Theory, Methods and Values in Practice 1 (861L5)

30 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn and spring teaching

This course is directly linked with the first practice placement (SWP1). The focus here is on the nature of the contemporary social work role and tasks. Drawing in particular on psycho-social and ecological perspectives it will enable students to:

  • consider the process of identity formation for people who use services and the relationship between this and the external environments in which difficulties arise
  • increase their own self awareness and explore the ways in which they can build effective relationships with people who use services, utilising a strengths based approach to assess needs and effect change in a variety of circumstances
  • critically examine the nature and role of contemporary social work including an exploration of power, oppression and policy formation and implementation
  • obtain a clear appreciation of the complexities and ambiguities of the contexts in which social work takes place

Teaching

30%: Practical (Workshop)
70%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Coursework (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 154 hours of contact time and about 146 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2022/23. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.