SCWK6055: Semester 2, 2025

Units SCWK6055 Semester 2 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

SCWK6055: Social Work Masters Dissertation

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation creates a path for students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, through completing an empirical study, drawing on primary data. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is required that students complete SCWK6902 Social Research or an equivalent unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Social Work
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	72 credit points including SCWK6902
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lobna Yassine, lobna.yassine@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Dissertation or thesis	Dissertation A Dissertation is a piece academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work.	100%	Week 12 Due date: 02 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Dec 2025	12, 000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

In order to reach a satisfactory standard, Dissertation students should show evidence of ability to use sources critically and to make interpretations that are balanced and well substantiated. There should also be evidence of skill in the use of research conventions regarding presentation and documentation. The critical review of literature in the dissertation should include current research in the field. Conclusions should flow coherently from the material presented. Assessment of the dissertation is carried out by two examiners. Neither of them will be the supervisor. Sample of Examiners Guidelines Examiners will assess, through the Dissertation document, the extent to which the student has demonstrated:

• Understanding and critical appraisal of the relevant literature;

• Communication of the purpose and scope of the study;

• Articulation of the conceptual framework;

• Application of appropriate research methodologies, including data collection and analysis if relevant;

• Clarity of expression of findings;

• Academic literacy

Development of a coherent argument and/or expression of appropriate conclusions and implications;
Contribution to the knowledge and/or application of knowledge in the chosen field.
Quality of artefacts produced (if applicable).
After the examination process, the overall grade will be indicated according to the following scale:
High Distinction (85-100%)
Distinction (75-84%)
Credit (65-74%)
Pass (50-64%)
Fail (0-49%) Examiners' reports will be made available to the student via the supervisor.

Assessment criteria

High Distinction (85-100%) Distinction (75-84%) Credit (65-74%) Pass (50-64%) Fail (0-49%)

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	Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks	6 x 2 hour workshops to support students completing a dissertation	Workshop (12 hr)
Multiple weeks	12 x 1 hour supervision per student	One-to-one tuition (12 hr)

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.

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. Critically engage with a social work practice or policy problem to develop and apply an appropriate research methodology or analytical approach to address it
LO2. Identify, access and analyse appropriate sources of information, research and literature relevant to social work practice and policy issues
LO3. Undertake primary and secondary research relevant to social work policy or practice
LO4. Communicate research findings verbally and in writing in a way that demonstrates academic and professional competence.

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.

N/A

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links