Social Work

In year 2 you will undertake a 70 day work-based placement. Placements could involve working with children or older people, people who are disabled or those who may have mental health issues. Statutory, voluntary, private and independent organisations all offer opportunities to engage with service users in a real and meaningful way. The settings include hospitals, agency teams, family centres, day centres and residential care settings. We offer a range of support mechanisms both within the University (including an academic adviser/link lecturer) and in the placement area itself. While on placement you will be supported by a named member of staff. Your capability in practice is assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced practice educator. Travel costs to / from placement may be incurred. Students may be eligible for a fixed contribution towards placement travel expenses through the social work bursary scheme.

In this module, you’ll be introduced to knowledge, understanding and behaviours that shall support your development in your social practice. You’ll focus on the skills needed as a health and social care professional to work collaboratively, enabling you to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups and diverse communities. You’ll deepen your awareness of multiple strategies and frameworks used by organisations and groups. You will study three key themes: (1) Interprofessional team working, (2) Community development, (3) Citizenship and social inclusion.

In this module, you will consider the important rights and relationships in social work practice across the needs of children, families and communities. You will explore themes covering law, policy and social work theory, examining the role of the state when these needs are not met. Central to this module will be the focus on child protection and family support, which you’ll explore across young people in alternative situations, for example, those under kinship or in foster care. You will be encouraged to use your critical analysis and reflective skills in this module.

By the end of this module your employability and professional development shall be well supported. 

In this module, you’ll be able to choose to either research findings from a previous project of yours, or participate in a live practical experience. Your self-funded involvement in the live practical experience will consolidate your knowledge of sustainable development in social work, and will aid your study towards social research work in the wider community. You shall be able to translate theory into research practice, culminating in a reflective shared learning presentation at the beginning of the next academic year.
 
You can expect to have the opportunity to evaluate sustainable practice in social care, from anywhere in the world, including in the UK. Drawing on the wisdom of local populations, you will identify community assets and barriers. You will explore the cultural context and consider the UN sustainable development goals and the People’s Charter for an eco-social world to inform your study on this module.

You’ll be introduced to the knowledge, skills, understanding and behavioural habits that are key to your work as a social work practitioner in the field.

You’ll be offered a contextual background on social care, enabling you to explore what it means to work as a social care professional in today’s society and consider people’s different walks of life. Central to this module will be an opportunity to explore different social work theories, methods, and models. You’ll also revisit previous theories from Year One, reflecting on them critically in terms of their use and value in practice.

In this module, you’ll explore how ensuring an evidence-based practice means a more reliable outcome and informed decision-making for social work intervention and care plans. You’ll be shown the step-by-step research process for integrated social work evaluation and strategy design, the associated research methods, data analysis and the importance of ethical consideration associated with health and social care research.

By the end of this module you’ll be able to demonstrate techniques and skills for data collection and analysis, understand the distinctive strengths and limitations of your evidence-based research and apply your findings to real-world situations, which will set you in great stead for your final year dissertation.
 

This module will prepare you for confidently working with adults in social care, drawing on practice-based knowledge, skills and understanding. You will learn how the latest research techniques can inform your social work practice from statutory and independent sector perspectives, to assessment and methods of interventions for different adult groups.

On completion of this module you shall be able to identify a diverse range of evidence-based methods to form effective intervention plans for adults, from a statutory and perspective sector perspective. You’ll focus on identifying needs, promoting rights, considering alternative perspectives, and analysing practice. 

In this module, you’ll be introduced to the main theories of mental health, to support your social work practice. You will explore the models, theories, legislation, research and practice used within current mental health services. You’ll be encouraged to develop the skills required to locate and critically evaluate current research on mental health so you can be an evidence-informed practitioner, wherever and whenever, your social work practice takes you.

As part of this module, you’ll consider real-world applications of mental health research to treatments, policy, and wider mental health perspectives.  

In this module you’ll participate in a placement experience that will introduce you to the knowledge, skills, behaviours and processes of social work practice. You’ll be supported thoroughly throughout this phase as you consolidate your learning and prepare for the workplace as a qualified social worker. On completion of this module you will have met the social work proficiency standard requirements for practicing as a registered social worker. 

This is your opportunity to consolidate all your knowledge from the course into a written project. You shall have the opportunity to study a subject that you find interesting, worth investigating and of relevance to social work. You’ll be encouraged to demonstrate your knowledge in your particular interest, with the aim to highlight new perspectives.

You’ll exercise your research skills by collecting evidence, analysing, and critically evaluating material to present findings. Your dissertation may be presented in a variety of formats.

The role of a social worker is very important in ensuring patients get the right care when they need it most. In this module, you discover how as a social worker, you can support people in a multitude of ways from helping adults with mental health, children with emotional support and arranging safe living accommodation. You’ll draw connections between your study in the lecture room, and your practice in placement, enabling you to formulate effective interventions. You’ll also hone your knowledge in making meaningful assessments across individuals, family situations and communities, to ensure higher chances of intervention success. 

In this module you’ll learn to prepare yourself for employment as a newly qualified social worker. To practice safely, responsibly, and professionally, you will be given the tools to equip yourself with the knowledge, understanding and skills of social work practice to set the foundations for continuous development. You will be given the opportunity to gain direct experience of application and interview for a qualified social worker post. By the end of this module, you will fully understand the philosophical and ethical framework of the social work arena, and should feel confident enough to conduct yourself with professionalism in your chosen field of employment. 

Social workers make decisions about their clients’ wellbeing everyday, and also have to react suitably on the decisions their clients make. This module will enhance your knowledge on how to deal with decision making in your role and how to best navigate potentially challenging situations as a qualified social worker. You’ll be encouraged to critically examine the influences on personal and professional values when justifying practice decisions. In addition, you’ll discuss ethical responsibilities in effective leadership and management, and will gain skills in understanding the requirements of professional mentorship.

In year 2 you will undertake a 70- day work-based placement and in year 3 you will undertake a 100- day work-based placement. Placements could involve working with children or older people, people who are disabled or those who may have mental health issues. Statutory, voluntary, private and independent organisations all offer opportunities to engage with service users in a real and meaningful way. The settings include hospitals, agency teams, family centres, day centres and residential care settings.

We offer a range of support mechanisms both within the University (including an academic adviser/link lecturer) and in the placement area itself. While on placement you will be supported by a named member of staff. Your capability in practice is assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced practice educator. Travel costs to / from placement may be incurred. Students may be eligible for a fixed contribution towards placement travel expenses through the social work bursary scheme.