R3B Bachelor of Social Work as at 14th May, 2002
Bachelor of Social Work
Abbreviation: BSW
Course code: R3B
Course contact (faculty or school) (03) 6324 3528
Introductory comments
The Bachelor of Social Work is a 2 year end-on degree program that follows 2 years of
successful study in a relevant degree from a recognised tertiary institution. It is offered by
the School of Sociology and Social Work within the Faculty of Arts on the Launceston
campus.
The course consists of eight academic units plus two fieldwork placements (Practicum 1 &
2). The academic units are available only on the Launceston campus. Placements are
offered in a range of social work agencies throughout Tasmania and applicants should be
aware that they may be required to travel for at least one practicum. All travel and
accommodation costs incurred during placement are to be met by students.
Academic units may be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. The Practicum units are
normally full time although applications for part time practicum will be considered by the
Head of Discipline on a case-by-case basis. The maximum period of time allowed to
complete the BSW degree is 5 years.
Admission & prerequisites
In order to be eligible for entry to the course applicants must either:
•
have completed the equivalent of at least two years full-time study in a degree
program; with
•
a substantial amount of that study in both sociology and psychology at levels 100
and 200. Students are invited to check with the course coordinator whether they
have sufficient and appropriate prerequisite subjects.
OR
•
have successfully completed the Diploma of Social Science (Community Welfare), or
its equivalent, in the TAFE sector; and,
•
have completed one full year of the BA or BSocSc with level 100 units in both
psychology and sociology.
If applicants believe they meet either of these requirements they may apply for admission
to the course. They will be assessed against the following criteria:
•
academic achievement
•
•
•
•
relevance of previous study to social work
demonstrated interest in the course and the career
relevance of previous work experience to the course and career
equity and special considerations.
Course objectives
The course is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Australian Association
of Social Workers (AASW). It provides the opportunity for students to gain knowledge
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R3B Bachelor of Social Work as at 14th May, 2002
and understanding of social functioning, social problems and social services. It emphasises
the application of professional social work methods in the workplace and aims to produce
graduates who have achieved the level of competency expected of those who are
beginning a career in social work.
As a student you will be expected to develop:
•
the ability to think critically and constructively about different approaches to social
work;
•
the necessary analytical and interactional skills for a wide range of situations
involving individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities;
•
personal insight and awareness in order to develop the potential for continued
professional growth;
the ability to contribute to the improvement and development of social welfare
policy and services; and
•
•
the ability to conduct research for the development of social work knowledge.
Career outcomes
Graduates are qualified to work in a variety of positions and may find employment as
social workers, community workers, crisis intervention workers, counsellors, managers of
human services and outreach workers.
Professional recognition
The degree course is the only course in Tasmania which leads to accreditation with the
Australian Association of Social Workers.
Course structure
The program of units for the course is set out in the schedule below. The course comprises
2 years full-time study (or its part-time equivalent) in compulsory academic and practicum
units.
Full-time students are required to enrol in units with a combined weighting of not more
than 100%.
Students will not be permitted any more than two attempts at any academic unit and must
complete the two practicum units in not more than three attempts (including withdrawals)
for the two units. Where students fail a field practicum they may be required to complete
additional work specified by the Head of Discipline before being permitted to re-enrol in
that field practicum. If students cannot complete the practicum units in three attempts
(due to failure or withdrawal) they will not be eligible for the degree unless they receive
the specific permission of the Head of Discipline to re-enrol.
Articulation
This course articulates with other degrees and units from recognised tertiary institutions
as well as with the Diploma in Social Sciences (Community Welfare) (or equivalent) from
TAFE institutions in Australia. Specific details are given under the heading ‘Admission
and prerequisites’.
Schedule A
(Unit) weight represents the proportion (%) of a normal full-time study load, and is used for
calculating the services and amenities fee and HECS liability. Full-time students are required to
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R3B Bachelor of Social Work as at 14th May, 2002
complete a 100% study load in both Year 1 and Year 2. This load includes the three compulsory
units in Year 1 and Year 2, plus two of the alternate units in each year. For detailed information on
the units, refer to the ‘Unit details’ section of this handbook.
Note also that the Faculty reserves the right to correct errors or inconsistencies, with or
without notice, and to make changes to this schedule and its appendices.
campus-sem
code
Unit title
weight
Year 1
Interpersonal
Theory and Practice
1
Social Work
Practice and Theory
Social Work
Practicum 1
Year 2
Interpersonal
Theory and Practice
2
Community Work
Practice
Social Work
Practicum 2
Rotating units
Social Policy
L1
12.5%
HGW301
L1
12.5%
HGW302
L2
50%
HGW303
L1
12.5%
HGW401
L1
12.5%
HGW402
L2
50%
HGW403
[na]
12.5%
HGW304 or
HGW404
HGW305 or
HGW405
HGW306 or
HGW406
HGW307 or
HGW407
Research Processes [na]
12.5%
in Social Work
Organisational
L1
12.5%
Context
Social Work
L1
12.5%
Practice and the
Law
Note: The following information is NOT included in the printed edition of the Course and
Unit Handbook
Additional Information
The following information answers some frequently asked questions.
Note, however, details should be confirmed with the appropriate authority
Responsible faculty or school | Faculty of Arts
Mode of delivery | Full time | Part time
Course duration | 2 years minimum (4 semesters) | 5 years maximum (10 semesters)
Costs (course fees only – annual) | HECS: YES
Students enrolled in this course | Total students enrolled last year: 78 | Total students
enrolled this year: 91 | International students last year: 1
Approximate student-staff contact hours | 13hrs weekly, sem 1; full time in practicum
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R3B Bachelor of Social Work as at 14th May, 2002
Other information
Strong focus on general practice. Subjects are taught intensively in small groups over 2 full
days per week.
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