Practice Learning 1 (L5095)

45 credits, Level 5

All year

The module runs from Spring term of the Second Year and includes a 70-day placement. Additionally, practice development workshops and group reflection sessions are provided to support links to theory and practice.

This placement will provide an opportunity to gain a solid understanding of the knowledge, skills and values required for practice. There is a wide range of settings that placements are offered; Private, Voluntary, Independent and Statutory settings, with a wide range of client groups.

This module includes experience of the following:

• Direct practice experience with service users/carers, including the experience of holding cases and understanding the need, multiplicity of need and complexity of cases within a particular placement context and setting
• Practicing within organisational policies, structures and processes and in line with the requirements of relevant social work legislation.
• Regular supervision, support and guidance with a designated Practice Educator, who is a qualified Social Worker with experience of work based learning and assessment. There will be an opportunity for purposeful reflection on the process and content of practice and the links between direct practice, theoretical learning and research.
• The ability to practice in a self-directed way and to identify when it is necessary and appropriate to seek advice and supervision.
• Timely, honest and constructive feedback on direct observations of practice by the practice teacher/assessor or other designated persons and from service users.
• Regular feedback on your performance, from social work and other professionals, as well as service users and carers.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 450 hours of work. This breaks down into about 121 hours of contact time and about 329 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.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Social Work BA