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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2013

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2013.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2012.

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

No prior study in a particular subject is required. Applicants must meet the University’s standard entry requirements, which include English competency.

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

Four years' full-time or equivalent part-time for studies in year one and two. Years three and four will need to be studied full-time.

Course Organisation

Fieldwork is an important part of the social work program and involves two full-time fieldwork placements of 70 days each. These occur in the fifth and eighth semesters and in a variety of health and human service organisations. During these placements, students are supervised and supported by qualified social workers, and have regular contact with staff from the School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work.

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 2014. 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 2013 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 please 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.2   Social Work Philosophy, Policy and Context 141 3.0 25.0
313391 v.3   Human Structure and Function 100 4.0 25.0
313394 v.3   Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 4.0 25.0
313397 v.2   Interpersonal Communication Skills in Health 100 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312015 v.2   The Individual in Society 142 3.0 25.0
312649 v.4   Indigenous Cultures and Health 130 2.0 12.5
313398 v.3   Imagining Health in Social and Cultural Contexts 100 3.0 25.0
314510 v.1   Health and Health Behaviour 130 3.0 12.5
314512 v.1   Evidence Informed Health Practice 130 2.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
309631 v.3   Pathophysiology 241 8.0 25.0
312012 v.2   Social Work Integrity and Accountability in Practice 241 3.0 25.0
312016 v.3   Citizenship, Culture and Diversity 241 3.0 25.0
312018 v.2   Social Work Lifespan, Resilience and Risk 241 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312017 v.2   Social Work Counselling Individuals 242 3.0 25.0
312019 v.2   Contemporary and Comparative Social Policy 242 3.0 25.0
312020 v.2   The Inquiring Social Work Practitioner 242 3.0 25.0
312022 v.3   Social Work and Mental Health Recovery 242 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3
312040 v.2   Social Work Third and Fourth Year Stream 400.0
  OR  
312041 v.2   Social Work Honours Stream 400.0
  400.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2013 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2013 Bentley Campus Semester 2   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.



Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.