Unit Catalogue

Back to Unit Search

SWK523 - Social Work Theory for Professional Practice

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Social Work

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

SWK521

Unit Description

In this unit, students are introduced to the theories and approaches in contemporary social work practice. Students will critically analyse the purpose and place of theoretical frameworks in social work professional practice and develop an understanding of macro-level theoretical frameworks. Students will consider theories of power and inequality and link these to the values, ethics, as well as the principles of human rights and social justice that inform social work practice. Students will develop their practice of critical reflection, and explore the relationship between different types of theory and practice and examine their own positionality in relation to theories of identity, intersectionality, race, whiteness, First Nations Peoples and diversity.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically analyse the purpose of theory for defining the purpose, place and decision making in social work practice.
2.	Integrate contemporary theory, perspectives and methods into a social work practice, including theories of ethnicity, race and whiteness, First Nations Peoples, diversity, intersectionality and racism.
3.	Synthesise complex information and apply appropriate social work theories with consideration of cultural constructs and theories of human development.
4.	Critically reflect on values, dominant identity discourses and structures of power, with explicit consideration of the principles of human rights and social justice underpinning social work practice.
5.	Comprehend the relationship between the personal and professional self and the use of social work theory in practice including with First Nations Peoples.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Online quiz (30 minutes)	10%	1,2,3,4
2.	Portfolio (10 - 15 pages)	50%	1,4,5
3.	Essay (2000 words)	40%	2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

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
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)