Overview
The final theory unit in the Bachelor of Social Work course equips you with an advanced understanding of social work theory and its application to real-world practice. Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in Field Education 1 (SOWK13009) and Integrating Theory and Practice 1 (SOWK13010), this unit emphasises the importance of applying research knowledge and skills in addressing the needs and aspirations of individuals, groups, and communities to achieve equitable outcomes. You will demonstrate your capacity to employ research knowledge and skills in your practice, as well as utilising research to inform your professional development. This unit is a co-requisite to SOWK14009 and can only be undertaken concurrently with field education.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: SOWK13009, SOWK13010, SOWK14005, SOWK14006 Corequisite: SOWK14009 Fieldwork Education 2
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 2 - 2025
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 Have your Say
Information on 'what to do' when the practice issue has limited or no evidence base
Expand on practice-based evidence as part of the unit to improve critique.
- Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.
- Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
- Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
- Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
The learning outcomes in this unit are aligned with the AASW social work graduate attributes outlined in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2021.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Presentation - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Report - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Poster Sessions - 30% | ||||
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 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
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.
r.kemble@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Social Work Evidence-Based Practice
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Initial Unit Discussion
Module/Topic
Introduction to Social Work Evidence-Based Practice
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit material review and discussions
Module/Topic
Identifying a Social Work Practice Issue
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Literature Review Discussion
Module/Topic
Identifying a Social Work Practice issue
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Formulating a research question and seeking feedback
Module/Topic
Research and Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practice Interventions
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Research and Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practice Interventions
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Preparation of Infographic and presentation
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Creating a Visually Appealing and Informative infographic
Module/Topic
Preparation of Infographic and presentation
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Creating a Visually Appealing and Informative infographic
Module/Topic
Applications of Evidence to Practice and Report Writing
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Applications of Evidence to Practice and Report Writing
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Synthesising Research Findings
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Critical Reflective Practice
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Presentation
Assessment 1 – Capstone Project Plan
Part A: The Capstone Project Plan
Type: Presentation
Due: Week 5 Wednesday the 13th of August 4pm.
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Length: 1500–2000 words or 12 – 15-minute presentation format
Weighting: 30%
Unit Coordinator: Robyn Kemble
Learning Outcomes Assessed
1. Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.
4. Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
Task: Develop and submit a comprehensive Capstone Project Plan demonstrating your theory and practice integration. This is the first of three linked Capstone assessments and will guide the development of your final project.
Aim
This assessment aims to develop a plan for your Capstone Project—a culminating activity that synthesises and applies the knowledge, skills, and values acquired throughout your social work course. This plan provides evidence of your readiness to undertake graduate-level, generalist social work practice.
You are not required to implement the project during your placement, but you are welcome to do so. If the project is implemented, the same academic integrity standards apply.
Note: You are not required to present your Capstone Project plan verbally. This is a planning document only. The focus is on demonstrating thoughtful integration of knowledge and reflective practice in a structured, well-articulated submission.
Instructions – Capstone Project Plan
This assessment demonstrates your capacity for ethical, evidence-informed practice and theoretical and practical knowledge integration. It reflects your self-direction, planning, and ability to initiate supervisory discussions with stakeholders in your placement.
Steps to Complete Your Capstone Project Plan:
1. Project Description
• What is your project about?
• Why is it important in a social work context?
• How does it support your professional development?
2. Issue or Challenge
• Identify a specific issue in your agency or field context.
• Provide a brief background to explain its significance.
3. Objectives and Goals
• Set 2–4 clear, measurable objectives.
• Explain what you hope to achieve.
4. Methodology and Data Collection
• Outline your approach to gathering data or evaluating the project.
• Justify your chosen methods.
5. Key Milestones and Timeline
• Identify the significant steps in your project and when they will occur.
6. Expected Outcomes and Impact
• Describe the intended outcomes of the project.
• Consider the potential benefits to the agency, service users, or broader practice.
7. Alignment with AASW Practice Standards
• Demonstrate how your project aligns with the AASW Practice Standards.
• Link outcomes to unit learning goals.
Literature and References
· Use at least 10 scholarly references from the last 5 years.
· Include peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks, and reputable websites.
· Grey literature (e.g. government or peak body reports) is acceptable if relevant.
· Apply APA 7th referencing style.
Submission
Upload your completed Capstone Project Plan in Word, PowerPoint or a similar format to Moodle by the due date.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Statement
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research only. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas, referencing appropriately (e.g. ChatGPT, Grammarly with AI).
This is in accordance with the ASWEAS (2024) standards and CQUniversity’s academic integrity policy.
Moodle
Moodle
Marking Criteria
For additional details, see the marking rubric on Moodle. This is a graded assessment, and re-attempts are not permitted.
Consultation and Reflection in Project Planning (15%)
Identification of Issue/Challenge (10%)
Project Objectives and Goals (10%)
Methodology and Data Collection (10%)
Key Milestones and Timeline (15%)
Expected Outcomes and Impact (15%)
Writing Quality, Referencing, and APA Style (10%)
- Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.
- Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
2 Poster Sessions
Assessment 2 – Digital Infographic Poster Presentation
Part B: Poster Session Infographic Presentation
Format: Infographic (PDF or image file) + recorded video presentation
Due: Week 9 Wednesday September 17th 4pm.
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Length: Infographic plus a 5–8-minute recorded presentation
Weighting: 30%
Unit Coordinator: Robyn Kemble
Learning Outcomes Assessed
2. Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
3. Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
4. Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
Task: Design and present a digital infographic that communicates a key element of your Capstone Project.
Aim
This assessment helps you build skills in visual communication, data synthesis, and public presentation. You'll use a digital tool to create an infographic that explains your Capstone Project's findings or outcomes. This task strengthens your ability to communicate complex information clearly—a core social work skill.
Instructions – Digital Infographic Poster Presentation
Steps to Complete Your Assessment:
1. Select Your Focus
• Choose to focus on either:
o Data Collection and Findings, or
o Consolidation of Outcomes about the Social Issue or Problem
2. Gather and Organise Content
• Include data, consultation feedback, statistics, and key findings from your project
3. Design the Infographic
• Use tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Piktochart
• Ensure logical flow, visual appeal, and clarity of content
4. Create and Refine Your Infographic
• Add charts, graphs, icons, and key information
• Review for accuracy and impact
5. Record Your Presentation
• Present the infographic in a short video
• Explain key elements, social work relevance, and how supervision/feedback informed your project
6. Submit Your Work
• Upload both the infographic and the video to Moodle in supported file formats
Literature and References
· Use at least 10 scholarly sources (from the last 5 years).
· Include peer-reviewed journals, books, and reputable websites.
· Grey literature is acceptable if sourced from credible organisations (e.g. AASW, ACOSS).
· Reference using APA 7th edition.
Submission
Submit both components (infographic + video) to Moodle by the due date. Ensure files are named clearly and meet technical requirements.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Statement
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas, referencing appropriately (e.g. ChatGPT, Grammarly with AI).
Your work must demonstrate your human capacity for empathy, critical thinking, and ethical practice—skills essential to social work that cannot be adequately assessed via AI-generated content.
This is in accordance with the ASWEAS (2024) standards and CQUniversity’s academic integrity policy.
Week 9 Wednesday (17 Sept 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Moodle
Week 11 Friday (3 Oct 2025)
Moodle
Marking Criteria
See Moodle for the marking rubric. Assessment 2 is not eligible for re-attempt.
1. Content Accuracy and Depth (25%)
2. Visual Design and Creativity (15%)
3. Clarity and Organisation (15%)
4. Communication and Presentation Skills (15%)
5. Integration of Feedback and Reflective Insight (15%)
6. Referencing and Source Integration (15%)
- Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.
- Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
- Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
- Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
3 Report
Assessment 3 – Capstone Project Report and Reflection
Part C: Capstone Project Report and Reflection
Format: Written
Due: Exam Week – Wednesday, the 15th of October 2025
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Length: 2000–2500 words
Weighting: 40%
Unit Coordinator: Robyn Kemble
Learning Outcomes Assessed
2. Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
3. Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
Task: Write a formal report analysing your Capstone Project, its implementation (or proposed application), theoretical frameworks, and personal reflection
Aim
This final assessment asks you to synthesise the research, interventions, and reflective practices from your Capstone Project. You will evaluate how theory, methodology, and supervision have shaped your project and propose future social work practice recommendations. This task demonstrates your readiness for graduate practice.
Instructions – Capstone Project Report and Reflection
Structure your report using the headings below. Each question acts as a prompt to guide your writing:
1. Introduction
· What were your project’s goals, and how did they address a key social work issue?
· How were your methods from Assessment 1 central to achieving these goals?
2. Theoretical Framework and Reflective Practice
· What social work theories and reflective practice models did you apply?
· How did these shape your decisions and intervention strategies?
3. Synthesis of Project Findings
· What key findings emerged from your project (including data from Assessment 2)?
· How did these findings enhance your understanding of client needs and outcomes?
4. Recommendations for Future Practice
· What evidence-informed recommendations can you offer?
· How could these be implemented in ethically and culturally responsive ways?
5. Conclusion
· What personal and professional insights have you gained through this project?
· How might your work contribute to the field, and what questions remain for future research?
6. References
· Ensure all references follow APA 7th style.
Literature and References
· Use at least 10 scholarly sources (from the last 5 years)
· Include academic journals, books, and credible online sources (e.g. AASW)
· Grey literature is acceptable when appropriately sourced
Submission
Submit your completed report via Moodle in Word format by the due date.
Marking Criteria
See Moodle for the detailed rubric. Assessment 3 is not eligible for re-attempt.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Statement
Use of AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Grammarly with AI) is not permitted in this assessment. Your work must demonstrate personal insight, reflective capacity, and authentic engagement with social work theory and practice.
This requirement aligns with the ASWEAS (2024) standards and ensures the development of essential human skills for professional social work practice.
Review/Exam Week Wednesday (15 Oct 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Moodle
Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)
2 weeks post submission
Marking Criteria
See Moodle for the marking rubric. Assessment 2 is not eligible for re-attempt.
Introduction and Goals (15%)
Theoretical Framework and Reflective Practice (20%)
Synthesis of Findings (20%)
Recommendations for Future Practice (15%)
Conclusion and Personal Reflection (15%)
Clarity, Referencing & Structure (APA 7) (15%)
- Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
- Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
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?
