Overview
The final theory unit in the Bachelor of Social Work course equips you with an advanced understanding of social work theory and its application to real-world practice. Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in Field Education 1 (SOWK13009) and Integrating Theory and Practice 1 (SOWK13010), this unit emphasises the importance of applying research knowledge and skills in addressing the needs and aspirations of individuals, groups, and communities to achieve equitable outcomes. You will demonstrate your capacity to employ research knowledge and skills in your practice, as well as utilising research to inform your professional development. This unit is a co-requisite to SOWK14009 and can only be undertaken concurrently with field education.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: SOWK13009, SOWK13010, SOWK14005, SOWK14006 Corequisite: SOWK14009 Fieldwork Education 2
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Academic teaching staff
Academic teaching staff identified the need to strengthen how evidence-based practice is taught within the unit, particularly in supporting students to respond to practice situations where there is limited or no established evidence base. There was also a need to further embed a social work lens that recognises the integration of research evidence, practitioner expertise, and lived experience, and to better support students to critically engage with dominant evidence hierarchies.
Enhance unit content and delivery, including the 5-day residential school, to further develop students’ understanding and application of evidence-informed practice from a social work perspective, with a specific focus on practice-based evidence, critical appraisal, and decision-making in contexts of uncertainty.
- Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.
- Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
- Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
- Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
The learning outcomes in this unit are aligned with the AASW social work graduate attributes outlined in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2021.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Presentation - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Report - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Poster Sessions - 30% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- CQUniversity Library Resources
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
- CQUniversity Library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity Library Nursing/Midwifery/Social Work Resources
- Australian Standards (through CQU library)
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.mcnamara@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Social Work Evidence-Based Practice
Chapter
Review Moodle site and click on all links.
Readings outlined on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Initial Unit Discussion/Introduction
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Presentation Due: Week 1 Wednesday (15 July 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to CFL Social Work Evidence-Based Practice
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live drop-in Session (Zoom) - Check Moodle site for details.
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Identifying a PAP Social Work Practice Issue
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Developing a Literature Review
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Identifying a PAP Social Work Practice issue
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Formulating your topic and seeking feedback
Live drop-in Session (Zoom) - Check Moodle site for details.
Census Date - Tuesday Week 4
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Research and Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practice Interventions
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Engaging Action Research
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Research and Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practice Interventions
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live drop-in Session (Zoom) - Check Moodle site for details.
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No Timetables Learning Activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Preparation of Poster presentation
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Creating a Visually Appealing and Informative Poster
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Poster Due: Week 7 Wednesday (2 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Transformative Praxis Plan
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Implementation of Transformative Praxis Plan
Live drop-in Session (Zoom) - Check Moodle site for details.
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Applications of Evidence to Practice and Report Writing
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Applications of Evidence to Practice and Report Writing
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live drop-in Session (Zoom) - Check Moodle site for details.
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Synthesising Research Findings
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation Survey - We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Critical Reflective Practice
Chapter
Readings outlined on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live drop-in Session (Zoom) - Check Moodle site for details.
Announcement and Discussion Forum: Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email atleast twice a week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation Survey - We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Report Due: Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies
1 Presentation
The aim of this assessment is to develop your ability to collaboratively apply evidence-based and poverty-aware social work principles to the development and communication of a practice framework for social work in Australia. Drawing on learning from the International Poverty Aware Practice seminar, you will engage in community-focused learning (CFL), critical reflection, and research-informed discussion to co-construct and present a transformative social work approach at the learning intensive that responds to the needs and experiences of people affected by poverty. Through the group work and presentation process at the learning intensive, students will strengthen their capacity to engage in reflective peer supervision, provide constructive feedback, and communicate professional knowledge effectively across diverse practice contexts.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
Students are expected to contribute equitably to the development and delivery of the presentation. Collaboration should occur only within the allocated group and all members are responsible for ensuring the academic integrity of the final submission. Students must engage respectfully in group decision-making, communicate professionally, and acknowledge the contributions of others throughout the CFL process.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning). AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
- Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
- Checking spelling and grammar.
- CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Any use of Gen AI software:
- Must be cited in the relevant sections.
- Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
- You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on slide 2 of your assessment.
Extensions
Extensions are not available as per policy. The 72 hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 1 Wednesday (15 July 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit to Moodle
Week 4 Wednesday (5 Aug 2026)
Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.
- Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
2 Poster Sessions
The aim of this assessment is to undertake an individual practice inquiry informed by action research principles to develop preliminary insights into how poverty is understood and addressed within a social work organisational setting. Building on learning from the Poverty Aware Practice (PAP) learning intensive, you will select one PAP principle to critically analyse organisational responses to poverty, examine the knowledge paradigms informing practice, and identify gaps, tensions, and opportunities for transformative praxis through literature scoping and contextual inquiry. You will also develop a preliminary transformative praxis action plan that will form the basis for Assessment 3, where you will experimentally engage with and critically reflect on the implementation of these approaches within practice. Therefore, it is recommended that you keep a journal of your reflections throughout the placement.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning). AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
- Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
- Checking spelling and grammar.
- CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Any use of Gen AI software:
- Must be cited in the relevant sections.
- Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
- You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on slide 2 of your assessment.
Extensions
Extensions are available as per policy. The 72 hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 7 Wednesday (2 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Moodle
Week 10 Wednesday (23 Sept 2026)
Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Facilitate and engage in peer supervision, demonstrating advanced understanding of social work principles, reflective practice, and constructive feedback.
- Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
- Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
- Communicate effectively, presenting knowledge and ideas in various contexts, and adapt skills to diverse situations.
3 Report
The aim of this assessment is for you to critically reflect on the implementation of transformative Poverty Aware Practice (PAP) strategies within your placement setting or chosen field of practice. Building on the preliminary insights developed in Assessment 2, you will experimentally engage with practice responses informed by transformative praxis and critically evaluate the opportunities, tensions, and challenges arising from this process. Through reflective analysis, you will examine how knowledge paradigms, organisational contexts, and social work values shape the enactment of Poverty Aware Practice and identify implications for your future professional practice and broader social work responses to poverty.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning). AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
- Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
- Checking spelling and grammar.
- CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Any use of Gen AI software:
- Must be cited in the relevant sections.
- Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
- You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on slide 2 of your assessment.
Extensions
Extensions are available as per policy. The 72 hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Moodle
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (21 Oct 2026)
Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Critically analyse and integrate reflective practice frameworks to understand the role of theories, knowledge bases, and knowledge sources in social work practice.
- Select and apply appropriate interventions to address clients' and service users' needs and circumstances, while upholding social work values and ethics.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
