Social Work BA (Hons)

Level 3 (foundation year)

• Foundation in Social Work

  This module will provide students with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in courses related to social work. Students will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Students will also be introduced to specific concepts related to their degree programmes including the structure of health and social care provision in the United Kingdom, and the various professional roles with the sector. Students will also be introduced to intercultural studies. Students will practice applying theoretical frameworks to case studies and experiments. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Critical Thinking; Core Maths; Ethics; Psychology; Intercultural Studies; Preparing for a Career in Caring.

Year one, core modules

• Assessed Readiness for Direct Practice

  This module will prepare you for undertaking your first placement by making sure that you have experienced appropriate preparation opportunities. This includes an assessment of 'Readiness to Practice' before you start your first placement. The module does not attract any credits.

• Ethics, Values and the Legal Context of Social Work

  The purpose of the module is to give you a broad understanding of the centrality of ethics and values to the profession. You will also consider the tensions and conflicts that are linked to the legal context within which the social work profession must operate.

• Knowledge, Evidence and Practice

  You will reflect on how knowledge is created and applied in the activity of social work. This module prepares you to evaluate the quality of knowledge whether as evidence, research or in the interpretation of professional practice.

• Communication Skills and Key Theories Applied to Social Work Practice

  You will be introduced to key theory and concepts relating to communication in its different forms. You will study how these might be used in practice situations.

• Social Work in Society

  This module will help you understand how service users' lives are influenced by their social and policy context. Poverty, inequality and social exclusion are key factors shaping the lives of most of the people that social workers engage with in their practice and you will gain a good understanding of these topics.

Year two, core modules

• Social Work with Adults

  This module will give you an overview of five key areas of social work with adults: mental health, disability, age, gender and culture. You will examine the inter-relationships between these dimensions and the notion of safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

• Social Work with Children and Families

  This module provides you with an understanding of the context of child and family intervention and how to recognise signs, symptoms and consequences of child abuse.

• Powers, Duties and Accountability in Social Work

  You will be required to examine and evaluate the sources of professional power, structures of accountability and their duties when making professional decisions and judgements. This module will give priority to duties relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. You’ll also undertake a placement of 70 days in a social work setting.

• Practice 1: Communications Skills and Partnership Working

  This practice module helps you learn how to critically analyse and put communications and partnership skills into practice. You will aim to maximise the choices available to people who have faced difficulties in society, including abuse, disadvantage, discrimination, marginalisation and poverty.

• 70-day placement

  You will normally be placed in a private, voluntary or independent sector agency where you will undertake direct work with people who are vulnerable or have particular needs. The focus will be on engagement, assessment, interpersonal skills and gaining an understanding of the core elements of the social work role.

Year three, core modules

• Wellbeing Across the Life Course

  This module provides an opportunity for you to examine different dimensions of well-being, in particular, mental health and social inequalities in health. You will also undertake a 100-day placement in a social work setting.

• Transition into Professional Practice

  This module prepares you for transition into the Assessed and Supported Year in Social Work (ASYE) of professional social work practice. It will help you gain critically informed insights about the implications of powers, duties and responsibilities arising from both the internal and external environments.

• Practice 2: Analytical Thinking and Decision-Making

  This module will help you develop the understanding and skills needed to undertake effective assessments and care plans that lead to appropriate interventions. You’ll be able to critique and analyse different approaches to assessment and intervention.

• 100 - Day Placement

  You will normally be placed in a statutory related setting, such as a Local Authority Social Work team, where you will work under the direct supervision of a Qualified Social Worker and undertake assessments and interventions as part of formal or statutory processes. This will include risk assessment, safeguarding and the appropriate use of authority.

• Undergraduate Major Project

  The undergraduate major project enables you to raise and address significant questions relating to your chosen topic/issue. You will be supported by a tutor with similar interests and research profile. This module requires autonomous study and it is your chance to demonstrate that you have met our University’s expectations and are ready to graduate.

Please note that you will need to complete all of the above core modules. This course does not have any optional modules. Modules are subject to change and availability.