Master of Social Work (Applied)

Description
The focus of the course is on mental health and wellbeing and the impact of mental distress on individuals and families/whanau and communities. The course considers the social-ecological context of mental disorders and consequently considers issues around culture and gender, environment, policy and service provision. Students are supported to achieve an understanding of how theory applies to practice via independent learning, scaffolded assessment, online multimedia materials and zoom tutorials. Insights from practitioners with expertise in various areas of mental health are threaded through the course. The course is designed to build on prior knowledge within the social work programme.

Learning outcomes 

1. To analyse the historical development of mental health practices in Aotearoa and internationally, including key shifts in policy and societal expectations in responding to mental distress.
2. To critique the theoretical frameworks for understanding mental distress, approaches to the assessment and diagnosing of mental distress, and responses including evidence-based interventions. 
3. To critically evaluate the impacts of mental distress on individuals, family/whānau, and communities, recognising systemic, cultural, and developmental influences.
4. To critique the implications of inequality, oppression, stigma, and colonisation in shaping mental distress, and articulate the significance of mātauranga Māori and diverse cultural approaches within mental health practice.
5. To examine social work theory and practice in the field of mental health in Aotearoa, the social work role in interprofessional contexts, and express an awareness of practitioner wellbeing.

Description
This course provides a critical analysis of culture, diversity and contemporary debates within Aotearoa New Zealand society. There is a focus on racial diversity and the part that the Treaty of Waitangi plays in developing biculturalism as a precursor to multiculturalism.

Learning outcomes

1. Understand how social work contributes to a range of welfare, health, justice and educational services.
2. Understand the contributions that social work can make to welfare, wellbeing and social change.
3. Critically analyse the role of culture in social work provision.
4. Critically analyse the influence of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi in social work provision.

Description
This course provides the theoretical and methodological foundation to the programme. A major component is a review and analysis of major theories and models that influence social work practice. Social work process is explored in relation to these theoretical underpinnings. Finally, practice modalities relevant to family, group and community work are considered. These studies will be integrated with methods and analysis from policy, cross-cultural and contextual perspectives.

Learning outcomes

1. Understand how social work contributes to a range of welfare, health, justice, and educational services.
2. Understand the contributions that social work can make to welfare, wellbeing and social change.
3. Understand the range of perspectives that inform social work practice.
4. Understand the integrative nature of purpose, values, skills and knowledge in informing social work practice.
5. Appreciate how professional values interact with social systems to result in ethical outcomes.
6. Appreciate the role of culture in social work provision.
7. Appreciate the influence of the Treaty of Waitangi in social work provision.
8. Critically understand a range of theories and models that inform practice. 
9. Articulate the dynamics and transformation in families, groups, and communities.
10. Develop knowledge and skills that enable students to: 
    • establish effective relationships with help-seekers and those who are referred for assistance
    • assess factors contributing to presenting problems
    • plan appropriate ways both to work with persons and to address identified issues
    • implement an intervention plan in conjunction with clients and other significant persons and services 
    • bring professional involvement to an appropriate and effective end.

Description
The Principles and Skills course integrates the principles of social work with the study of practice and technique. A framework for social work practice is introduced, comprising values, ethics, perspectives, and practices. This framework is used as the context for the development of skills in relation to practice in individual, family, group, and community development contexts. Skill development and analysis will take place in a series of labs, where practice is considered in relation to context and diversity. The concept of supervision is introduced and applied in these labs.

Learning outcomes

1. To identify and practice the micro- skills required for work with individuals, families and in the community.
2. To describe the social work helping process.
3. To demonstrate the role and tasks of social work through case scenarios and observation.

Description
This course provides an introduction to research in social work. The goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the kinds of research conducted in the social work field. The course examines positionality, general steps in the research process, research design, kaupapa Māori research methods, problem formulation, ethical considerations, and critical analysis of research related to social work practice.

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse the key conceptual, cultural and ethical considerations for research in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
2. Critically evaluate research findings for social work practice.
3. Examine the connection between research and social work practice.
4. Analyse key contributions to knowledge made by qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research.

Description
This course covers the fundamentals of social work research, including: problem formulation; ethical considerations; sampling and measurement; varieties of research methods; data analysis and, dissemination and distribution of research knowledge related to social work. The aims of the course are to prepare students to interpret social work-research, as well as the background to undertake supervised research. Students will gain skills to apply and articulate research design and methodological decisions while developing a research proposal.

Learning outcomes

1. Evaluate the application of a range of qualitative and quantitative strategies for research design and methodology for social work research practice.
2. Apply quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods methodological frameworks and research methods.
3. Articulate and justify specific research decisions and methods and their relevance to social work practice.
4. Apply research skills to the development of a research proposal.

Description
Field experience of 60 days in social service agencies under the guidance of accredited field educators. Teaching and learning methods seek to facilitate an effective framework for initial practice, guided by the Social Workers Registration Board 10 core competencies. Students enrolled in SOWK 671 must provide attestations as to character and suitability for continuing practice and agree to practice and be bound by the Code of Ethics of the New Zealand Association of Social Workers and the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board's registration: Fit and Proper Person Policy. Students enrolled in this course whose circumstances change in regard to character or suitability must inform the course co-ordinator immediately. Changes in circumstances, whether notified by the student or others, may result in the student being required to undergo a re-assessment arranged by the Head of Department. Registered social work field educators and individual students on placement are supported by a designated teaching liaison person.

Learning outcomes

1. Understanding of the social, political, and economic context in which social work is practiced in the placement agency. 
2. Understanding of the service the placement agency provides, the role of social workers, and the tasks they perform.
3. Ability to apply the social work process in forming a working relationship with individuals and/or families and/or whanau and/or groups and/or communities and/or iwi. 
4. Ability to practice social work in the placement agency according to its systems and protocols, and the social work roles carried out. 
5. Awareness of one’s own attitudes and values, social analysis, limitations, and strengths in relation to the specific tasks undertaken on placement and an understanding of the professional orientation of social work, including the code of ethics.
6. Ability to make effective use of the teaching and learning opportunities provided on placement. 
7. Ability to assimilate all the above into one’s development as a social worker. 

Description
Field experience of 60 days in social service agencies under the guidance of accredited field educators. Teaching and learning methods seek to facilitate an effective framework for initial practice, guided by the Social Workers Registration Board 10 core competencies. Students enrolled in SOWK 671 must provide attestations as to character and suitability for continuing practice and agree to practice and be bound by the Code of Ethics of the New Zealand Association of Social Workers and the New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board's registration: Fit and Proper Person Policy. Students enrolled in this course whose circumstances change in regard to character or suitability must inform the course co-ordinator immediately. Changes in circumstances, whether notified by the student or others, may result in the student being required to undergo a re-assessment arranged by the Head of Department. Registered social work field educators and individual students on placement are supported by a designated teaching liaison person.

Learning outcomes

1. Understanding of the social, political, and economic context in which social work is practiced in the placement agency. 
2. Understanding of the service the placement agency provides, the role of social workers, and the tasks they perform.
3. Ability to apply the social work process in forming a working relationship with individuals and/or families and/or whanau and/or groups and/or communities and/or iwi. 
4. Ability to practice social work in the placement agency according to its systems and protocols, and the social work roles carried out. 
5. Awareness of one’s own attitudes and values, social analysis, limitations, and strengths in relation to the specific tasks undertaken on placement and an understanding of the professional orientation of social work, including the code of ethics. 
6. Ability to make effective use of the teaching and learning opportunities provided on Placement. 
7. Ability to assimilate all the above into one’s development as a social worker.

Description
This course is specifically designed for students with a demonstrated ability to conduct advanced research and/or progress to thesis writing. The course requires students to demonstrate the application of their knowledge and understanding in relation to a specific social work issue and to take an active role in developing an investigation for the benefit of a wider audience. The course will require students to plan a small scale research project and complete a research report.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically analyse social science research traditions and design strategies that affect knowledge development for social work research and practice.
2. Highly developed skills needed for self-directed, independent social work research.
3.  Critically evaluate components of ethical research practice.
4. Critically analyse knowledge and application of bicultural and multicultural components necessary for the completion of a practice research project.
5. Demonstrate advanced skills for engagement with a practice research community.
6. Plan and conduct a research project that is philosophically, methodologically and ethically congruent for a specialised social work context or issue.
7. Demonstrate advanced capacity to articulate ideas and analysis orally and in writing.