Unit of Study SWRK3003 Social Work Practice V - Policy and Community Activism (2025)

Unit description

This unit develops students’ knowledge and skills in policy work, recognising that social workers are policy actors who make an important contribution to a range of policy making activities. Drawing upon social work values and theories of policy making, students will critically analyse contemporary social policies and consider their impacts on disadvantaged people and communities. They will also learn how to collaborate with other policy actors, foster community activism and devise strategies to advocate for more socially just policies.

Unit content

1. Social work and policy practice
2. Understanding policy issues: evidence, problem framing and ideology
3. Making and influencing policy: processes, institutions and actors
4. Critical policy analysis: making a case for change
5. Policy advocacy, collaboration and activism
6. Developing a policy brief and advocacy plan