311678 v.1 Master of Social Work (Practice)

Course CRICOS Code: 064464D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years

Introduction

The Curtin University qualifying Master of Social Work (Practice) is an accelerated course designed for talented students who have a relevant degree to gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies of an entry level social worker. This course enhances professional career development. Theoretical learning, applied practice skills development, project tasks and extensive field education combine to make this course one which prepares advanced practitioners and learners for 21st century challenges. There is one intake of students each year, and the course starts in February. The course duration is two and one quarter calendar years, and is only offered on a full-time basis.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with at least four semester long subjects in social, behavioural or health sciences. Referee reports- one academic and one professional and a supporting statement.

Specific Requirements

IELTS score of 7.0. Meet the inherent requirements of the profession as outlined in the AASW education and accreditation standards. Working with Children Check; National Criminal Record History Check; and immunization if working in health field.

Duration and Availability

2.25 years- February to February. Internal and partially on-line. Students may be able to study part-time but are advised of the pre-requisites for Field Education and that the Field Education units generally require full-time enrolment. This is in order to meet accreditation requirements.

Course Organisation

The course spans two and a quarter years, from February to February. Year one, semester one, consists of four core units introducing students to the context of social work and core practice skills. The second semester of year one provides students with afull time field education practicum together with one policy unit. In year two, semester one, students engage with four units, developing core practice skills. In semester two of year two, advanced practice and context driven units prepare students for their final field education practicum which is to be done from November to February. This course includes 980 hours of Field Education which is a requirement of the accrediting body, the AASW, for professional recognition. This is conducted as two Field Education Practice Units in Year One, Semester Two and at the end of Year Two, Semester Two. Students should be aware that this is an intensive course and it will not be possible to work during the Field Education components of the course.

Professional Recognition

The curriculum for this course will be submitted to the Association for Social Workers for accreditation and a successful outcome is expected by the end of 2008.

Career Opportunities

In some organisations, graduates may be competitive for senior social worker and middle management positions.

Additional Course Expenses

Digital audio recorder for interviewing practice units.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
311682	v.1	Behavioural Science 571	9.0	25.0
311683	v.1	SW531 Statutory Social Work	9.0	25.0
311684	v.1	SW521 Counselling and Interpersonal Practice Skills	9.0	25.0
311686	v.1	SW511 Contextualising Social Work	9.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
311685	v.1	SP503 Shaping Social Policy	9.0	25.0
311687	v.1	SW563 Social Work Field Education- Practice 1	9.0	75.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
11462	v.2	SW 534 - Advanced Practice - Reflexivity in Practice	2.0	25.0
2803	v.6	Law (Social Issues) 210	3.0	25.0
307046	v.2	SW 601- Community Development Theory and Practice I	3.0	25.0
7522	v.8	Research Methods 602	2.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
13196	v.4	Working in Aboriginal Contexts 300	3.0	25.0
311681	v.1	Working in Human Service Organisations 601	9.0	25.0
311689	v.1	SP602 Contemporary Social Policy	9.0	25.0
311690	v.1	SW624 Advanced Practice Skills	9.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 3 Quarter 1
311688	v.1	SW663 Social Work Field Education- Practice 2	9.0	75.0
				75.0