Skip to Main Content
Catalogue Link
<a href="/ords/r/curriculum/catalogue/home" class="t-Header-logo-link"><span class="apex-logo-text">Handbook</span></a>
Hidden Page Items
New
7
New
HE Unit Template
New
Foundations of Social Work Theory
New
MSWPG7101 - Foundations of Social Work Theory
New
20250200
New
New
New
New
Course
New
Unit
New
New
2.3
New
New
2026-09-10
New
2026-09-10
New
Social Work, Community & Human Services
New
New
New
New
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
New
Social Work, Community & Human Services
New
Postgraduate - Coursework
New
15
New
New
.125
New
090501
New
Social Work
New
090501 - Social Work
New
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/mswpg7101">View unit fees</a>
New
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
New
9
New
Masters Degree
New
Introductory
New
New
New
New
0
New
New
New
New
New
false
New
New
New
<p>This unit introduces students to social work theories but also broadly to the human services context. It introduces students to the multidisciplinary knowledge base of social work by exploring major influencing theories including, psychosocial theory, human development theories, critical theory, radical and feminist theories and anti-oppressive approaches. It critically explores the history of social work with a particular focus on the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations People and Communities. It also introduces students to the Australian Association of Social Work Practice Standards, that is areas of practice, fields of practice and ethical codes. It exposes students to what it means to be a ‘Critical Practitioner’ and how to recognise and work at various levels, namely micro, meso and macro. It emphasises the intersection between values, norms and ethical dimensions of social work practice.</p>
New
New
<p>Topics may include: The Complex History of Social Work Historical development of the profession of social work and the context of the human service sector Contemporary trends in the sector Historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by First Nations People and Communities Setting the scene – a). Methods of social work intervention, including counselling, community work, policy development and social action; b). Fields of practice, including family violence, aged care, child protection, mental health, youth studies etc. Social Work Theories that Inform Practice Multidisciplinary nature of social work theories (influences from psychology, sociology, political, social policy etc). Theories in Social Work Practice: a). Problem solving theories: Cognitive- Behavioural therapy, Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing, Human Development Theories, Systems Theories; b). Empowerment Theories: Strengths and solutions, Narrative Practice, Humanistic and Existential Theories and Social Justice and Empowerment c). Change Theories- Radical & Critical Social Work, Feminist practice, Anti-Oppressive practice- Introducing the Sector: Role of a Practitioner Values and ethics of practice Ethical theories, codes and principles (including the AASW code of ethics and practice standards) Understanding the self as human and as a social worker Understanding the others you may work with and being aware of language and discourse What it means to be a critical practitioner – reflecting on personal values <br>
Topics may include: 1. psychosocial theory, life course theory, critical theory, radical and feminist theory, postmodern theory and anti-oppressive approaches 2. Areas of Practice: working with children and families, cross-cultural context, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. 3. Reflecting on the role of social work profession</p>
New
true
New
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
New
true
Hidden Page Items
Semester
Semester
0200
Year
Year
2027
Current Year
2026
Breadcrumb Positioning
Handbook
MSWPG7101 - Foundations of Social Work Theory
Pseudo Breadcrumb
MSWPG7101 - Foundations of Social Work Theory
Breadcrumb Type
Unit
Catalogue Term and Year
Version Text
You are viewing a version for
Semester
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Semester
Year
2027
2026
Download PDF
RDS Holder
Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
Parent Region
Overview
Unit description
<p>This unit introduces students to social work theories but also broadly to the human services context. It introduces students to the multidisciplinary knowledge base of social work by exploring major influencing theories including, psychosocial theory, human development theories, critical theory, radical and feminist theories and anti-oppressive approaches. It critically explores the history of social work with a particular focus on the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations People and Communities. It also introduces students to the Australian Association of Social Work Practice Standards, that is areas of practice, fields of practice and ethical codes. It exposes students to what it means to be a ‘Critical Practitioner’ and how to recognise and work at various levels, namely micro, meso and macro. It emphasises the intersection between values, norms and ethical dimensions of social work practice.</p>
Unit content
<p>Topics may include: The Complex History of Social Work Historical development of the profession of social work and the context of the human service sector Contemporary trends in the sector Historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by First Nations People and Communities Setting the scene – a). Methods of social work intervention, including counselling, community work, policy development and social action; b). Fields of practice, including family violence, aged care, child protection, mental health, youth studies etc. Social Work Theories that Inform Practice Multidisciplinary nature of social work theories (influences from psychology, sociology, political, social policy etc). Theories in Social Work Practice: a). Problem solving theories: Cognitive- Behavioural therapy, Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing, Human Development Theories, Systems Theories; b). Empowerment Theories: Strengths and solutions, Narrative Practice, Humanistic and Existential Theories and Social Justice and Empowerment c). Change Theories- Radical & Critical Social Work, Feminist practice, Anti-Oppressive practice- Introducing the Sector: Role of a Practitioner Values and ethics of practice Ethical theories, codes and principles (including the AASW code of ethics and practice standards) Understanding the self as human and as a social worker Understanding the others you may work with and being aware of language and discourse What it means to be a critical practitioner – reflecting on personal values <br> Topics may include: 1. psychosocial theory, life course theory, critical theory, radical and feminist theory, postmodern theory and anti-oppressive approaches 2. Areas of Practice: working with children and families, cross-cultural context, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. 3. Reflecting on the role of social work profession</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Social Work, Community & Human Services
Study level:
Postgraduate - Coursework
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
090501 - Social Work
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/mswpg7101">View unit fees</a>
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
None
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
K1
<p>Develop a conceptual and practical understanding of key theories that underpin a variety of Social Work practice frameworks;</p>
K2
<p>Demonstrate understanding of the relationships between various theoretical perspectives from studies in philosophy, sociology and psychology and their place in Social Work practice;</p>
K3
<p>Examine the history of, and current challenges in the profession of Social Work, including the contribution of the profession to the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by First Nations People and Communities;</p>
K4
<p>Develop beginning understanding of methods of social work intervention, including, counselling, community work, policy development and social action;</p>
K5
<p>Examine ethical codes, theories and principles and how they impact on social work practice and;</p>
K6
<p>Critically reflect on social work professional identity by examining how personal and professional values impact on social work practice.</p>
S1
<p>Identify the key theoretical approaches that inform social work practice;</p>
S2
<p>Locate and contrast the multi-disciplinary influences that inform the development of social work theories;</p>
S3
<p>Understand the historical context of social work profession and its impact on contemporary social work practice;</p>
S4
<p>Recognise varied methods of social work intervention in a variety of social work settings and;</p>
S5
<p>Develop critical reflection skills as the basis of for self-reflection and professional development as a social work practitioner.</p>
A1
<p>Develop skills in independently researching and identifying appropriate theoretical frameworks for supporting a range of ethical and effective Social Work practices;</p>
A2
<p>Utilise an evidence base in combination with critical reflection to theorise about Social Work practice frameworks;</p>
A3
<p>Develop capacity to systematically and creatively explore social work professional identity and its influence on individual social work practice and;</p>
A4
<p>Critically reflect upon the self and the impacts of personal and professional values on social work practice.</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
Ref
Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Learning exercises will explore key concepts covered in unit material, including developing an understanding of critical reflection as a tool for developing professional identity. Critical learning exercises will involve a wide variety of audio-visual/reading and case study resources.</p>
<p>Learning Portfolio</p>
<p>30%-40%</p>
K1, K3, K4, K5, K6, S3, S4, S5, A3, A4
2
<p>Students will complete a quiz based on pre-seminar and face-to-face learning activities. Hurdle Assessment: All students are required to complete the Academic Integrity Module before the submission of the quiz.</p>
<p>Quiz</p>
<p>20%-30%</p>
K3, K4, K5, S2, S3, S4
3
<p>Using a case study as the basis for your discussion, critically evaluate how social work theories inform and influence social work practice.</p>
<p>Essay</p>
<p>40%-50%</p>
K1, K2, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, A1, A2, A3
Supplementary assessment available:
Yes
Supplementary assessment information:
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Social Work, Community & Human Services
Study level:
Postgraduate - Coursework
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
090501 - Social Work
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/mswpg7101">View unit fees</a>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: MSWPG7101 - U2.3