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GCSCS6002 Historical and contemporary issues in social welfare

This unit enables students to develop a critical understanding of the historical and philosophical debates that underpin contemporary social and community services work in Australia and other cross-national contexts. It covers the history of social welfare and long-standing debates on topics such as social responsibility vs social contract; social justice vs charity and the roles and obligations of professionals as defined by International Human Rights Charters, Indigenous Rights, Childrens Rights, and the Victims' Charter Act. Social problems such as poverty, homelessness, displacement and statelessness; gender-based violence, disability and family violence are examined. Students also consider the social, political, legal, historical, cultural and organisational contexts/systems impacting individuals and communities. They also examine complexities related to human behaviour, development and life cycle stages and the impacts of family violence on individuals and communities. A key focus of the course is the application of principles of self-determination and cultural safety in professional practice as informed by an understanding of First Nations cultures and the injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people due to colonisation. Students also consider how colonisation has impacted service delivery and are challenged to reflect on effective and culturally safe ways of working with individuals or communities who have previously experienced trauma.

Credit points
15
EFTSL
0.125
Band
Prof Path

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) unit fee

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Australian Government, which means students only pay the student contribution amount of the tuition fee. CSPs are only available to eligible domestic students.

The student contribution amount depends on the unit and how much funding the Government provides. Each unit is classified into a band based on its discipline (which may be different to your overall course discipline).   

2025 student contribution amount: $2,124


2025 grandfathered student contribution amount (for students who commenced before 1 Jan 2021*): $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.

Clinical Psychology & Professional Pathways 

For Clinical Psychology & Professional Pathways bands, the student contribution amount is determined by the accredited course. Visit our CSP page for further information, including a list of accredited courses. Students not studying in an accredited course will pay the fees listed above. 

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