Overview
In this unit you will be offered a range of learning opportunities to engage with key theories that have informed professional social work practice. This unit presents both structural and personal theories, and how these can be integrated for professional practice, such as working with change and complexity. Structural theories include post modernism, critical theory and ecological perspectives; personal theories include psychological approaches, humanism, grief, loss and trauma-informed practice. This unit also explores change models and how these inform the development of assessment and intervenion strategies. You will engage in the process of critical reflection and exploring your values and beliefs, in order to develop an emerging ethical theoretical framework for your professional social work practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
SOWK11015 Professional Communication in Human Services
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student evaluation
Most students indicate they are highly satisfied with all aspects of the unit.
The unit coordinator will continue to explore ways of helping students make connections between theory and practice.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator
Students who attend the Zoom sessions indicate the sessions facilitate their learning and application of theory to practice. However, there is minimal student attendance at Zoom sessions and participation in unit forums.
The unit coordinator will explore ideas for increasing student engagement with weekly unit content and their peers.
- Identify theoretical perspectives that have informed the professional practice of social work
- Analyse theoretical perspectives and apply to social work practice contexts
- Integrate social work theories with your emerging professional practice frameworks
- Appraise and critically reflect on feedback drawn from your experiences in professional learning contexts.
This unit addresses components of Practice Standard Objectives (2003): 1,2,3 and 6
These suggested amendments are in line with the ASWEAS (2020) and anticipate the further changes needed for the 2022 re-accreditation process for the existing BSW.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||
| 2 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 50% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
Modern Social Work Theory
- 5th edition (2020)
- Authors: Malcolm Payne
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
- ISBN: 9781352011081
An eBook version is available.
An eBook version is available.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.chesham@cqu.edu.au
Week 1 Social Work Theory and Practice: Knowledge Base of Social Work
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Social Work Theory and Practice: Knowledge Base of Social Work
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan. Chapter 1
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Orientation: Take some time to carefully read the unit profile and the assessment task descriptions, and orient yourself to the unit Moodle site, beginning with the welcome video.
- Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and maybe why you are studying this unit and course.
- Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
- Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
- Weekly Zoom sessions will facilitate your engagement with each week's study topic.
- Assessment Zoom sessions: It is highly recommended that students attend all Assessment Zoom sessions.
- Virtual Classes tile: Find the unit's Zoom session schedule.
- Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates each week.
- Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 2 - Evaluating Theory for Social Work Practice
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Evaluating Theory for Social Work Practice
This week explores where social workers practice, who they practice with, what issues they work with and how context informs social workers' theories, methods and interventions for practice.
Part 1 of the module explores a framework for critically evaluating the appropriateness of theory to social work practice values and ethics, and context.
Part 2 examines Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and doing social work and incorporating critical reflection to understand the cultural lens of our practice.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapters 2 & 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Both Parts 1 & 2 comprise critical learning for this unit that students are advised to revisit throughout the term, particularly when selecting and evaluating theories for assessment purposes.
Week 3 - Humanism - Person Centred Theory
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Person-centred Practice
This week, we explore the origins of person-centred practice - examining humanism and existentialism. Person-centred practice has been a core element of social work, informing how we understand and engage with the people we support. The lecture focuses on Carl Rogers's therapeutic approach and how his ideas have influenced social work practice.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Week 4 Psychodynamic Theory and Attachment Theory
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Psychodynamic Theory and Attachment Theory
This week, we examine the basic ideas and concepts of Psychodynamic Theory; treatment in classical psychoanalysis, classical attachment theory and newer developments in attachment research and theory.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020) Modern Social Work Theory 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapters 4 & 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Census - Tuesday Week 4
Week 5 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches
This week, we begin by exploring classical learning theory and how that forms the basis of these approaches. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has become a primary intervention when working with people with mental health issues. Other developments in this space include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which have contributed valuable approaches to contemporary practice.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Week 6 Problem-solving and Task-centred Theories and Practice Approaches
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Problem Solving and Task Centred Theories and Practice Approaches
This week, we explore the development of problem-solving, including its origins and basic principles. We will also examine the critiques of the problem-solving model and consider how these have shaped its application in practice.
The task-centred model will be examined as it emerged in response to the critique of the psychodynamic approach and, more specifically, problem-solving. The task-centred model will be outlined in some detail, highlighting its structure, purpose and relevance to contemporary social work practice.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Social Work Theory Essay Due: Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
No classes this week.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7 Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Practice
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Crisis Intervention and Trauma-informed Practice
This week, we look at the development of Crisis Intervention and its significance in social work practice. The growing focus on trauma-informed practice has been an important development in reframing social work practice when working with people who have experienced trauma.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020) Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Week 8 Systems Theory
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Systems Theory and Bio-Psychological-Social-Spiritual (BPSS) Framework
This week, we look at the Systems Approach in Social Work, examining how individuals, families and communities are understood within the broader networks and structures that influence their lives. We will examine the Ecosystems Perspective, which highlights the dynamic interactions between people and their environments. We will also consider the BPSS Framework, with particular attention to spirituality as an important dimension of human experience.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Week 9 Strengths & Solution Focussed
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Strengths Perspective & Solution-Focused
This week, we explore the development of the strengths perspective and solutions-focused therapy. The authors of this approach argued that these approaches represented a significant disruption to traditional social workers' views of clients and practice. Rather than emphasising problems or deficiencies, this perspective reframed practice through a lens of clients' strengths, resources and capacities for change. f
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Week 10 Narrative Practice
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Narrative practice
This module focuses on narrative practice developed by Michael White and David Epston. The study materials highlight postmodern influences on the distinctive way narrative theory understands problems, people's relationships with those problems, and the power constructs that shape those relationships. Narrative practice aims to increase people's agency by supporting them to re-author the stories that shape their identities.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Week 11 Motivational Interviewing
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
This week, we explore the origins of MI in the practice fields of addiction and substance misuse. MI has now been adapted for a variety of practice settings. We explore the basic principles of MI and consider how they inform contemporary social work practice.
Chapter
Textbook Payne, M. (2020). Modern Social Work Theory, 5th Edition, Macmillan.
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Visit the study module on the unit Moodle site for weekly content, readings, and learning activities.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens in Week 11 and closes one week before the release of grades.
Week 12 Revision
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Revision week.
The focus is on consolidating your understanding of the material covered in the unit and preparing for your Assessment 2 presentation.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week is dedicated to revision and your Assessment 2 presentations.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Theory and Practice PowerPoint Presentation Due: Week 12 Monday (1 June 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term, and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Aim
Social work practice draws on diverse theoretical perspectives to understand situations, guide interventions, and support ethical decision-making. This assessment requires you to demonstrate your understanding of the relationship between theory and social work practice by comparing two theories and their application to social work practice.
Instructions
You are required to write an academic essay that compares two theories and examines how they are used in social work practice.
Please refer to the assessment task description on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators for only the following purposes:
- Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
- Checking spelling and grammar.
- CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Any use of Gen AI software:
- Must be cited in the relevant sections.
- Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
The social work practice standards require students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial to social work practice, as outlined in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2023). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice. You can support your argument using unit-provided materials and other credible sources (e.g., journal articles and books). The quality and credibility of your sources are essential.
Extensions
Extensions for this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a minimum grade of 49.5% to pass this assessment.
AND
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submission via Moodle
Week 8 Wednesday (6 May 2026)
The return date accounts for public holidays.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more details on how marks will be assigned.
- Identify theoretical perspectives that have informed the professional practice of social work
- Analyse theoretical perspectives and apply to social work practice contexts
- Integrate social work theories with your emerging professional practice frameworks
- Appraise and critically reflect on feedback drawn from your experiences in professional learning contexts.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Presentation and Written Assessment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your ability to integrate theory and practice. Social work draws on a range of theories to explain and describe diverse human experiences and effect social change. You will analyse two theories/models and apply them to a case study to build your knowledge of how theory informs social work practice.
Instructions
You will be provided with a case study under the Assessment tile on the unit Moodle site to demonstrate your ability to apply theory to practice.
Please refer to the assessment task description on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators for only the following purposes:
- Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
- Checking spelling and grammar.
- CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Any use of Gen AI software:
- Must be cited in the relevant sections.
- Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
The social work practice standards require students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial to social work practice, as outlined in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2023). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice. You can support your argument using unit-provided materials and other credible sources (e.g., journal articles and books). The quality and credibility of your sources are essential.
Extensions
Extensions are not available for this assessment as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Monday (1 June 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Students are required to submit the PPT to the submission area by the due date. Presentations will take place via Zoom over Week 12. Students are required to stay for the entire Zoom session they are allocated to.
Friday, the 26th June, 2026.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more deatils on how marks will be assigned.
- Analyse theoretical perspectives and apply to social work practice contexts
- Integrate social work theories with your emerging professional practice frameworks
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
