This unit introduces students to social work theories but also broadly to the human services context. It introduces students to the multidisciplinary knowledge base of social work by exploring major influencing theories including, psychosocial theory, human development theories, critical theory, radical and feminist theories and anti-oppressive approaches. It critically explores the history of social work with a particular focus on the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations People and Communities. It also introduces students to the Australian Association of Social Work Practice Standards, that is areas of practice, fields of practice and ethical codes. It exposes students to what it means to be a `Critical Practitioner' and how to recognise and work at various levels, namely micro, meso and macro. It emphasises the intersection between values, norms and ethical dimensions of social work practice.
For further information regarding the course please refer to the Course Outline found at the following link (PDF, 200kB).
A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a student contribution band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).
2024 contribution amount* -
$2,040
2024 contribution amount - continuing student who commenced before 1 Jan 2021* -
$957
* for Clinical Psychology (Clin Psych) & Professional Pathways (Prof Path) bands the contribution amount is determined by accredited course. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should visit our CSP page for further information.
Note: The Job-ready Graduates Package introduced new funding clusters and contribution amounts from the 2021 academic year. If you are a continuing student who commenced before 1 January 2021 studying units in disciplines with increased contribution amounts, you will continue paying the same amount (indexed each year) as you would have. For further information visit the Australia Government's Study Assist website.
These places are offered for postgraduate studies or to CSP ineligible students and tuition fees are not subsidised by the Australian Government. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.
International tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about international tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.
It is important to check unit delivery details including location and census date, prior to making decisions about enrolment. Detailed semester and census date information can be found on the Important Dates page.