Online Courses Handbook 2003

167899 v.2 Bachelor of Social Work

BSW(Curtin), BSW(Hons)(Curtin)

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. In addition, units are undertaken in the social and behavioural sciences in particular, anthropology, law, psychology and sociology.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
None.

Specific Requirements
STAT elements considered are E and V. Applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least two years full-time study towards a relevant degree at a recognised university in social or behavioural sciences, or equivalent to enter the Social Work PriorStudies Stream. Candidates within the Social Work Standard Stream should inform the Course Coordinator of their intention to apply for entry to the honours program by the end of fifth semester. Applicants for this course should refer to the CommunicableDiseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Note
Mature age TEE applicants who add a preference for CURW in early January, will be considered on the basis of their TER only. Personal Statement details - 1. Name, address, phone number and date of birth. 2. Details of educational qualifications includingname of the course(s), institution and year(s) attended and year of completion if applicable. 3. Information about the last three jobs held, indicating the title, nature of the job and the duration for which the job was held. 4. Involvement in the human services sector, paid or unpaid, specifying the nature and duration of the involvement, the title of the position held and whether paid or unpaid. 5. A statement of no more than 250 words giving reasons for wanting to do Social Work. Applicants completing Personal Statements are also required to contact two persons who are prepared to write a reference for them about their academic ability to undertake university studies and about their suitability to be a social worker. The referees should be requested to mark the references clearly with the applicant's name and address and insert with your TISC application. Personal Statements will only be accepted until the last working day in November.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Students undertaking the Social Work Prior Studies Stream will normally up to 300 credits.

Duration and Availability
The Social Work Standard Stream is of four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. With appropriate recognition of prior learning the Social Work Prior Studies Stream is of two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Applicants should notethat classes are normally held during the day. Each semester a maximum of two units are available in the external study mode.

Course Organisation
Field work is an important part of the social work program. In the Social Work Standard Stream students undertake field placements of 85 days in the fourth semester and 75 days in the seventh semester. In the Social Work Prior Studies Stream field placements of 60 days in both the first and fourth semesters are undertaken. During the two major placements students are under the supervision of experienced, qualified social workers. They also retain close contact with staff from the School of Social Work. 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.

Professional Recognition
The course is recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers, and graduates are eligible for membership of the Association.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study. Some units within this course may have a field component, for which costs may be incurred.

Special Note
Due to professional accreditation, students may not transfer from the Social Work Prior Studies Stream to the Social Work Standard Stream. Professional accreditation requirements preclude students in this stream from undertaking, or transferring to, honours studies. Students may be permitted to transfer from the Social Work Standard Stream to the Social Work Prior Studies Stream after assessment by the Head of School.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Majors, Streams or Other Core Components

306123 v.1 Social Work Standard Stream 800.0

OR

306124 v.1 Social Work Prior Studies Stream 800.0

800.0

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