Modules

Year 1 - Core modules: Social Work in Practice introduces the areas of knowledge, values and skills that form the foundations of social work in practice, giving you an understanding from the perspectives of service users and carers. This module is delivered in parallel with Social Work in Context and is complemented by the Professional and Personal Development module. Social Work in Context is preparation for your first practice placement. It provides an integrated understanding of theory and research in a number of areas that inform social work interventions: the historical and organisational contexts of social work; physical, psychological, socio-cultural and economic aspects of human growth and development, disability and mental health; social work theory and methods; and partnership working. This module is delivered in parallel with Social Work in Practice and is complemented by the Professional and Personal Development module.  Professional and Personal Development develops your critical understanding of professional development, reflection and reflexivity, and your skills in both reflective writing and reflective practice. The module also gives you an opportunity to identify your professional and personal development needs; explore the nature of the professional relationship; and to practice a range of professional skills within a classroom environment through practical exercises and case studies. Social Work Practice 1 provides a 70-day practice-based learning opportunity to demonstrate your social work values, theory, methods and communication skills in practice with one or more service user groups (children, young people and families, people with learning difficulties or mental health problems, disabled people, older people and carers). You will also demonstrate your developing ability (QAA threshold level) to meet the Professional Capabilities framework for Social Work. Year 2 - Core modules: Research in Social Work is an independent dissertation in a relevant area of social work which develops your critical understanding of, and skills in, the main approaches and methods of social research with particular reference to the use of research in social welfare practice settings. You will collect, analyse and present your findings in a 10,000-word report. Advanced Social Work enables you to extend your knowledge, understanding and application of social work theory and methods and to achieve the relevant qualifying standards as set out within the Professional Capabilities Framework and Social Work England Professional Standards. Social Work Practice 2 provides you with a 100-day practice-based learning opportunity to demonstrate: the application of social work values, theory, methods and communications skills in practice. This must be carried out in a different setting and with a different user group from Social Work Practice 1. You will further develop your ability (QAA exemplary level) to demonstrate proficiency across all domains of the Professional Capabilities framework for Social Work.

Assessment method

The MSW Social Work is a full-time course that starts in early October and continues over 21 months. The course does not follow normal university term dates. There are approximately 12 weeks of vacation, including public holidays, during the whole course. The MSW is structured around seven modules. including two placements. The placements, which normally take place in social work settings in the North East, provide the opportunity to develop a range of skills set out in the Professional Capabilities Framework.  In Year 1 the first four months are spent developing the knowledge and skills to prepare you for your first 70-day practice placement.  In Year 2 you will extend your skills in linking theory, policy and practice. You will also undertake the second practice placement which lasts 100 days. This placement is carried out with a different service user group in a contrasting setting where you will also gain experience of statutory interventions in social work.  The course culminates in a research dissertation which brings together elements from across the course into a substantial piece of independent research. Assessment is via a wide range of methods to reflect the breadth and depth of the course. These range from essays, project reports and case studies to observation studies, group and individual presentations. Your knowledge and understanding of social work law and policy is assessed in a take away exercise.  Prior to the first placement, you will undertake a practical assessment of your communication skills to ensure you are fully prepared for a direct practice environment. The two practice placements are assessed by critically reflective accounts of work with individuals, groups or communities and by your practice educator who provides regular supervision and observes your practice. You are also expected to request, and reflect on, feedback from service users and professional colleagues.  The MSW Social Work also includes a 10,000-word research in social work dissertation which is carried out under the guidance of a supervisor.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Health and Care Professions Council