Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW400
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
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Develop your understanding of the biopsychosocial needs and challenges of marginalised and/or disadvantaged groups within the broader community.
In this unit, you will explore the complex interplay of psychological, sociological, political and policy frameworks as they relate to service provision in Australia.
Using diverse real-life scenarios, you will apply different theoretical approaches to critique varied service delivery needs. You will also focus on the impact of lack of adequate social and health services, learn about the needs of Indigenous, migrant and rural communities, and address the portrayal of marginalised groups in the mainstream media.
If you are studying online, a mandatory intensive school allows you to put your theoretical knowledge to the test by identifying key issues in a relevant case study, engage in face-to-face learning and interact with your peers.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | Dates to be advised. ONLINE students must attend the on campus MANDATORY intensive school for the unit. This face-to-face intensive is held over a 4-day period at UNE’s Armidale campus. |
TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | Dates to be advised. ONLINE students must attend the on campus MANDATORY intensive school for the unit. This face-to-face intensive is held over a 4-day period at UNE’s Armidale campus. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically analyse key elements in a case study relevant for further investigation;
- appraise social work theories in regard to the service delivery needs of a particular group;
- deconstruct the ways in which the media portray issues relating to marginalised and/or disadvantaged groups;
- articulate a social worker's role in responding to disadvantage and/or marginalisation; and
- generate ways of communicating ideas on addressing disadvantage to a diversity of audiences through a range of media.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Written assessment No. Words: 750 |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Group Work assessment. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Engaging with Social Work: A Critical Introduction
ISBN: 9781108452816
Morley, C., Macfarlane, S. and Ablett, P., Cambridge University Press 2nd ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Australia's Welfare Wars: The Players, the Politics and the Ideologies
ISBN: 9781742234786
Mendes, P., UNSW Press 3rd ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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