Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skill base necessary for effective entry-level mental health social work practice across many contexts. SWSP7183 has a very practical, skills-based focus, and engages directly with some of the most challenging and confronting areas of practice such as suicide risk assessment and the administration of a Mental State Examination. To this end it is important to note that the course will regularly confront students with discussions of major mental illness, sudden death, suicide, trauma, and child sexual abuse. It is scarcely possible to practise in the field without encountering these phenomena, and part of the experience of studying SWSP7183 will be the need for students to develop individual ways of coping with stressful content. Please note also that the skills focus of the course will require students to engage regularly in role-play activities. SWSP7183 has consistently received strong positive feedback from students as a safe and supportive environment in which to develop the skills necessary for effective practice in mental health. This year will be no exception!
The Master of Social Work (Q) program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The AASW Accreditation Standards (2020) stipulate that accredited social work programs are required to include content that addresses the five core curriculum areas listed below. SWSP7183 contains content in all five curriculum areas.
1. Constructions of social work purpose, place, and practice
2. Power, oppression, and exploitation
3. The history and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
4. Culture, identity, and discrimination
5. Psychosocial health and wellbeing across the lifecycle
Welcome to SWSP7183, Professional Practice in Mental Health.
In this course we will focus on identifying and practising the skills you will need to begin your careers as social workers in the mental health field. Even if you aren't sure whether that work is for you, the skills you'll develop in this course will be useful across a whole range of practice contexts - work in hospitals, child protection, housing, Centrelink; in fact, almost any context in which social workers are employed.The role of social work in the mental health field is complex. We must be simultaneously informed by (and engaged with) dominant bio-medical and psychological understandings of mental illness whileﾠat the same timeﾠrigorously critical of the reductionist and oppressiveﾠpractices to which those understandings can give rise. Core social work analyses of power, access to resources, identity and self-determination are entirely relevant.
Seminars in SWSP7183ﾠare interactive. In order to get the most out ofﾠthis courseﾠyou will need to have done the prescribed reading before the session and come to the class prepared to question, interact and share your thoughts. In a course of 13 weeks we can't hope to cover all the content you need - and the focus on skills further limits the usefulness of a didactic approach. If you just rely on absorbing class content, don't participate,ﾠand ignore the reading material you won't make the most of what this course has to offer in terms of practice preparation.
As a skills-intensive course we build on your experience on first placement and both Direct Practice courses (SWSP7177 & SWSP7188), assuming you have a solid understanding of professional communication, the display of empathy and emotional regulation. We don’t re-teach these in SWSP7183, but youﾠwillﾠneed to use them. In terms of content, it will be very important for you to look over an introductory text on social work in the field as early in the semester as you can. The best one for our purposes isﾠBland, R, Drake, Gﾠ& Drayton, J.ﾠ2021, Social work practice in mental health: An introduction, 3rdﾠedn, Routledge. Make a point of reading it as soon as you can.
A final note:ﾠwe will be addressing some confronting, potentially distressing information and scenariosﾠ- that's the nature of the field and of social work more broadly. But that said, this course is designed as a supportive, safe place to explore evidence, to try out techniques and to share views.ﾠIfﾠyou feel you need support, you can accessﾠUQ student support services atﾠstudent.services@uq.edu.au, or 1300 275 870 (Mon to Fri).ﾠ
I'm looking forward to workingﾠwith you all.
Paddy O'Regan
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
As a postgraduate Masters degree student, you bring to the course experience in research, writing and interpersonal skills from other tertiary studies and your life/work experience.ﾠYou will draw on these in SWSP7183.
If you have not already done so, ensure that you carefully read through Bland, R, Drake, G & Drayton, Jﾠ(2021),ﾠSocial work practice in mental health: an introduction, London, Routledge,ﾠprior to the course commencing. This text contains information on which we build inﾠSWSP7183.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SWSP4183
Restrictions
MSocWkSt students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Dr John Drayton
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of SWSP7183 is to provide you with the opportunity to develop skills in key aspects of mental health assessment and to introduce the professional contribution social work makes in the field.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate skills in communicating respectfully and professionally with service users affected by significant mental health issues.
LO2.
identify and articulate the specific contributions made by social work to the mental health field.
LO3.
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of issues and dilemmas in working with service users from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of needs and communication styles.
LO4.
demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively conduct a thorough suicide risk assessment.
LO5.
demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively conduct a thorough Mental Status Examination.
LO6.
critically reflect on practice and assessment principles.
LO7.
understand and identify the practical implications of a 'recovery'-based approach to mental health practice.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Class, closed book exam
|
40% |
2/04/2025 12:00 pm
1200-14:50hrs |
| Essay/ Critique, Role play/ Simulation | Interview, Formulation and Analytic Essay | 60% |
Simulations 20th and 27th May; Submission of written work 13th June, 1pm. |
Assessment details
In-Class, closed book exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
2/04/2025 12:00 pm
1200-14:50hrs
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
In Week Six (2/4/2025) we will undertake an in-class, closed book, hand-written exam. It will include multiple choice, short answer, and short essay questions. See Blackboard for more information.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Unmarked English or Bilingual dictionaries are permitted. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Request for Deferral of Exams
A request for deferral of an exam must be submitted by lodging the appropriate (online) form with supporting documentation via mySI-net > my Requests no later than five (5) calendar days after the date of the original exam. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the information on deferring an exam available on my.UQ.
Interview, Formulation and Analytic Essay
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Simulations 20th and 27th May; Submission of written work 13th June, 1pm.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
This assessment has two 'parts', described below - one is the simulation interview, and the other is the written component (which itself consists of two separate tasks). Part 1: Live, filmed simulation initial interview (incorporating risk assessment and mental state examination) with an actor in TUESDAYS Weeks Twelve (20.5.25) or Thirteen (27.5.25). This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site
Submission guidelines
Submission:
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.9 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. 0-29.9% |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46.9 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. 30-46.9% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideasﾠ with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to theﾠ conventions of the discipline. 47-49.9% |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. 50-64.49% |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.9 - 74.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline. 64.5-74.49% |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. 74.5-84.49% |
| 7 (High Distinction) | <p>0</p> - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. 84.5-100% |
Additional course grading information
Note carefully the information below.
All tasks in this course are marked out of 100 and weighted according to the percentage breakdown shown in the assessment summary. This is to ensure that marks adequately reflect the learning goals underlying the assessments. To calculate your mark as a proportion of your overall grade you need to multiply it by the weighting. For example, for a task worth 40%, multiply your mark (out of 100) by 0.4ﾠ(or 40%).ﾠﾠ
Students must submit all pieces of assessment and participate in the final simulation as described in the ECP in order to be eligible to pass this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
In order to pass SWSP7183 you must submit all assessable work.
Ensure that you consult andﾠfollowﾠthe documentﾠSWSP4183.7183ﾠMandatory Presentation Standards - 2025ﾠwhich is available via Blackboard and will be discussed with you in class.ﾠ
All UQ social work programs are accredited by the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) and the education accreditation standards require student participation in face-to-face learning, preferably in skills courses.
Given the skills focus of the Professional Practice courses, they have been identified as three of the courses in which student participation in face-to-face learning is compulsory.
For this course you MUST fully participate in at least seven of the 13 sessions. Attendance for the whole session is required. Students unable to attend at least seven sessions, for any reason, will not have satisfactorily participated and as a result will not be eligible to pass the course. The AASW can ask for proof that students have participated in face-to-face learning in specified courses. To ensure compliance with AASW requirements, a participation list will be taken each week.
However, you are strongly urged to participate in all classes for this course, particularly given that the final assessment is a skill-based simulation. Missing class means missing opportunities to learn and practice your required skills. Students are reminded that in order to progress to final placement you must have successfully completed all skills courses.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All required readings are available electronically via the UQ library, with the exception of the CoPMI resource which can be downloaded free of charge via the link provided.
Student Email
Students are provided with a UQ email account and must monitor the account whilst enrolled at UQ.ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 1: Introduction and ground work This course is very practice-based. There is a strong focus on developing both your knowledge and critical understanding of mental illness, assessment and intervention in this area, and the practice skills required to work with people in this context. From the very start, we will be discussing practical skills required to work in mental health, including psychosocial assessment, mental state examination, risk assessment, formulation, boundary management, and differential decision making. We will also be critically exploring the place, processes, and language of diagnosis and 'treatment', as well as the importance of cultural and context-sensitivity in practice. We will gradually build a layered skill set that will enable you to effectively undertake your final assessment task - a simulated live mental health interview and accompanying written work. In this first seminar we also begin to examine the role of the social worker in mental health contexts. Finally, this first seminar provides an overview of the course, its purpose, structure, objectives, and, how to do well in its assessment - don't miss it! Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 2: Australia's mental health system In this seminar we discuss the structure of the Australian mental health system (services, agencies, legislation, involuntary treatment, etc.). We will also discuss what is meant by a 'recovery' approach, and by cultural-sensitivity and trauma informed care (which will be discussed at intervals throughout the semester). Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 3: MH Assessment and the place of diagnosis This week we will begin a more detailed exploration of the intricacies of mental health assessment, continuing our discussion of mental state examination, etc. We will also engage in a critical discussion about the nature and place of psychiatric diagnosis. This seminar provides important groundwork as we continue to build a fundamental set of skills in interviewing and in understanding people's needs, and the social worker's role, in a mental health context. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 4: Risk assessment In this seminar we will be discussing how to assess and address risk, including risk of self-harm and suicide, as well as risk to others, and to ourselves as workers. These are vital skills in social work practice across all contexts. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 5: Mental Illness-'High prevalence' and major This week we focus on understanding and identifying the features of specific mental illnesses. We will discuss 'high prevalence' conditions (such as depression and anxiety), and also schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Trauma and Disadvantage In this seminar we will discuss ways of understanding trauma, and the effects that traumatic experience can have on people, families, and communities. This includes discussion of PTSD, of complex trauma, and of intergenerational trauma. We will also be discussing what 'trauma informed practice' means. We will then have a guest speaker who will address key considerations to be borne in mind when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 8: 'Treatment' and therapies This week we will discuss approaches to 'treatment' (and the implications of such a medical word). We will discuss common psychiatric medications, their use, side effects, etc. We will also discuss talking therapies from a critical standpoint. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
Mid-semester break! |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Seminar |
Week 9: Thinking systemically and contextually The capacity to be ever-sensitive to layers of context and to think 'systemically' is arguably one of the defining features of the social work profession. In this seminar we will discuss what this really means in actual practice. We will consider what true, context-sensitive assessment and helping efforts look like, and how these differ from the still dominant individual and pathology focused approaches to mental health. This will include discussion of when and how to involve family member/significant others in efforts to help those we work with. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Seminar |
Week 10: Ethics This week we explore ethic is practice settings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Week 11: Boundaries and PRACTICE! This is our final workshop before our simulations which take place in the last two weeks of semester. Today we will discuss boundaries, and boundary management. This includes discussion of personal disclosure and time management in interviewing - a skill which is very important for your final assessment! This seminar will also include necessary revision and practise interviewing to help prepare you for your final assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Practical |
Week 12: Final assessment task This week and next we will undertake our final assessment task - the interviews with actors portraying clients (See the assessment section for a full description of this assessment piece). Simulations will take place across the entire day this Tuesday and also Tuesday the 27th of May, but students are expected to attend only for the session in which they are scheduled to conduct their role played interview (groups will be randomly allocated a day/time). The interview itself will take no more than one hour. It is imperative that your arrive early and meet with your fellow group members to make sure you are ready to commence at the scheduled time. There will be no classes across these final two weeks, so you will not attend on the week when you are not scheduled to conduct an interview. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Practical |
Week 13: Final assessment task Simulation Assessment continued (see last week's description). Students scheduled to conduct interviews this week only attend for their scheduled time (but arrive early!). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.