GCSCS6002 Historical and contemporary issues in social welfare

This unit develops an understanding of the historical philosophical, and socio-political foundations of social and community services work in Australia and internationally with a focus on First Nations¿ perspectives. It explores the evolution of community services with an emphasis on perspectives and addresses key debates such as social responsibility roles and obligations of professionals as defined by the Children Youth and Families Act 2007, Family Violence Protection Act 2008 and Family Law Act 1975 (including Family Law Amendment Act 2024). International Charters on Human Rights, Indigenous Rights and Children¿s Rights are also considered. Students examine family violence as a major public health issue and ways that family violence can disrupt individual, family and social development and engagement with social and community services. Family violence is contextualised using an intersectional approach to examine how prejudice and discrimination against marginalised groups of people, especially First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ communities, and people with disabilities etc. impacts adverse outcomes for adults experiencing family violence and children experiencing family violence. Applying a First Nations, decolonial, anti-oppressive lens, the unit also explores the impacts of colonisation on First Nations¿ peoples, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander peoples¿, and invites students to reflect on culturally responsive approaches that prioritise self-determination and recognize, and respond appropriately to, intergenerational trauma.

Course or unit outline

Credit points

EFTSL

0.125

Band

Social Work Prof Pathway

Field of Education

Human Welfare Studies and Services, n.e.c. (090599)

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).

2026 contribution amount* $2,175
2026 grandfathered contribution amount^ $997

^ If you are a continuing student who commenced your course before 1 January 2021, you will continue paying the same amount as you would have, had legislative reforms not been implemented, for any units that would otherwise have an increased student contribution amount.

* For Psychology and Social Work bands the unit fee amount is determined by accredited courses. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should refer to the information below.

Social Work Professional Pathway CSP unit fees

For the Social Work Professional Pathway band, the student contribution is determined by the unit Field of Education (FOE) code as well as the course in which you are enrolled. Only approved courses are eligible for the Social Work Professional Pathway fee.

2026 Social Work Professional Pathway $1,192
2026 grandfathered Social Work Professional Pathway $997

This fee band is for Human Welfare Studies and Services units (FOE code starting with 0905) in the Bachelor of Community and Human Services, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (Children and Families).

Students enrolled in courses not approved for this fee will pay the standard student contribution above. Check our CSP page for more details.

Domestic full fee–paying places

A domestic full fee–paying place is one that isn’t subsidised by the Australian Government. These places are offered to postgraduate students or those who are ineligible for a CSP. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees, which means individual unit fees vary according to the degree. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

International full fee–paying places

International tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about international tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.