Social Work

This is a full-time course of three years duration. A part-time route is available for applicants who have employer sponsorship from agreed agencies.

Social workers deal with some of the most vulnerable people in society at times of greatest stress. By the end of the programme students will have been assessed against the National Occupational Standards for Social Work and be deemed fit to practice at a qualifying stage. Competent practice is essential for the award and students will undertake 200 days of practice learning (placement) during the course, including practice experience in a statutory setting and with at least two service user groups. Practice learning (placement) makes up 50% of the programme content, with students undertaking their practice learning experience in blocks of 40 days, 60 days and finally 100 days. For students to undertake practice learning experiences that meet the requirements of the General Social Care Council, students must be able to travel. Having a current UK driving licence is desirable but not mandatory.

Stage one

Stage one offers foundation knowledge for social work practice. The value base of social work is emphasised and students will develop their understanding of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice within a model that promotes social justice and relationship based practice. Students will also undertake mandatory breakaway training to prepare them for practice. A 40-day assessed placement is completed in a social work setting.

Stage two

At stage two, students develop their understanding of different service user groups. The modules explore issues that are relevant to practice and develop students practice skills through experiential learning in small learning sets. A module on Gender develops students understanding of the interconnectedness of oppression, discrimination and inequality and how gender shapes organisations and service delivery. A 60-day assessed placement is completed in a social work setting.

Stage three

At stage three, students undertake a 100-day assessed placement in a social work agency and complete a dissertation on an aspect of practice. There is also a module on working with service users with complex problems. By the end of stage three students will have demonstrated their readiness for professionally qualified practice.

• Prepares students for professional social work practice
• Enables students to develop their practice skills, both on placement and by using the customised social work Skills Studio at the University
• Develops students' skills and knowledge in working with other professions
• Raise political awareness and encourage students to be creative, critical and reflective thinkers
• The Social Work Division sign up to and hold the International Federation of Social Work definition of social work
  

• Direct work with children and families
• Social policy and law
• Social work models and methods
• Social work skills
• Understanding human behaviour

Suggested reading:

Horner, N. (2009) What is Social Work? Context and Perspectives, 3rd edition. Exeter: Learning Matters

Laird, S.E., (2010) Practical Social Work Law, Analysing Court Cases and Inquiries, Essex, Pearson Education Ltd.

Shaping our Lives/P. Beresford (2007) The changing roles and tasks of social work from service users' perspectives. London: Shaping our Lives/GSCC.

The General Social Care Council web materials will help those thinking about applying for a social work programme.

http://www.gscc.or.uk/

Students who are successful at the application point of the process will be invited to attend for a formal interview with academic tutors, practitioners and service users.

Students are assessed both in theory and practice. Coursework as well as a law exam in year one assess all compulsory modules.

Employment prospects are excellent and graduates secure social work posts across the country.

Students undertake 200 days practice learning experiences (placement) over the three years of study. The practice learning experiences are assessed and graded. Students have a wide range of placement opportunities with employer providers across statutory and third sector settings.

• Can I choose where I go on placement?

No. All placement providers work in partnership with the social work division and are subject to auditing. The placement learning experience is identified by the Senior Lecturer (Practice) responsible for placement learning in consultation with the student who completes a profile.

• How far will I have to travel?

All students who enrol are expected to travel approximately within a 50 mile radius.

• Do I need to be able to drive?

Holding a UK driving licence is desirable and placement providers welcome students who can drive.

• Do I have to complete an exam?

Yes. All level 4 students undertake a Law Exam. At levels 5 and 6 there is no exam assessment.

• Will I have to attend all lectures?

Yes. Students will be expected to commit to attending under the University attendance policy.

• When I go on Placement will this be five days per week?

Yes. Students have to complete 40 days at level 4, 60 days at level 5 and 100 days at level 6. As a student social worker, they will be expected to 'work' within the employment timetable of the placement provider. Social work students will work six and a half hours per day - five days per week. Depending on the service provider setting students may also support a 'shift' rota.