Contexts of Social Work

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

This module will help you to locate the contemporary UK social work profession within relevant historical and global contexts. You will learn through a variety of means that include lectures and workshops, but also through group and individual research and investigation tasks. Through the set tasks, you will gain an increased appreciation of the realities of contemporary social work practice and the factors influencing the development of the profession. Key policy changes will be highlighted and the political, contested and controversial aspects of the social work role will be introduced in order to form a firm basis for modules that follow later in the degree.

This module complements Introduction to Professional Learning and Development where the focus is upon the process of learning for social work rather than just the content. Active participation by service users and carers and practitioners alongside programme faculty will provide you with a range of perspectives and different forms of knowledge.

Human Growth and Development

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 1

This module will provide you with an introduction to the key theories of human development. Concepts such as attachment, resilience, loss, change and identity will be explored in relation to their relevance to social work practice. You will explore the social and political contexts of these issues and the importance of making connections between individual and family development and disadvantage.

The impact of aspects of inequality such as class, race, gender and sexuality will be explored. Although not the main focus of this course, you will be introduced to the use and critique of statistics and data sets in order to foster the early appreciation of such information alongside that arising from qualitative research.

Teaching will take place via lectures, facilitated seminars and unfacilitated student led groups in which you will prepare your assessed presentations. In addition, specialist workshops will be run by members of the service user and carer network and by practitioner colleagues in relation to key areas.

Learning will take place using a problem-based learning approach using a case study as the basis of the group work and assessed tasks. The group presentation will be in poster format so that you are able to demonstrate your skills in presenting material visually, albeit with accompanying text and brief oral explanations.

Introduction to Professional Learning and Development - Part One

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

This module combines teaching and learning about the significance of identity in social work with opportunities to explore a wide range of professional and academic learning skills and techniques. The module will also introduce you to library and IT resources. You will be introduced to a range of approaches to collaborative and independent learning in preparation for work throughout the programme. This innovative course serves to bridge the transition from previous study or work into the specific type of learning required at HE level on a professionally qualifying social work programme. Face to face teaching is supplemented with carefully designed online learning tools and activities that have relevant content but that also introduce you to a range of skills and techniques in a fun and supportive way. The process orientation of this course will help develop positive relationships within the learning group in preparation for their work together during the rest of the degree.

Indicative portfolio contents include:

Summative summary of article from those detailed relating to professional identity (along with reflections upon feedback on the formative version of this); all completed e-learning tasks such as referencing, library catalogue use, small group tasks; self evaluation questionnaires completed at start of term and then at the end; referencing activities; extracts from reflective learning journal

Introduction to Professional Learning and Development - Part Two

15 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 1

This module builds upon IPLD part one taught in the autumn term and continues to provide a foundation to the rest of the degree. The module aims to introduce you to as many academic and professional learning skills as possible through a variety of means.

Taught by those committed to ensuring that the transition from the start of this year and into the next is both supportive and yet challenging, this module should not be regarded as simply another study skills module. The depth of learning from feedback, evaluation and small, as well as larger, group work encourages the linking of theory and practice (and the 'personal') from the start of the module.

This module begins with you being prepared for your five-day shadowing placement and concludes with you demonstrating, through individual presentations to panels including service users and carers, evidence of your readiness for professional practice next year. You will also include in your portfolio evidence of participation in skills workshops designed to refine communication and time management skills prior to placement in year two.

Indicative portfolio contents include:final self evaluation tool and planning for level 5; evidence of application of learning from referencing to other modules through the inclusion of two bibliographies; small group-produced annotated bibliographies evidencing ability to source different academic materials through the electronic library; reflections from shadowing placments; evidence of skills log completed during the year at first year level (communication skills as the main focus); and extracts from reflective leaning journals

Law for Social Work

30 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 1

This module provides introductory knowledge of the legal rules that underpins social work practice, and (building on the Contexts of Social Work course) explores the ways in which law and social policy interact to provide a broad framework for assessment and intervention. You will also explore the relationship between law and social work values, and reflect on the ways in which legal rules support practice that is both lawful and ethical.

Lectures will introduce core knowledge, such as the workings of the English legal system, and the powers and duties of social work in relation to children and families, mental health and adult social care. You will pursue small group e-learning exercises and guided independent reading to consolidate your understanding, before applying the legal rules to case scenarios discussed in class under the guidance of the tutor.

Values, Ethics and Theories: preparing for complexity in Social Work Practice

15 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 1

In this module you will build on the work you did earlier in the year but with a particular focus on professional formation through considerations of values, ethics and theories in social work.

The module brings social work theory to the fore and emphasises its importance for practice. A range of different social work theories are presented and analysed.

The module examines the historical development and contemporary expression of social work values and ethics. It also considers the use of codes of ethics and codes of practice as well as the ethical and value basis to theories.

The module will use case studies to tie the theoretical and ethical discussions to the reality of practice situations in order to better preapre students for future placements.

Module content will include: anti oppressive/anti discrimatory values in social work; ethics based on principles; ethics based on character; radical theories of social work; liberal/conservative theories of social work; psychodynamic theories and social work; attachment theory and social work; systems theories/ecological approaches; social work and postmodernism.

Level 2 Practice Learning

15 credits
All year teaching, Year 2

The learning for this module occurs within the framework of the Key Roles, Units and Elements of the National Occupational Standards for Social Work. In this Level 2 Practice Learning module you will be expected to develop competence in all Key Roles and Units. In this module, however, you will demonstrate evidence of a selected number of element titles which are appropriate to the first practice learning experience.

This module includes experience of direct practice experience with service users/ carers, including the experience of taking considered and professional risks within a particular placement context and setting. You will also be able to practice within organisational policies, structures and processes and in line with the requirements of relevant social work legislation. Regular practice teaching with a designated practice teacher/assessor including purposeful reflection on the process and content of practice and the links between direct practice, theoretical learning and research. This module will enable you to develop through supervision and practice teaching, your ability to practice in a self-directed way and to identify when it is necessary and appropriate to seek advice and supervision. Through supervision and practice teaching you will develop your ability to self-evaluate and seek service users', carers' and peer group feedback on your performance.

Partnership and Interprofessional Practice

15 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 2

This module introduces you to theory and research concerning: partnership; inter-agency collaboration; inter-professional teamwork; ethical dilemmas in inter-professional practice; and accountability in inter-professional practice. The module will also explain serious failures in inter-professional practice, while enabling you to identify possible successful interventions to support partnership and inter-professional practice. You will also consider and critically reflect on issues of partnership and working together.

Research Methods (BA Social Work)

30 credits
All year teaching, Year 2

This will be an intensive taught level 3 module, introducing you to a range of methods and methodologies appropriate to social work research. It aims to enable you to develop research mindedness research practitioners and consumers of research, and to design an informed, methodologically and ethically sound proposal as the basis for further research.

Module content will include: research mindedness and its relevance for practice; framing research questions and planning and developing a literature based research minded project proposal; literature based research use of library/electronic resources refresher only as this is addressed in years one and two; qualitative and quantitative methodologies; ethics of social work research; integrating research and theory for evidence based practice.

Social Work with Adults, their families and carers.

30 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

The module will be organised in a way that enables you to explore contemporary issues within the full spectrum of adult care. This will include study relating to people with learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, physical disabilities, adults vulnerable due to domestic abuse/substance misuse and homelessness, older people and their families and their carers. You will be expected to use reflective learning to consider your personal and professional values, developing an understanding of values-based practice and social care values and ethics.

You will consider the changing context of professional practice in adult care, including the challenges posed by developing effective inter-professional working. This module will be underpinned by an understanding of the application and importance of the relevant National Service Frameworks, National Occupational Standards, and evolving policy such as 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say'.

Throughout, you will be expected to demonstrate a good understanding of issues relating to adult care, and the importance of promoting participation and inclusion.

Social Work with Children, Young People and Families

30 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

This module takes place immediately prior to placement and is clearly focused on preparing you for placement in children and family settings. The module follows the principles of problem-based learning in order to help you reflect on critical connections between material covered in the module and your observations and experiences in the observational placement.

This module is designed to enable you to consolidate and develop understanding of the social work role and task in relation to practice in the field of children's services. Through detailed and critical scrutiny of role and task in a range of policy and practice contexts and settings, you will gain a level of knowledge and understanding sufficient to provide you with a foundation for safe practice, under appropriate supervision, in subsequent agency placements. You will be required to pay particular attention to the nature of the emotional and political dynamics in those contexts of ambiguity and conflict that characterise this field of work, and to the impact these have on decision-making and intervention. Topics covered include: the history and current context of children's services; overview of developments in policy in relation to children's services; early and preventive intervention with vulnerable children in community settings; needs and risk assessment and protective intervention where specific questions of harm arise; care planning for children and young people in public care; work with young offenders

The syllabus is constructed in a rapidly changing policy and practice environment and therefore is indicative, designed to respond to local and national changes.

Concepts in Contemporary Social Work

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

This module will introduce you to a range of concepts that are relevant in social work practice and the study of social work practice. You will examine concepts drawn from a variety of faculty research interests and contemporary issues such as: Spirituality; Chaos and Complexity; Reflection; Care and Caring; Internationalisation; Professionalism; Managerialism; Personalisation. 

You will consider the conceptual significance of such concepts and the contributions that each makes to an understanding of contemporary social work practice. 

The module exposes you to literature from a range of social science disciplines and focuses upon developing the critical and analytical skills required at this level of study.

Level 3 Practice Learning

60 credits
All year teaching, Year 3

The learning for this module occurs within the framework of the Key Roles, Units and Elements of the National Occupational Standards for Social Work. In this Level 3 Practice Learning module you will be expected to develop competence in all Key Roles and Units. In this module, as compared to the Level 2 Practice Learning module, however, you will be required to demonstrate evidence of all element titles which is appropriate at the point of qualification.

This module includes experience of direct practice experience with service users/ carers, including the experience of taking considered and professional risks within a particular placement context and setting. You will also be able to practice within organisational policies, structures and processes and in line with the requirements of relevant social work legislation. Regular practice teaching with a designated practice teacher/assessor including purposeful reflection on the process and content of practice and the links between direct practice, theoretical learning and research. This module will enable you to develop through supervision and practice teaching, your ability to practice in a self-directed way and to identify when it is necessary and appropriate to seek advice and supervision. Through supervision and practice teaching you will develop your ability to self-evaluate and seek service users', carers' and peer group feedback on your performance

Research Minded Project

45 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

This module focuses on guided research enquiry into a topic of the your choice, relevant to social work practice or theory. Learning and support takes place within small facilitated discussion groups, and additional individual supervision to guide you in all stages of producing a dissertation. The module aims to enable you to make links between research and professional practice, and to develop your research knowledge and skills practice in planning, conducting and writing up a piece of literature based research. This module focuses on the guiding of your own literature based research enquiry, with the majority of work undertaken in private study.