Overview
In this unit, you will critically analyse various theories and methods of social work practice, integrating these with practical applications. You will explore competing macro-level philosophical and theoretical frameworks that define the purpose and place of social work, considering the influence of neoliberalism and other socio-political agendas. Drawing on theories and frameworks from related disciplines, particularly psychology and sociology, you will gain insights into human behaviour and relationships, situating these within broader social structures and processes. You will critically evaluate traditional and emerging practice theories and methods, assessing their relevance to diverse service user contexts and cultural backgrounds. Utilising these theoretical frameworks, you will develop ethical and transformative social work interventions to address diverse service users' needs and contribute to social justice. The unit also examines the role of social work in human service organisations, focusing on ethical tensions and organisational constraints. The unit considers how context influences the application of theory to practice, including telehealth and online service provision. You will engage in critical reflection to examine how personal experiences and perspectives influence the integration of theory into practice, considering ethical implications. Reflective practice will enhance your practice framework and identify strengths and areas for future professional growth. While completing this unit, you will undertake your second fieldwork placement to facilitate the integration of theoretical learning directly into practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Co-requisite: SOWK29007 Social Work Field 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 - 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 Postgraduate 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.
- Critically examine social work theories and practice approaches, demonstrating an understanding of their origins, core tenets, underlying assumptions, aims, and methods.
- Critically evaluate the suitability and applicability of social theories to various practice contexts and social work roles, considering service users’ context, cultural needs, and professional ethics.
- Develop ethical and transformative social work interventions using theoretical frameworks that address diverse service users' needs, cultures and situations across various practice contexts and contribute to social justice.
- Critically reflect on the influence of self on practice, identifying ethical implications, strengths and areas for future professional growth to enhance, develop and articulate your practice framework.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Case Study - 40% | ||||
| 4 - Online resource/s - 0% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 9 - 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.
n.melander@cqu.edu.au
h.hickson@cqu.edu.au
s.wayland@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Refresher: Social Work Theories and Methods
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Find out what is in Student Support?
Find out how to find the Library?
Click on the link and learn what is in the Academic Learning Centre.
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations:
Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Weekly lecture/tutorial.
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.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Social Work Values, Ethics, Theories and Practice
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessment 1 – Start your literature searching and preparing assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Macro-Level Theoretical Frameworks
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Assessment 1 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Traditional Practice Theories
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Assessment 1 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Emerging Practice Theories
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessment – Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your
assessment after reviewing your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Reflective Practice Assignment Due: Week 5 Wednesday (12 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Evidence-informed Practice
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Vacation week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Online Resources Due: Vacation Week Tuesday (25 Aug 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Practice Context and Theories
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Cultural Considerations
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Written Assessment Due: Week 8 Wednesday (9 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Frameworks for Integrating Theories and Practice
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Application of Critical Reflection Framework
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Don’t forget - Check your unit enrolments for next term.
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Integration and Application of Theories to Practice
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Your Developing Practice Framework
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
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.
Case Study Due: Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This Unit is blended with face-to-face (intensive on-campus learning) and online components. As a result, you will be asked to prepare your individual study plan, and your success largely depends on maintaining regular contact with the course coordinator and visiting the course site regularly. The course coordinator will post regular announcements throughout the term about course materials and general information on the assessments. You are advised to review this information to keep you up to date. Please note that CQUniversity communicates with students through the CQUniversity email. We recommend checking your CQUniversity email at least twice a week to ensure you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Reflective Practice Assignment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to reflect on two social work theories that have been key to shaping your social work knowledge and practice framework since commencing your Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Degre at CQU. You will reflect on how these theories have challenged or shifted your understanding of social work practice and how you will utilise them in the future
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions 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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does 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 5 Wednesday (12 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit via moodle
Week 7 Wednesday (2 Sept 2026)
Results via moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Critically examine social work theories and practice approaches, demonstrating an understanding of their origins, core tenets, underlying assumptions, aims, and methods.
- Critically evaluate the suitability and applicability of social theories to various practice contexts and social work roles, considering service users’ context, cultural needs, and professional ethics.
- Critically reflect on the influence of self on practice, identifying ethical implications, strengths and areas for future professional growth to enhance, develop and articulate your practice framework.
2 Written Assessment
Aim
This assessment allows you to critically apply theories and concepts discussed in class to practice.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions 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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does 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 8 Wednesday (9 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
submit assessment via moodle
Week 10 Wednesday (23 Sept 2026)
Assessments will be returned via moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Critically examine social work theories and practice approaches, demonstrating an understanding of their origins, core tenets, underlying assumptions, aims, and methods.
- Critically evaluate the suitability and applicability of social theories to various practice contexts and social work roles, considering service users’ context, cultural needs, and professional ethics.
- Develop ethical and transformative social work interventions using theoretical frameworks that address diverse service users' needs, cultures and situations across various practice contexts and contribute to social justice.
3 Case Study
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to work collaboratively with a colleague student to present a webinar, demonstrating understanding on ethical decision making, key social work theories, and culturally safe practice.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions 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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does 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 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
submit assessment via moodle
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (21 Oct 2026)
Assessments will be returned via moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Critically examine social work theories and practice approaches, demonstrating an understanding of their origins, core tenets, underlying assumptions, aims, and methods.
- Critically evaluate the suitability and applicability of social theories to various practice contexts and social work roles, considering service users’ context, cultural needs, and professional ethics.
- Develop ethical and transformative social work interventions using theoretical frameworks that address diverse service users' needs, cultures and situations across various practice contexts and contribute to social justice.
- Critically reflect on the influence of self on practice, identifying ethical implications, strengths and areas for future professional growth to enhance, develop and articulate your practice framework.
4 Online resource/s
This assessment is Pass/Fail based on student's attendance of the residential school (25th and 26th August).
Vacation Week Tuesday (25 Aug 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Student attendance of residential school
Vacation Week Wednesday (26 Aug 2026)
Student attendance of residential school
Student must attend the residential school to pass this assessment
- Critically examine social work theories and practice approaches, demonstrating an understanding of their origins, core tenets, underlying assumptions, aims, and methods.
- Critically evaluate the suitability and applicability of social theories to various practice contexts and social work roles, considering service users’ context, cultural needs, and professional ethics.
- Develop ethical and transformative social work interventions using theoretical frameworks that address diverse service users' needs, cultures and situations across various practice contexts and contribute to social justice.
- Critically reflect on the influence of self on practice, identifying ethical implications, strengths and areas for future professional growth to enhance, develop and articulate your practice framework.
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?
