Work Integrated Learning and Practice Education

Health sciences, public health, health promotion, health and human services management

Several courses within the School of Health and Social Development have optional units, which allows you to complete work experience in a health-related agency. We work closely with a number of partner organisations to provide immersive and invaluable experiences to students.

There are WIL units available to students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. More information can be found on the Faculty's Work Integrated Learning webpage.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Practice education is a major component of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. In order to satisfy the requirements of the degree each student much complete 1000 hours of work experience within the industry working with qualified occupational therapists. Practice education activities are compulsory within the course and are required in order to register as an occupational therapist upon completion of the Degree.

Placements begin in the first year of the course and students should be prepared to attend these activities face-to-face. These placements often occur in alternating blocks and students are encouraged to engage early in the timetabling process each trimester to ensure time for adequate preparation.

Bachelor of Social Work

Students must complete two practice education units, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across at least 65 days) of practicum (field placement) in a social or community service agency or program. Students must also attend and participate in the associated pre-placement preparation seminars at Waterfront (Geelong) in the Trimester prior to the placement being undertaken.

Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for the first placement only (HSW314-Social Work Field Education A) for students who are able to demonstrate that their prior experience has provided them with the knowledge and experience that would normally be provided in the first placement.

Applications for RPL are due 30^th November of the year prior to students undertaking their first placement. Late applications cannot be accepted.

As part of the AASW accreditation students must attend 20 days of on-campus face-to-face learning. Intensive dates can be found on the Bachelor of Social Work intensives webpage. If you feel for any reason you cannot attend these intensives you must contact your unit chair as soon as possible.

Attendance requirements can be found on the Bachelor of Social Work webpage.

Further information is available on the Bachelor of Social Work course site.

Master of Social Work

You must complete two practice education units, each involving a minimum of 500 hours (across at least 65 days) of practicum (field placement) in a social or community service agency or program. You must also attend and participate in the associated pre-placement preparation seminars at Geelong Waterfront in the trimester prior to the placement being undertaken.

Recognition for prior learning (RPL) is possible for the first placement only (HSW714-Professional Practice in Social Work A) for students who are able to demonstrate that their prior work experience has provided them with the knowledge and experience that would normally be provided in the first placement.

Applications for RPL are due 30 March of the year you are due to undertake your first placement. Late applications cannot be accepted.

As part of the AASW accreditation you must attend 20 days of on-campus face-to-face learning. Intensive dates can be found on the Master of Social Work intensives webpage. If you feel for any reason you cannot attend these intensives you must contact your units chair as soon as possible.

Attendance requirements can be found on the Master of Social Work webpage.

Further information is available on the MSW course cloud site.

Master of Child Play Therapy / Graduate Diploma of Therapeutic Child Play

While primarily delivered via our digital learning platforms, the Master of Child Play Therapy and Graduate Diploma of Therapeutic Child Play courses have face-to-face attendance requirements. These clinical placements are compulsory and will require students to attend the Waterfront campus in Geelong.

You will get to experience what it’s really like to work as a play therapist through 250 hours of clinical placement. You can secure placements in a variety of settings such as preschools, childcare centres, primary schools, allied health services, disability services and private practice. For students interested in continuing their studies at a research level, the course offers elective research units that develop your practical research skills and hone your critical analysis.

Intensive dates can be found on the Play Therapy Intensive Workshops webpage.