Skip to Main Content
Catalogue Link
<a href="/ords/r/dev/fed_occ/home" class="t-Header-logo-link"><span class="apex-logo-text">Handbook</span></a>
Hidden Page Items
New
7
New
HE Unit Template
New
Social Work Research
New
BSWUG4004 - Social Work Research
New
20250100
New
New
New
New
Course
New
Unit
New
New
2.3
New
New
2026-06-16
New
2026-06-16
New
Social Work, Community & Human Services
New
New
New
New
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
New
Social Work, Community & Human Services
New
New
15
New
New
.125
New
090501
New
Social Work
New
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/bswug4004">090501 - Social Work</a>
New
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
New
7
New
Bachelor Degree
New
Advanced
New
New
New
New
1
New
New
New
New
New
false
New
New
New
<p>This unit requires students to develop research as a resource for social work practice. It introduces students to research paradigms, methodologies, methods and strategies that are necessary to undertake research and evaluation in a practice or an academic context. Students will learn to examine the nature of evidence by evaluating existing research and/or evidence and unpack the ways in which it has been produced and for what purpose and how it informs their practice. Furthermore, students will learn techniques, such as designing a research project, recognising ethical dilemmas in undertaking research, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings.</p>
New
New
<p>This unit requires students to develop research as a resource for social work practice. It introduces students to research paradigms, methodologies, methods and strategies that are necessary to undertake research and evaluation in a practice or an academic context. Students will learn to examine the nature of evidence by evaluating existing research and/or evidence and unpack the ways in which it has been produced and for what purpose and how it informs their practice. Furthermore, students will learn techniques, such as designing a research project, recognising ethical dilemmas in undertaking research, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Topics may include:</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>What is Research?</strong></p>
<p>What is Research: Varied contexts and purposes of research in social work.</p>
<p>Different ways of knowing/Philosophy of Research</p>
<p>What is evidence and how is it framed in social work practice and research?</p>
<p>Ethical codes and principles that underpin research including, National Human Medical Research Council guidelines and the Australian Association of Social Work Code of Ethics (2020).</p>
<p>What are literature Reviews?</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>Social Work Research Methodologies</strong></p>
<p>Qualitative and Quantitative methodologies</p>
<p>Emancipatory Research Evidence based Practice (EBP)</p>
<p>Service Users and Research</p>
<p>Practice Research</p>
<p>Anti Oppressive Research Practices</p>
<p>Evidenced Based practice</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>Developing a Research Proposal</strong></p>
<p>Components of the Research Design Process: research question, research methodology, Concepts/Variables, Developing a standpoint, ethical consideration etc.</p>
<p>Developing a Research Proposal</p>
New
true
New
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
New
true
Hidden Page Items
Semester
Semester
0200
Year
Year
2026
Current Year
2026
Breadcrumb Positioning
Handbook
BSWUG4004 - Social Work Research
Pseudo Breadcrumb
BSWUG4004 - Social Work Research
Breadcrumb Type
Unit
Catalogue Term and Year
Version Text
You are viewing a version for
Semester
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Semester
Year
2026
Download PDF
RDS Holder
Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
FedTASK
Parent Region
Overview
Unit description
<p>This unit requires students to develop research as a resource for social work practice. It introduces students to research paradigms, methodologies, methods and strategies that are necessary to undertake research and evaluation in a practice or an academic context. Students will learn to examine the nature of evidence by evaluating existing research and/or evidence and unpack the ways in which it has been produced and for what purpose and how it informs their practice. Furthermore, students will learn techniques, such as designing a research project, recognising ethical dilemmas in undertaking research, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings.</p>
Unit content
<p>This unit requires students to develop research as a resource for social work practice. It introduces students to research paradigms, methodologies, methods and strategies that are necessary to undertake research and evaluation in a practice or an academic context. Students will learn to examine the nature of evidence by evaluating existing research and/or evidence and unpack the ways in which it has been produced and for what purpose and how it informs their practice. Furthermore, students will learn techniques, such as designing a research project, recognising ethical dilemmas in undertaking research, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Topics may include:</p> <p><br></p> <p><strong>What is Research?</strong></p> <p>What is Research: Varied contexts and purposes of research in social work.</p> <p>Different ways of knowing/Philosophy of Research</p> <p>What is evidence and how is it framed in social work practice and research?</p> <p>Ethical codes and principles that underpin research including, National Human Medical Research Council guidelines and the Australian Association of Social Work Code of Ethics (2020).</p> <p>What are literature Reviews?</p> <p><br></p> <p><strong>Social Work Research Methodologies</strong></p> <p>Qualitative and Quantitative methodologies</p> <p>Emancipatory Research Evidence based Practice (EBP)</p> <p>Service Users and Research</p> <p>Practice Research</p> <p>Anti Oppressive Research Practices</p> <p>Evidenced Based practice</p> <p><br></p> <p><strong>Developing a Research Proposal</strong></p> <p>Components of the Research Design Process: research question, research methodology, Concepts/Variables, Developing a standpoint, ethical consideration etc.</p> <p>Developing a Research Proposal</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Social Work, Community & Human Services
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/bswug4004">090501 - Social Work</a>
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
None
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
K1
<p>Appraise the major research traditions relevant to Social Work</p>
K2
<p>Understand the interrelationships between epistemology, ontology, theoretical perspectives, methodology and methods;</p>
K3
<p>Critically appraise research methodologies and their application in social work research;</p>
K4
<p>Determine and differentiate between ethical issues pertinent to research in Social Work contexts and;</p>
K5
<p>Design research proposal by applying knowledge of the research processes, including, methodologies/methods and ethical considerations.</p>
S1
<p>Independent research, time management and planning skills;</p>
S2
<p>Skills in evaluating various techniques for gathering and analysing data, including qualitative and quantitative approaches;</p>
S3
<p>Identify potential ethical issues relating to participant engagement, data collection, data analysis and dissemination of findings;</p>
S4
<p>Investigate, evaluate, analyse and synthesise concepts and issues pertaining to research for Social Work contexts;</p>
S5
<p>Written and verbal communication skills for the appropriate dissemination of research to a range of audiences and;</p>
S6
<p>Competence in accessing and utilising databases and evidence to research practice issues.</p>
A1
<p>Determine the most appropriate research methods for inquiry in a given Social Work context;</p>
A2
<p>Critically evaluate the usefulness and validity of research data for Social Work practice</p>
A3
<p>Develop skills in conducting a literature search, and writing up a literature review investigating a given topic in Social Work research</p>
A4
<p>Develop competence and creativity in developing the design and articulating a proposal for a Social Work research project</p>
A5
<p>Develop competence in completing an appropriate ethics application for research involving humans</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
Ref
Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Critical learning exercises will explore key concepts and ethical considerations of research covered in the unit using a range of written and/or oral activities. Hurdle Assessment: Complete the Research Integrity Module. Upon completion print the certificate of completion.</p>
<p>Learning Portfolio</p>
<p>15%-30%</p>
K1, K2, K4, S3, S4, S5, A2, A5
2
<p>Students can choose any social work topic and critically evaluate the evidence informing practice, identify a gap in the literature, and develop a clear statement of the problem that needs further investigation.</p>
<p>Literature Review</p>
<p>30%-45%</p>
K3, S1, S4, S6, A2, A3
3
<p>Students are required to design a research proposal that includes aims/objectives. research questions, concepts/variables, methodologies, methods and ethical considerations.</p>
<p>Research Proposal</p>
<p>35%-50%</p>
K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3, S5, A1, A4, A5
Supplementary assessment available:
Yes
Supplimentary assessment information:
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
FedTASK
FedTASK
<p>Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FedTASKs (<strong>T</strong>ransferable <strong>A</strong>ttributes <strong>S</strong>kills and <strong>K</strong>nowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key, transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and co-operative learning opportunities.</p>
FedTASK
Description of FedTASK outcome
Level
FedTASK 1: Interpersonal
The ability to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups.
<p>Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor</p>
FedTASK 2: Leadership
The ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others.
<p>Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines</p>
FedTASK 3: Critical Thinking and Creativity
The ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using imagination to create new ideas.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK 4: Digital Literacy
The ability to work fluently across a range of tools and applications to achieve a range of skills.
<p>Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor</p>
FedTASK 5: Sustainable and Ethical Mindset
The ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions.
<p>Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Social Work, Community & Human Services
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/bswug4004">090501 - Social Work</a>
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Disclaimer
<em>Information in the Federation Handbook is correct at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to alter any course, unit, procedure or fee.</em>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: BSWUG4004 - U2.3