Outline

Overview

This is the first part of a field education practicum of 80 days. Field Education is a core component in all social work degree programs. The 80 days of second placement comprising SCWK5005 Practice Learning 2A and SCWK5006 Practice Learning 2B and the seminars provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the theory/practice relationship, the development of advanced social work practice knowledge, skills and values as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and Faculty staff.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Social Work
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	SCWK5010 and SCWK5004 and 12 additional credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Margaret Spencer, margaret.spencer@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 May 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Mid-placement presentation Report	0%	Multiple weeks	30-minute presentation equival.2,000 wds	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Learning plan Placement learning plan	0%	Multiple weeks	2,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

A detailed description of each assessment task will be provided on Canvas.

These assessment reflect the progressive requirements for Placement Learning 2A (SCWK5005) and Placement Learning 2B (SCWK5006).

Hand-signed copies of each written assessment submission should be scanned and uploaded to Canvas.

Learning Plan: Your Learning Plan (LP) should relate to the 8 AASW Practice Standards (2013) and be set out in the template provided to you in class. It should reflect your learning goals for the placement and include specific tasks (strategies) which will assist you to meet those goals. You should begin to draft the LP within the first two weeks of placement, and discuss it in supervision with your Field Educator (FE), and external social work supervisor if you have one. The LP is due by Day 15 of your placement.
Mid-placement report: At the mid placement visit the student will give a 30 minute presentation on tiheir placment. Q&A for a further 30 mintues. with the class teacher and field educaotrs
Group presentation: The presentation task requires a group of students to facilitate a 30-minute class discussion, which may include related activities of the group’s choice, based on two academic articles taken from the recommended reading list for that week. The discussion should encourage all students in the class to consider the extent to which the topic and chosen readings contribute to their understanding of their own placement and other diverse social work fields of practice.
End of placement report: The end of placement report is written as a final reflection on your learning throughout the placement. Refer to the Field Education Handbook for specific content. It should include comments by your FE, and external SW supervisor if you have one, and be signed by them and you.
Placement portfolio: The placement portfolio should include all of the following documents: Cover sheet/checklist, Learning Plan, Mid-placement Liaison Visit Summary, Mid-placement Report, End-of -placement Report and signed timesheet.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Integration of Learning	Seminar (3 hr)
	Integration of Learning	Seminar (3 hr)
	Integration of Learning	Seminar (3 hr)
	Integration of Learning	Seminar (3 hr)
	Integration of learning	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Getting Started: Preplacement Class	Seminar (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at all seminars is compulsory. Failure to attend will require doing make-up work.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas Site

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a deepening knowledge of concepts central to the social work discipline and be able to apply these in your practice
LO2. demonstrate the ability to work productively, collaboratively and openly in diverse groups and across cultural boundaries
LO3. demonstrate an ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving to both social work theory and practice
LO4. demonstrate an ability to communicate appropriately and effectively in a range of academic and professional settings including communicating with confidence using oral/written/digital media, communicating effectively and appropriately in both one-on-one and group interactions, being an engaged and reflective listener and collaborating and functioning as an effective team member
LO5. demonstrate a capacity to work effectively in interdisciplinary (including interprofessional) settings
LO6. reflect on your ethical responsibility through committing to core values of professional integrity; principles of social justice and a knowledge of AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This Unit is linked to SCWK5006 Semester 2A. The Assignments to date were all listed in the Unit of Study for SCWK 5005. On the recommendation of FASS, these assessments have been divided, with later assessments included under SCWK5006.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Work, health and safety

See Field Education Handbook 2026

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SCWK5005: Practice Learning 2A

Semester 1b, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links