Course summary

The focus of the programme is on working with children, families, young people and adults who may be vulnerable and encounter harm. Fundamental to good practice is your ability to develop critically reflective practice where you are able to respond effectively to different challenges and complex dilemmas in a confident and competent manner. The programme works closely with service users, carers and a wide range of professionals to ensure you gain a deep level of understanding of issues across the social care arena. You gain professional knowledge of human behaviour and social processes in a legal context. You critically explore different forms of oppression and inequality in society and develop key skills to challenge disadvantage and marginalisation. You are encouraged to implement and evaluate social work interventions that engender empowerment and build on people’s strengths. In Year 1, you start to explore key social work concepts and theory, and develop basic professional skills in preparation for your first practice placement at Year 2. By the end of the first year you demonstrate ‘readiness for direct practice’ evidenced through progress in your first year, undertaking a shadowing experience and an interview. Year 2 includes the first practice experience of 70 days. You are placed in a social care agency which has been screened by members of staff and you are supervised by a qualified social work practice educator. On completion of this practice learning opportunity, your performance is assessed. Year 3 is more complex and prepares you for practice in your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). The final 100-day practice experience is supported by teaching in the University. You continue to work under the supervision of a qualified social work practice assessor but are expected to demonstrate increasing skill in your practice, greater ability to integrate theory and practice, assumption of more responsibility and more initiative in the role of student social worker.