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. There are two streams, the standard four year stream and a two year stream that gives recognition for prior learning, where at least two years have been completed of a related degree.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
None.

Specific Requirements
STAT elements considered are E and V. Applicants for the Prior Studies stream 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. Eligible candidates within the Standard Stream apply for entry to the honours program at the end of fifth semester. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases 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. Mature age applicants must complete Personal Statement details - 1. Name, address, phone number and date of birth. 2. Educational qualifications including name 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 obtain two references their academic ability to undertake university studies and their suitability to be a social worker. The referees should be requested to mark the references clearlywith the applicant's name and address. Personal Statement and References must be inserted with your TISC application.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning must be made at enrolment and are assessed on an individual basis. Students undertaking the Social Work Prior Studies Stream will normally receive 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 note that 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 full-time field placements of 480 hours in the fourth semester and seventh semesters. In the Social Work Prior Studies Stream full-time field placements of 480 hours 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 Department ofSocial 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

Availability

Year Location Period Internal External
2004 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y Y
2004 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y Y
2004 Esperance Community College Semester 1 Y
2004 Esperance Community College Semester 2 Y
2004 Kalgoorlie Campus Semester 1 Y
2004 Kalgoorlie Campus Semester 2 Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations that students are eligible to be offe red and admitted to this course for the first time only.