Course summary

Do you want a career that is stimulating, rewarding and makes a positive contribution to society? If so a degree in social work could be for you. At the University of Stirling we are committed to progressive social change through teaching, research and an active involvement with practice. We believe in a social work profession defined not only by its function but also by its values and integrity. We promote an understanding of social work informed by social justice and human rights, a profession that acknowledges the links between “public issues” and “private troubles” and seeks to address both. We value social work practice that has prevention at its heart and recognises the importance of collective approaches, actively engaging with and learning from user movements. This degree course incorporates the professional qualification for social work alongside a strong grounding in relevant social science subjects. We will help you to become a social worker who is knowledgeable, skilled, analytical and ethical in your approach. You will be taught by a team of qualified social workers including world leaders in their research field and academics who maintain close connections with practice. You will benefit from a combination of small classes, workshops, seminars and formal lectures with creative approaches to teaching and assessment as well as detailed feedback on your progress. You will experience contributions to teaching by people who have used social work services and carers. On practice placements you will be supported and assessed by accredited Practice Educators. In semesters 1 – 3 you will follow introductory courses in Sociology and Social Policy. In addition, you will take four modules that introduce you to social work knowledge, skills, law and policy, one of which incorporates community-based practice. Two other modules of your choice will also be taken. In semesters 4 – 8 undergraduate students benefit from sharing parts of their professional education with postgraduate students studying social work at MSc level. Through an integrated academic and professional curriculum, you will undertake: • Seven university-based modules focusing on the application of knowledge, theory and research to practice, and the development of specific skills required for social work. These include teaching on: the theory and practice of social work with children, families, people with disabilities and people who offend; human development; ethical practice; assessment and intervention models, working with risk and social inquiry for social work. • Two professional practice learning opportunities in semester 5 (75 days) and in the summer period between semesters 6 and 7 (95 days). These take place in a variety of settings where students will undertake direct work with people who use services.