Social Care and Community Practice BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  You will be taught by academics from a range of backgrounds and work-based experiences. The core concepts that are covered in the degree are Human Rights and Social Justice, respecting diversity and the key skills required to work with a range of Service Users. You will benefit from a short shadow placement in your first year followed by an extended work based placement and reflective experience in the second year of the course.

  In your third year of study you will have a short shadow placement as part of the housing module.

  By the final year you will be equipped with the skills to work in a variety of Social Care and Community settings, enabling you to be an effective Changemaker, having a truly positive social impact on individuals and communities. You will have explored, understood and analysed specific service user groups and you will have an assured grasp of the link between theory and practice.

  The degree has a strong focus on evidence-based practice, setting a solid foundation and excellent academic and professional skills for employment or postgraduate study.

  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3

  • Understanding Diverse Communities (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK1062

    Status: Compulsory
    This module is designed to enable students to explore all communities in which social care and support takes place. In order to work within communities students need to be resilient this requires self-awareness and knowledge of how culture and diversity impact on life chances and challenges. Students will develop an understanding of cultural norms levels of inclusion and exclusion and how to challenge barriers in relation to discrimination. The module will also outline the legal context in which diversity is grounded overlapping with ethical issues in this area.
  • Academic Skills (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK1063

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to enable students to gain and develop academic skills necessary to succeed with academic tasks at University. Regardless of previous experience all students will have the opportunity to develop the ability to write argue reflect and evaluate using activities and examples which will ensure that students have the confidence and ability to become lifelong learners. Students will also be introduced to the Harvard referencing system which will be used throughout. The foundations of research methods will also be incorporated into this module. Research terminology and basic research theory will be introduced so that this can built upon in level 5 and 6.
  • Introduction to Service User Groups (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK1064

    Status: Compulsory
    To enable students to learn about different types of service user groups and how to communicate professionally and effectively with service users with a diverse range of needs.The students will explore the importance of the service user voice and how services should be designed around and led by this voice. The module will be delivered using service users as part of the teaching team.
  • Developing Professional Skills for Employment (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK1065

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to faciliate student?s understanding of underpinning principles values and professional skills for employment in the social care and community practice sector. Students will take responsibility for their own personal/professional development plans by identifying their current skills and setting targets and objectives for their work based learning experience. There will be a short work based learning experience within the module.
  • Understanding Social Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK1066

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to provide students with a psychosocial understanding of human behaviour across the lifespan. Students will examine psychological and sociological theories and how they have account for human behaviour and identity and the impact this has on the inclusion of the individual in society. Practical examples will be used to explore the influences on our behaviour and lifestyle students are encouraged to think about current issues and debates that relate to life course experiences and formation of identity.
  • Contemporary Social Issues (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK1061

    Status: Compulsory
    This module is designed to introduce students to the wide range of contemporary social issues which have an impact on individuals and the wider community. Students will explore causes the extent of the issues and possible solutions drawing on aspects of self help advocacy local and national policy and the work of community based groups.

  • Developing Research Skills (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK2063

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to develop students knowledge and application of research methods and methodologies and to equip the students with the relevant skills to undertake an autonomous piece of work at level 6. Research skills introduced at level 4 will be examined in more depth to develop the students confidence when approaching research study design and implication for future practice.
  • Applying Law and Social Policy to Social Change (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK2064

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to examine how the law and social policy can be applied to specific service user groups in order to achieve social change. Students will explore and examine the ethical legal and moral dilemmas in applying the Law and Social Policy. A frequent theme throughout this module will be the exploration of concepts such as care and control. Central to the delivery of this module are service user perspectives advocacy and best practice which is underpinned by principles of social justice and Human Rights.
  • Skills for Working in Mental Health (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK2066

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to ensure that students have the basic knowledge and skills required to work with service users and their friends and families. Students will explore: the prevelance of mental ill health a range of mental health conditions and possible self help strategies and interventions. The module focuses on helping students develop insight into the support needs of people with mental health difficulties within the current landscape of social care. In order to do this students will develop an understanding of risk assessment and mental health legislation.
  • Working with Addiction (10 Credits)
    Module code: SWK2069

    Status: Compulsory
    Addiction is a complex and contested yet prevalent social issue. This module will give students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of addiction and related concepts with an emphasis on applying this learning to social care and community practice contexts. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to reflect on social and political contexts in which addiction occurs as well as the implications of their personal beliefs and values during practice with people who are experiencing or recovering from addiction.
  • Effective Partnership Working (10 Credits)
    Module code: SWK2068

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to prepare students for effective partership working in a globally connected society. It will develop students knowledge and understanding of working with others emphasising how and why organisations and agencies form partnerships to address social issues within local and national contexts. The module will introduce students to a range of collaborative working practices across various sectors and community organisations. Therefore fostering an appreciation of diversity as well as the complex areas which these partnerships operate.
  • Models and Experiences of Disabilities (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK2067

    Status: Compulsory
    The module will develop students understanding of models and experiences of a range disabilities. It will cover perceptions of disability and discrimination. This module will also introduce students to a range of theoretical perspectives and debates and encourage them to explore and draw on their own attitudes and values to enhance their learning.
  • Work Based Learning and Reflective Working (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK2065P

    Status: Compulsory
    The module will provide an opportunity through a work based learning experience for students to put theory into practice and further develop the skills gained at level 4. It will focus on the professional interpersonal reflective and Changemaker skills needed to work in a social care or community environment. This will enable students to identify their current employability skills and create a personal plan for future learning.

  • Professional Report/Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: SWK4011

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to enable the student to complete an autonomous piece of work focusing on a chosen area of social care and community practice within a designated time frame. This may be a literature based dissertation or a project based on empirical research whichever is most relevant to the area selected. By completion the piece of work will illustrate the students engagement with project design relevant and appropriate methodological approaches towards research design underpinned by theoretical perspectives that frame the area of work selected.
  • Housing and Community Living (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK3023

    Status: Compulsory
    Students will be introduced to the changes which have taken place in the housing sector. This module will identify key changes in policy and legislation and examine the implications of the delivery of these. The different partnerships necessary for successful and sustainable communities will be explored in order for students to appreciate housing organisations and their relationship with tenants residents and other organisations.
  • Enhancing Leadership and Employability Skills (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK3028

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is raise awareness of the role leadership plays within social care and community practice and identify the skills needed to fulfill a leadership role after graduation. The module will help students to become more aware of their own values and leadership styles and to consider how to use and develop research based techniques to improve leadership skills for employment.
  • Advocating for and with Children and Young People (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK3029

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is ensure that students have the knowledge and skills to work with children and young people in various settings. Within the module students will learn about varying needs of children and young people in complex situations and ensure that children and young people?s voices are heard and taken seriously in various forums.
  • Working with an Ageing Population (20 Credits)
    Module code: SWK3030

    Status: Compulsory
    The purpose of this module is to ensure that students have the knowledge and skills required to work with an ageing population. The module will also help students to understand present significant challenges being faced by social care services. Students will be introduced to issues relating to the social construction of ageing theories of ageing and ideas of active and successful ageing.

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• Additional Information

  Please note that all student who enrol on the course may be required to complete a successful Occupational Health Screening and Disclosure and Barring Service Check prior to their first placement.

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• Placements

  In your third year of study you will have a short shadow placement as part of the housing module.

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• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

  How will I be taught?

  The course will use a range of teaching methods and assessments across the years. Active blended learning with be used across all modules, with group seminars to support this. As you progress through the course you will become more independent in your studies to prepare you for your final project or dissertation.

  How will I be assessed?

  You will be assessed through coursework, essays, reports, critical reviews, portfolios, online tests, oral presentations, individual and group work.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be:

  • BCC at A Level
  • DMM at BTEC
  • an Access Course must include 30 level 3 credits at Merit.

  We also ask that applicants hold a GCSE (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language at grade C or above.

  We welcome international applications and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  Please note that all student who enrol on the course may be required to complete a successful Occupational Health Screening and Disclosure and Barring Service Check prior to their first placement.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  UK & EU

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module

  Additional Costs

  Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.

  The course has an optional Placement Year which is negotiated between you and the teaching team. This may extend the duration of your course, however, if you have a specific area of interest this can provide useful additional experience.

  International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500

  Additional Costs

  Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associate with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.

  The course has an optional Placement Year which is negotiated between you and the teaching team. This may extend the duration of your course, however, if you have a specific area of interest this can provide useful additional experience.

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