Social Work BA (Hons)

Modules

Methods of assessment for course overall: 63% coursework

• Communication skills for social work
  This module explores the professional values, knowledge and basic skills needed to be able to communicate clearly and accurately with others. The theory and practice of verbal, non-verbal and written methods of communication will be considered in a range of practice situations with people of different ages, comprehension and culture. The module introduces you to the issues associated with alternative forms of communication enabling you to engage with a variety of service users including children, young people, adults and older people as well as communicating with service users with impairment issues and those from diverse backgrounds including working with interpreters.
• Readiness for direct practice
  This module develops practice skills and awareness of the social work role and responsibilities. It will ensure you are ready for the initial period of direct practice and provide you with a foundation for skills development throughout the programme. Service users, carers and practitioners will be involved in the development, delivery and assessments of the module.
• Human growth and development
  This module explores a range of human growth and development theories across the lifespan. It facilitates understanding of ordinary development and the impact of life events, disability, abuse, mental health problems, and drug/alcohol misuse on development throughout life. You will be assessed on your knowledge of psychological and sociological theories across the life course from infancy to later life. This will include key concepts, e.g. critical periods, transition; change and continuity; strengths, resources and resilience; adversity, vulnerability, risk and accumulation of risk (College of Social Work curriculum guide, 2012).
• Sociology for social work
  This module seeks to introduce themes and perspectives which constitute sociological thinking. You will be offered the opportunity of linking these themes to aspects of social work practice. This module examines the purpose of social work in society its role and function it also considers the nature of social problems that social workers may encounter.
• Value and ethics in social work
  Focusing on the most complex and contested areas of social work practice, the module introduces and addresses conflicting values by providing you with distinct ethical frameworks to consider these in the context of modern social work practice.
• Social problems and social policy
  This module is an introduction to key issues facing society. It builds on the sociology module from semester one and explores how social problems are defined within society and how societies respond to those problems.
• Social work theories
  This first year module introduces key theoretical approaches used in social work to inform practice. A blended learning approach will allow you to develop skills in IT and information literacy.

• Social work methods
  The module explores the different models used by social workers to intervene and problem solve. This module integrates the core social work values and the professional codes of ethics. The module offers the opportunity for you to reflect on the social work role and tasks and skills required in practice.
• Welfare, policy and the law in social work practice
  This module introduces welfare, policy and legal contexts and interfaces within which social workers work; giving an understanding of welfare benefits, and the statutory duties and powers social workers have in England. You will critique social policy and its impact upon service users and social work practice, comparing with Europe, USA and beyond; as well as gaining knowledge of local policy, practice and resources. You will develop a sound understanding of key legislation, guidance, regulation and case law relevant to practice, applying this to specific areas of practice within a value based human rights framework.
• Advocacy, partnership and participation
  This module examines the core values of partnership working within the context of social work practice, focussing on the role of advocacy and self-advocacy, emphasising the importance of service user participation within these processes. The module explores partnership working in the context of advocacy and service user involvement within a variety of social work practice settings; aiming to help you understand this in relation to your social work practice. This includes gaining an understanding of the full range of those aspects of the social work role traditionally described as advocacy, gaining practical advocacy and negotiation skills. Key to this module is service user involvement throughout; which will include you being taught and working alongside service users.
• Practice learning opportunity 1
  70 days practice learning in practice placement.

• Social work research project
  This module will develop an understanding and appreciation of research and its relationship to social work. The module consists of an independent student-managed proposal designed to develop the capacity for autonomous learning and an opportunity to develop research skills. The self-directed learning is complemented by a series of research lectures and seminars designed to familiarise you with some of the principles of research in practice settings. You will be encouraged to develop a wide range of research proposals and to make use of a range of research methods. You will develop an understanding of research methodology and be able to evaluate research and disseminate findings.
• Contemporary issues in social work
  This module builds on earlier teaching through exploring complex and often competing issues encountered in a variety of social work settings. It offers a choice of subject areas from which two options can be chosen, including safeguarding adults, safeguarding children, substance misuse, mental health, domestic violence, learning disability. The module aims to utilise the knowledge and experience of both service users and those in practice to offer a holistic approach to assessment, intervention, problem solving and recording. In small groups, you will be required to bring your placement experience into the sessions to develop reflection and depth of understanding. The module is essentially a content free module and aims to be responsive to the needs of students who are required to bring cases, dilemmas or incidents from practice into the classroom to develop reflection and a depth of understanding. It aims to utilise the knowledge and experience of those still in practice and service users to offer a holistic approach to assessment, intervention, and problem solving.
• Professional practice
  Looking at the practice issues common across all settings. The module is centred around problem solving events where you are invited to draw on your knowledge and research to tackle complex scenarios.
• Practice learning opportunity 2
  100 days practice learning in practice placement.