours of supervised field education, with formal supervision provided by a qualified social work Field Educator. Included in the 500 hours are compulsory integrative seminars. Prior to commencing placement, students engage in a preplacement seminar to prepare for their field placement.
Unit Workload:
Integrative Seminar: The unit includes five weeks of 2.5 hours of class time, fortnightly
Integrative seminars are designed to facilitate the integration of theory and practice during students’ placement and to support their learning experience.
This time will be used for interactions with students to facilitate discussion of field education unit materials and assessments, readings, presentations and group activities.
Course material will be available in the online class space.
In addition to the seminars, students are expected to engage in 4-5 hours of private study per week including completing the required reading tasks, completing a Field Education Journal and developing a reference list of relevant literature and research. Private study cannot be counted towards placement hours.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Approach:
- Learning is an active process – which involves both questioning and challenging.
- Learning is a shared process – where others’ thoughts and ideas are presented, critically analysed, exchanged and respected.
- Learning is a collaborative and empowering process for self and others.
- Learning is thoughtful and reflective.
- Learning requires integration with prior knowledge and other arenas of knowledge development in the program.
- Preparation for lectures and seminars and reading the recommended texts and references is essential.
The content of this unit has been designed to maximise both online and face-to-face learning to integrate the subject matter.
Students are expected to:
- Complete all activities
- Complete readings
- Complete all assessments
- Attend all classes
It is also recommended that students:
- Keep a record of new terminology that is introduced in this unit
- Keep a copy of assessments and other correspondence
- Make notes on unit content and readings
There will be learning activities linked to all lecture materials which are designed to encourage students to deliberate and reflect and to provide opportunities for further learning. The activities are designed to help students think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit as well as provide valuable learning opportunities.
Readings
Recommended Texts
- The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: https://www.acap.edu.au/student-resources/student-central-your-studies/textbooks-and-course-materials/
Recommended Readings
- These are provided in the readings list located on your online class space.
Journals
- Australian Social Work
- ADVANCES: Journal of Social Work and Welfare Education
- Australian Journal of Social Issues
- Critical Social Work
- Journal of Social Work Education (USA)
- Journal of Social Work (UK)
Academic Misconduct
Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy for full details.
Disclaimer
This unit outline may be updated and amended from time to time. To ensure you have the correct outline please check it again at the beginning of the trimester. For a list of required textbooks for the upcoming trimester, please click here.
Level: 600 level core
Credit points: 6
Unit Description:
This unit advances students’ understanding of self and their development, and the impact of these on their professional development as counsellors and psychotherapists. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop and apply foundational counselling skills and processes. Significant emphasis is placed on building students’ self-awareness and critical reflexivity, as they begin developing an evolving professional identity as counsellors and psychotherapists.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
a. Critically review, interpret, integrate, synthesise and apply advanced foundational counselling skills and processes.
b. Exercise adaptability and judgment when critically analysing, evaluating and applying knowledge and skills to their evolving professional identity as counsellors and psychotherapists.
c. Critically apply self-awareness and self-reflexivity to sustain effective and ethical practice as counsellors and psychotherapists in training.
d. Effectively demonstrate professional knowledge and integrated understanding to communicate ideas at an advanced academic level, using contemporary communication approaches.
Learning and Teaching Process:
The workload for this unit is 12 hours per week.
Special Provisions:
Students will attend an on campus workshop of 16 hours in this unit.
Level: Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Duration: One Trimester
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: Completion of SWSP6003, SWSP6013, SWSP6143
Unit Description:
This unit uses lived experience content as a teaching tool to illustrate the social barriers, exclusion, and inequity that people with disability encounter within society. Students are introduced to the disability sector and the role social workers play in supporting and collaborating with people with disability. The implications of ableism and disablism are explored so students can see how the social work profession can counter both to ensure people with disability do attain dignity.
Students are introduced to the power of language in the context of disability, as well as to the notion of self-determination, particularly in relation to the discourse surrounding choice, control and autonomy that should underpin assessment processes and service delivery
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom]. One hour will be active material delivered in lecture format. Two hours will be interactive class time, for discussion of the lecture, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Pre-requisites: SWSP6003, SWSP6013, SWSP6143
Unit Description:
Family violence is one of the most significant social problems of our time. An overwhelming percentage of the work done by social workers and human services professionals is addressing the impact and consequences of family violence. In this unit, students will examine the social and political underpinnings of violence in our society and the gendered manifestations of this. This unit aims to deepen students’ knowledge of gender-based violence and family violence through theory and practice, research and policy with reference to the relevance of intersectionality. The focus will be understanding the complex, interlinked experiences of family violence in the lives of victim/survivors who are from marginalised groups and the key barriers to accessing support faced by these communities. This unit draws on Australian and international practice frameworks to assist students to develop skills in identifying and responding to family violence. Exploring current policy, research and prevention strategies, students will be able to analyse, evaluate and increase their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of social workers, organisations, governments, and communities in preventing and responding to family violence.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [on Zoom]. One hour will be didactive material delivered in lecture format. Two hours will be interactive class time, for discussion of the lecture, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expect to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours per week (including teamwork on group assignments, writing assessments and reading).
Readings
Recommended
- The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: https://www.acap.edu.au/student-resources/student-central-your-studies/textbooks-and-course-materials/
Journals
- Australian Social Work
- Child & Family Social Work
- Children and Youth Services Review
- Feminist Review
- International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies
- International Social Work
- Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues
- Journal of Family Studies
- Journal of Gender-based Violence
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence
- Journal of Social Work (UK)
- Journal of Social Work Education (USA)
- Journal of Women’s Health, Issues and Care
- No to Violence
- Violence Against Women
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: Successful completion of SWSP6003, SWSP6013, and SWSP6143
Unit Description:
This elective explores the issue of ageing and aged care and examines social work practice issues with this diverse population. Exploring life course context on ageing and then focusing on the end of life spectrum, this unit tackles difficult issues in order to understand the diversity and complexity of working with the aged population – from individual to community work and networking to policy and research. Social issues of invisibility, marginalisation, abuse, neglect, loss and grief will be addressed. The elderly contribution to unpaid productivity of caring and volunteerism as well as the wisdom and maturity that comes with old age will underpin much of this material. In highlighting key research, theory and policy relevant to working with older people key practice strategies available to address their health, welfare, physical and material wellbeing will be examined for their usefulness and effectiveness. How to have a meaningful old age will also be addressed.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
a. Demonstrate advanced understandings of the nature, scope, and impact of ageing on individuals, families, communities and society.
b. Articulate advanced understanding of how ageing is constructed socially, politically, economically and culturally.
c. Demonstrate expert knowledge of the many pathways to ageing and the complexities of working with the aged population.
d. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the health and well-being of the aged and the provision of services from the service users’, their carers’ and families’, social workers’, and consumer advocates’ perspectives.
e. Evaluate the political economy of ageing and its impact on society and the provision of services.
f. Analyse and provide advanced discussion of the social issues associated with ageing with a social justice and human rights perspective and social workers’ responses.
g. Understand the role and responsibilities of the Government and NGOs in relation to service provision for the aged population.
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Lectures and critical discussion
b) Tutorials and skill development activities
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 3 hour learning session [via Zoom]. This three-hour workshop is comprised of didactic material delivered, interactive class learning, group discussion, readings, assessments and class activities.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expect to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The total individual workload of this unit will be around 9 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).
Level: Master
Credit Points: 6
Prerequisites: Completion of SWSP6123 (Credit average)
Unit Description:
This unit is undertaken in your final trimester of study. You will propose and complete a capstone project through which you will demonstrate your ability at and advanced level to command, analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge skills pertinent to your discipline. With guidance from your supervisor, you will formulate a detailed plan for independent learning that focuses on scholarly, professional or practice issues relevant to your discipline and interest in social work.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Learning and Teaching Process:
This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 1.5 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:
a) Group discussion
b) Group-directed research
c) Online pre-learning activities
d) Online post-learning
Depending on the delivery mode, this unit’s content is delivered to students via
- A weekly 1.5 hour learning session [via Zoom or on-campus]. This time will be used for interactions with students to facilitate discussion of the challenges and learnings associated with implementing the research. Some of this will include group tutorials revising topics such as data collection, analysis, and presentation.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to engage in 16.5 hours of self- or group-directed research totalling 18 hours per week.
Learning and Teaching Approach:
- Learning is an active process – which involves both questioning and challenging.
- Learning is a shared process – where others’ thoughts and ideas are presented, critically analysed, exchanged and respected.
- Learning is a collaborative and empowering process for self and others.
- Learning is thoughtful and reflective.
- Learning requires integration with prior knowledge and other arenas of knowledge development in the program.
- Preparation for lectures and seminars and reading the recommended texts and references is essential.
The content of this unit has been designed to maximise both online and face-to-face learning to integrate the subject matter.
Students are expected to:
- Complete all activities
- Complete readings
- Complete all assessments
- Attend all classes
It is also recommended that students:
- Keep a record of new terminology that is introduced in this unit
- Keep a copy of assessments and other correspondence
- Make notes on unit content and readings
There will be learning activities linked to all lecture materials which are designed to encourage students to deliberate and reflect and to provide opportunities for further learning. The activities are designed to help students think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit as well as provide valuable learning opportunities.
View unit descriptions
- Recognise and understand injustices and inequalities experienced by marginalised groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and work alongside individuals and within communities to effect social change.
- Demonstrate advanced self-awareness, reflexivity, critical thinking, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Critically appraise, apply, and evaluate social work knowledge and skills to implement culturally responsive evidence-informed intervention approaches in collaboration with other professions and services for the benefit of diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
- Use anti-oppressive language and practices to challenge structural, cultural, and personal disadvantage.
- Apply and adhere to the principles of ethical practice as defined by the Australian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge, problem-solving and analytical skills necessary to conduct ethical research that contributes to social work practice.
Recognition of Prior Learning is available for some units in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course. It is not available for the following units:
- SWSP6103 Field Education 2
Applicants seeking Credit for SWSP6053 Field Education 1 are advised to refer to the Field Education Manual for details on the application process and required supporting documentation. Current students can access the manual via the Student Lounge; new students should email [email protected] to obtain a copy.
Completion of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course enables students to establish their professional identity as a social worker.
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