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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

312010 v.2 Bachelor of Social Work

BSW(Curtin) or BSW(Hons)(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 068620K
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years

Introduction

This course combines education in a broad base of social and behavioural science subjects with the study of social work theory and practice in both class and field settings. The focus is on the development of professional knowledge and skills integral to the practice of social work including working with individuals and families, groups and communities, social policy and administration and research inquiry.

Course Entry Requirements

None.

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E and V. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) required levels - 7.0 Listening and Reading; 7.0 Writing and Speaking; 7.0 Overall.

Duration and Availability

4 years' full-time study or equivalent part-time for studies in year one and two. Year three and four will need to be studied on a full-time basis.

Course Organisation

Fieldwork is an important part of the social work program. Students undertake two full-time field placements, each a minimum of 490 hours, in the sixth and seventh semesters. During the two major placements students are under the supervision of experienced, qualified social workers, and close contact with staff from the Department of Social Work is maintained. Placements may be arranged in country areas, and through the cooperation of other educational institutions, interstate or overseas placements may be possible for final year students. Students are required to have passed all units in a year before being allowed to proceed to the next year.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers. The proposed course is being reviewed for accreditation by the AASW in October 2009. The course is recognized by the International Federation of Social Workers.

Career Opportunities

Social work is practiced in a wide range of settings, including health, community, government and non-government organizations. Social workers deliver services to individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations and government in resolving problems through counselling, advocacy, research, community practice and social policy development. Demand for social workers in 2009 remains strong, both in Australia and internationally.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Some units in this course may have a field component for which costs may be incurred. All Health Sciences students must purchase a student identity badge. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance Section of this publication. Social Work students must have a Working with Children Clearance.

Further Information

For information pleasea contact Curtin Future Students on (08) 9266 1000 or email futurestudents@curtin.edu.au.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
312013 v.1   Social Work Philosophy, Policy and Context 121 3.0 25.0
313391 v.1   Human Structure and Function 100 4.0 25.0
313394 v.1   Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 4.0 25.0
313397 v.1   Interpersonal Communication Skills in Health 100 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312015 v.1   Social Work Practice and Principles 112 3.0 25.0
312649 v.2   Indigenous Culture and Health 130 2.0 12.5
313390 v.1   Evidence Informed Health Practice 100 2.0 12.5
313395 v.1   Health and Health Behaviour 100 3.0 25.0
313398 v.1   Imagining Health in Social and Cultural Contexts 100 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
312018 v.1   Social Work Lifespan, Resilience and Risk 211 3.0 25.0
312019 v.1   Contemporary and Comparative Social Policy 221 3.0 25.0
312020 v.1   The Inquiring Social Work Practitioner 231 3.0 25.0
312021 v.1   Research Methods for Social Workers 241 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
13196 v.5   Working in Indigenous Australian Contexts 300 3.0 25.0
312022 v.1   Social Work and Psychiatry 212 3.0 25.0
312023 v.1   Social Work with Families and Groups 222 3.0 25.0
312037 v.1   Social Work - Health and Illness 232 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3
312040 v.1   Social Work Third and Fourth Year Stream 400.0
  OR  
312041 v.1   Social Work Honours Stream 400.0
  400.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.