Social Policy for Social Work Practice (SCWK90065)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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February
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This subject will give students a foundational understanding of the policy context in which they live and practice, and develop their capacity to critically read, analyse and evaluate the impact of policy in everyday lives. It will give an overview of the historical development of social policy and engage students in critical debates about the systems and policy solutions produced. It will introduce key concepts and intellectual debates in contemporary social policy and provide a framework for policy analysis that can be used in critical policy assessment. The role of social workers in social policy development and advocacy will be explored. Students will develop an increased awareness of the influence of the broader policy environment and develop the capacity to advocate for change in their work with individuals, groups and communities.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge 
On completion of the subject, students should be able to: 

  • Describe the role of social policy in social work practice;
  • Identify key frameworks for analysing social policy and creating social policy advocacy;
  • Describe the ways in which social policy is made in the Australian and international contexts; and
  • Identify key areas of current social policy and the impact they are having on the wellbeing of individuals and families.

Skills
On completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • Utilise social policy and advocacy analysis frameworks to evaluate the development of social policy;
  • Display argument formation and critical reasoning in relation to social policy analysis and use of policy analysis frameworks; and
  • Create pieces of social policy advocacy to effect social policy change.

Application of Knowledge and Skills
On completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate areas of social policy and utilise policy and advocacy analysis skills to communicate how policy change can impact the wellbeing of individuals and families.

Generic skills

Students who complete this subject should be able to:

  • critically analyse texts and practices;
  • link theory to practice;
  • competently communicate in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;
  • undertake independent research.

Last updated: 4 March 2025