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Unit of study_
SCWK3012: Health and Social Inequalities
2026 unit information
In this unit, students will examine and explore the social and cultural determinants of health, with a view to understanding the role of social work across diverse health settings, structures and systems. Key health issues will be discussed including substance use, models of care and intersectional health needs and responses. Social work perspectives and practices will be utilised in creating a professional understanding and culturally safe approach to working in and across health.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Arts and Social Sciences
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Social Work |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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96 credit points including SCWK2006 and SCWK2007 and SCWK2008 and SCWK2009 and SCWK2010 |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of health inequalities in the context of social, cultural, political and structural determinants of health
- LO2. Critically analyse the application of social work theories to health equity in diverse fields of practice (e.g Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, working with diverse ethnic minority communities, community development, mental health, drug and alcohol, disability services, child and family services, criminal legal, homelessness, refugees and people seeking asylum, working with older people, working in rural and remote communities).
- LO3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the regulatory power of social work and a commitment to working with cultural humility
- LO4. Apply collaborative teamwork skills and critically reflect on own practice in teamwork
- LO5. Articulate complex health equity issues using effective verbal and written communication
- LO6. Practice in alignment with social work values and ethics
Unit availability
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