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SWK315 - Social Work Practice in Mental Health

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Social Work

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

SWK101, SWK102, SWK313 and SWK302

Unit Description

This unit identifies and critiques contemporary discourses in the construction of mental health, the psychosocial theories and evidence-base of social interventions for individuals, families and communities. Students will evaluate the deficit and medical models of mental health and consider how oppression, stigma and environmental factors contribute to barriers to the provision of mental health social work services in a range of settings both nationally and globally. This unit examines the legal, social and political contexts of social work practice in mental health. Students will develop the required knowledge and skills for social work practice in mental health.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critique the legal and social policy discourses that influence the construction of mental health.
2.	Identify and apply both micro and macro levels of intervention within mental health social work practice.
3.	Critically evaluate the impact of oppression, stigma and other barriers to the delivery of mental health services within the Australian context.
4.	Identify and apply ways of working with multiple service providers to enhance life experiences and access to mental health services for all members of the community.
5.	Analyse how conceptualisations of mental health impact on the lived experience and general well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Quiz (40 minutes)	10%	1,2,3
2.	Case Study (1000 words)	40%	3,4,5
3.	Essay (2000 words)	50%	1,2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2025 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)