Online Courses Handbook 2003

300254 v.2 Master of Social Work

Introduction
This course provides social work graduates with theoretical perspectives and practice competencies at an advanced level. It covers a range of social work knowledge and skills, including policy development, practice, ethics and supervision of staff and students. The opportunity is given to students to choose between a dissertation or a practical project for evaluation.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
A degree course in social work from a recognised university. Such a course would normally meet the minimum educational requirements for admission to membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Specific Requirements
Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is of three semesters full-time duration or equivalent part-time, with some units scheduled in the evening to meet the requirements of students who are employed. Some units are also available by distance education.

Course Organisation
The course can be undertaken with either a Research or a Practice specialism, thus providing opportunity to focus on contemporary workplace directions. Students may, if they wish, pursue an area of specialisation. This occurs through student choice of options in units Social Work 591 and 592. Students also choose their field of practice or research project. Research Methods 602 is a pre-requisite for the Research specialism, while Professional Evaluation 602 is a prerequisite for the Practice specialism.

Special Note
The School of Social Work and Social Policy is undertaking a review of this program in 2001 - 2003. Prospective students should contact the School for information on the future structure of this program.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

13294 v.2 Communication Skills 511 2.0 25.0

7522 v.8 Research Methods 602 2.0 25.0

OR

300722 v.2 Professional Evaluation 602 2.0 25.0

7535 v.6 Social Policy 503 3.0 25.0

SELECT 1 OPTION 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

11462 v.2 SW 534 - Advanced Practice - Reflexivity in Practice 3.0 25.0

300725 v.3 Professional Practice 635 14.0 50.0

SELECT 1 OPTION 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

4617 v.2 Research Project 692 3.0 50.0

5802 v.5 Family Studies 501 2.0 25.0

7818 v.5 Professional Ethics 501 2.0 25.0

100.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

7829 v.6 Social Work 591 2.0 25.0

304385 v.2 SW 697 - Independent Study 6.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credits

7830 v.5 Social Work 592 3.0 25.0

304392 v.2 SW 698 - Independent Study 6.0 25.0