HSW703 - Becoming a Social Worker
Unit details
| Year | 2027 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes | Trimester 1: Online with significant campus requirements (see in-person attendance requirements) |
| Credit point(s) | 1 |
| EFTSL value | 0.125 |
| Unit chair | Trimester 1: Sophie Goldingay |
| Prerequisite | Nil |
| Corequisite | Nil |
| Incompatible with | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment | Online independent and collaborative learning activities will support learning across the trimester. |
| In-person attendance requirements | All students must attend a compulsory 2 day intensive during Week 2 of Trimester 1 at the Geelong Waterfront Campus at which core practical learning requirements will be taught. 2026 intensive dates and locations information will be available mid November. |
| Typical study commitment | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
This unit will provide students with an opportunity to learn about micro-skills and models for practice along with a range of accompanying theoretical perspectives. These perspectives will include crisis theory and anti-oppressive practice, systems theory and strengths-based practice. The unit will include a case study approach throughout the trimester, where students engage with client/family scenarios that involve development of direct practice, group work and family work skills.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Explain, with reference to course materials, social work theories, micro-skills and processes. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Apply knowledge of theories, skills and processes to case work practice situations. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Demonstrate ability to recognise and foreground historical context, cultural knowledge, experience, and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to guide practice. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Critically analyse and self-assess one's own practice strengths and areas for further development. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO5 | Demonstrate ability to work with clients and colleagues who are different to yourself in age, gender, disability, sexuality, ethnicity or socio-economic background. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some units still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Assessment
| Assessment description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Cultural safety plan an critical reflection | Cultural plan: 1000 words Critical reflection: 950 words | 35% |
|
| Assessment 2: Peer and self-assessment and feedback | 50 words x 6 items Total: 300 words | 10% |
|
| Assessment task 3: Case scenario video, with reflection on microskills and theories used | Case scenario video: 10-12 minutes | 55% |
|
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Hurdle requirements
- Attendance at a 2 day intensive (practical experience workshop) held during trimester at Waterfront Campus
2025 Intensive dates information is available here.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for HSW703 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, students must be able to access and use internet-connected devices as outlined in computing requirements at Deakin.
To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.
Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.
Unit fee information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.