Course summary

The overarching aim of this new programme is to enable child and family social work practitioners working in a range of social care settings in both the statutory and voluntary sectors, to develop advanced knowledge and skills to enhance their practice within their current work setting. The programme will develop students’ understanding of the contemporary children’s social care environment, current themes and practice debates, including: evidence-based assessment and intervention; core and advanced systemic practice skills; effective engagement with service users (children, parents, carers and wider family members); and ethical tensions and challenges. It will emphasise the translation of learning into effective practice through a clear focus on values, critical thinking, reflective practice and skills development linked to the student’s practice context that will be incorporated within both teaching and assessment methods. Students will be equipped with the intellectual and practical skills to engage in research inquiry at an advanced level, developing their capacity to incorporate practice research into their everyday practice and to answer complex research questions aimed at improving practice and service delivery for vulnerable children and their families.