Year 1
Over the course of the programme you will cover the fundamental knowledge needed for social work focusing upon social policy and law, ethics and values, contemporary theory and professional practice. In doing so you will be learning how to apply ethical and theoretical perspectives to human development, understanding social sciences in a social work setting and getting to grips with applying legal and social policy in the context of welfare. Exploring issues of diversity and difference, reflecting on real-life issues that impact service users and carers, and develop your skills in collaborative working making connections between local and global issues. Learn how to analyse complex issues, and apply your knowledge and skills to resolve them. Gain a critical perspective on complex, uncertain and changing contexts in social work, further your skills working in multi-agency settings and develop your understanding of the international arena.
In developing your professional practice you will engage in 30 skills days in preparation for practice, followed by 170 days of practice learning; 70 days in the first year and 100 in the final year in contrasting placements. In your final year, you’ll consolidate your learning, working towards becoming a safe, competent, ethical practitioner who demonstrates sound professional judgement.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Core modules
Social Policy and Law (SW701)
The module provides students with up-to date knowledge and critical understanding of the law and social policy relevant to professional social work in the UK and explores how to use this knowledge and understanding in work with vulnerable people with diverse need
Professional Practice (SW702)
The module examines contemporary social work practices including undertaking of child observation sessions, group presentations, narrative sessions conducted by the Service User/Carer Consultative Group, and an interactive course in advanced communication skills. Lecturers and guest lecturers cover an array of topics including, Critical Reflection and Critical Analysis, Safeguarding, Signs and Symptoms of Abuse, Human Growth and Development, Attachment Theory, Mental Health, Assessment Processes, Ecological Theory, Task Centred Practice, Motivational Interviewing, Drug and Alcohol misuse, Crisis management and Global Social Work.
Contemporary Social Work Theories and Issues (SW703)
This module critically examines contemporary theories and social issues that are helpful in understanding the behaviour and/or functioning of individuals and communities most relevant to social work practice. Students are expected to examine their own relationship to these issues and develop the skills of theorisation as expected at a graduate level
Ethics and Values for Social Workers (SW704)
The interrelationship between theory, practice and core values is presented as critical in the delivery of care. Account is taken of transcendent basic humanitarian principles in social work. Major social philosophies and virtue ethics underpinning care are considered and the moral dilemmas arising from conflicts between personal, professional and organisational norms.
Integrated Practice I (SW705)
This module will enable students to develop their professional identity through the integration of theory, methods, skills, knowledge and values within practice. Combining classroom and practice based learning and opportunities it will provide students with a repertoire of critical knowledge, skills, evidenced based and informed responses and interventions congruent with working with people and situations across a plethora of society
Final year
Core modules
Integrated Practice II (SW706)
The module enables students to consolidate their professional identity through integration of theory, methods, skills and values in practice. Teaching and practice learning provide students with a repertoire of evidenced informed responses congruent with complex practice situations. The module seeks to prepare students for the socio-legal and procedural aspects of statutory social work.
