Social Work FAQ | University of Canberra

The term "Qualifying" in the context of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) signifies that the program is designed to qualify graduates for social work. In essence, the inclusion of "Qualifying" distinguishes UC Online’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) as a program explicitly designed to meet the entry requirements for the social work profession, ensuring that graduates are qualified practitioners.

Field education placements are hands-on, professional social work experiences conducted in various settings such as health, aged care, community services, and more. The term "placement" is commonly used interchangeably with fieldwork or practicum, and in social work, it's often referred to as Field Education.

1000 hours of total placement in two distinct practice fields and two different organisations. 

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Field Education placements consist of 2 units, each totalling 500 hours. Each unit is organised into three study blocks, spanning approximately six months. Students are expected to attend full-time placement, with a minimum of 3-4 days per week, depending on the site and circumstances. The placement team will provide details on the schedule and location in advance of the relevant placement blocks.

Yes, the University can consider placing students in their current place of employment for one of the Field Education placements. However, an agreement must be in place with the employer, ensuring that the placement is supervised by someone else and is conducted in a service or section different from the student's usual role. It's important to note that students in placement cannot be remunerated for the time spent in learning activities during this course of study or for hours counted as placement.

No, remuneration or payment is not provided during field education placements, as students are not considered employees during this period.

Yes, students can express preferences or nominate agencies during the course on a Placement Information Form. However, UC Online makes final decisions about placement allocation, considering factors such as placement availability and partnerships.

UC Online is responsible for sourcing your Field Education Placement. While students are encouraged to participate by suggesting and referring agencies through the Placement Information Form, the placement team handles the sourcing, contacting, and liaising with these agencies. Active student engagement in the placement process increases the likelihood of securing a placement site earlier.

The Field Education Placement Unit orientation takes place three study blocks (6 months) before the unit commences. During the orientation, the Field Education Team outlines the placement requirements. Subsequently, the team maintains semi-regular communication with each student via various methods (e.g., email and phone) to coordinate their placement, including necessary compliance documentation.

There is no specified minimum travel distance for field education placement, but students may need to travel up to 1.5 hours from home. In certain situations, especially in rural areas, travel beyond this distance may be necessary. In rare cases, such as very remote placements, students may need to relocate to an area that can support their learning for the duration of their placement. The field education placement team will coordinate with students before the relevant field education placement unit.

Yes, during the 500-hour Field Education Placement unit, you will receive 14 hours of participation in integrative seminars with the UC Field Education Team and peers. Throughout your placement, you will be supervised by an experienced social worker known as a Field Educator. Additionally, a Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO) will be allocated to you for the entire duration of your placement. Supervision is provided at a rate of 1.5 hours for every 35 hours of placement.

Once their placement is confirmed, a Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO) is assigned to each student. The FELO meets with the student and Field Educator Supervisor at least twice during the placement. They assess the student's field education assessment tasks in collaboration with the field educator supervisor and provide provisional grades.

Field Education placement days are mandatory, and any missed days due to illness must be replaced. Students must provide evidence of illness, such as a doctor's certificate, to the workplace. Additionally, they are expected to communicate their absence professionally and coordinate replacement time or days to make up for the missed hours.

The possibility of extending Field Education due to an inability to complete hours in time will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the UC Placement Team, considering individual circumstances.

Access to UC accommodation for MOSW students during intensives is possible. Students can submit an online application indicating their preference for a 48 or 52-week contract. In the application notes section, students can specify the dates they'd like to book the accommodation. Due to limited availability, it is advisable to apply for more than one accommodation type. The link to accommodation applications is here.

Students can apply for RPL for Units in the MSW(Q). They must demonstrate how their previous formal qualifications, informal learning and/or work experience meet the Unit's learning outcomes. In relation to applying for credit for RPL for a specific unit, the student should provide their evidence to the Unit Convenor. In relation to applying for RPL for multiple units upon entry into the MSW(Q), the student must contact the Head of the Program and provide their portfolio of evidence to them for assessment. Speak to an Enrolment Advisor if you would like more information.

Yes, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for placement, but it is limited to a maximum of one placement only, as per the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). The UC Field Education Placement Team will evaluate RPL applications. RPL can be applied for part or all the first Field Education placement. If approved, the student must complete the Field Education 2 Unit in an organization with onsite supervision by a qualified social worker. Students are allowed to apply and receive RPL for a maximum of one placement only.

No, exams are not part of the assessment for the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program. The standard assessment style includes various types of assessments such as reflections, issue papers, presentations on social work interventions, skill demonstrations (via video), case study analyses, community development projects, application of social work theories into practice, role plays and their analyses, research projects (in stages), policy analysis and reports, portfolio, and placement-related documents such as agreements, reviews, analysis, and reflections.

Completing a Graduate Certificate in Health Studies can offer various career benefits depending on an individual's background, goals, and existing qualifications.
Career benefits may include:

• Specialised Knowledge:
The Graduate Certificate provides focused knowledge in health studies, allowing individuals to develop expertise in this area.
• Professional Development:
It can serve as a valuable form of professional development, enhancing skills and knowledge for those already working in health-related fields.
• Career Advancement:
Individuals may find enhanced opportunities for career advancement within their current field or related areas of health.
• Diversification of Skills:
For those with a diverse skill set, the Graduate Certificate can complement existing qualifications and open doors to broader roles within health-related sectors.

For those seeking substantial career benefits, pursuing the Graduate Diploma or Master's program is recommended.

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