Available in 2024
Course code

SWRK4500

Units

10 units

Level

4000 level

Course handbook

Description

This is the initial research course in the BSW (Hons). It provides advanced level research skills required for practice and progression to the 4th year Honours Project (SWRK4009). Students will develop a sophisticated understanding of the role that research plays in social work practice and competence in planning a practice-based research study that would inform social work intervention. Students will attain advanced knowledge and skills in qualitative and quantitative methods that may be used in practice-based social research. Ethical issues and critical debates in social work research will also be examined.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Ourimbah

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Newcastle City Precinct

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Understand the role of research in social work practice

2. Critically review the published research.

3. Develop knowledge in research methods and an understanding of when particular methods are most appropriate to answer different types of research questions encountered in social work practice.

4. Gain practical skills in gathering and analysing research data.

5. Develop competence in identifying and appropriately responding to ethical and cultural issues encountered in social work research.

6. Engage in informed debate on social, political, ethical, technical and practical issues surrounding social work research, particularly in relation to diverse cultural groups.

7. Understand and critique the use of evidence based practice in social work.


Content

Topics may include:

  • The role of research in social work practice.
  • Conducting a research project.
  • Ethical and political issues in social work.
  • Critical appraisal of published research.
  • Gathering research data.
  • Analysing research data.
  • Writing a research report.

Review of Progress

This course is a compulsory program requirement and is monitored for academic progress purposes. The course must be completed to progress in the program or meet other program requirements.

Failure or withdrawal from this course will result in students being considered under the Student Academic Progress Procedure.


Requisite

To enrol in this course students must be active in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) [12317], and have successfully completed or be concurrently enrolled in SWRK3002.


Assumed knowledge

Completion of all 2nd year and semester 1 3rd year SWRK courses in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program.


Assessment items

Presentation: Journal Club Oral Presentation

Quiz: Quiz 1

Written Assignment: Literature Review

Quiz: Quiz 2

Report: Research Report


Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.