Social Work PGDip

Course content

What will you study on PGDip Social Work?

You will be studying a range of social work theories and will learn the skills to apply these in different practice contexts. This will include psychosocial perspectives, sociology, psychology and human development. There will be a focus on relationship based practice as well as systemic theories. You will study relevant aspects of legislation and the application of these in practice. The curriculum is mapped against the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) Standards of Proficiency (SoPs) and the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS) for both children and adults.

What will you gain?

You will undertake extensive skills training as part of your readiness for direct practice learning. This will include skills such as use of self, communication, managing conflict and a range of interventions. These will be applied in practice and greatly enhanced and developed throughout your two placements. In your final year you will undertake your dissertation, applying research skills and knowledge.

This module aims to provide you with the core skills and knowledge to undertake practice competently and safely for your first practice placement. Subjects covered will include communication skills, use of self, and various Social Work interventions. Theories such as systems theory, social learning theory, attachment and many others will also be explored.

In this module, you will explore the key legislation, guidance and case law relevant to Social Work practice and will learn how to apply this effectively. You will have the opportunity to apply your practice experience to your knowledge of Social Work theory and social policy.

This module will explore the life course from birth through to adulthood and on to end of life care. This will include observations of children and of adults to support you in understanding child development and factors that impact on the adult life course such as disability, mental health and ageing.

This module will introduce you to social research methods. You will explore how these can be applied in social work research and consider how you yourself might apply these to your dissertation

You will be supervised to undertake two practice placements. The first of these will be 70 days and the second, which will be in a statutory Social Work setting, of 100 days. On these placements you will supervised and supported by a practice educator. You will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt in practice with vulnerable adults, children and families.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.