Students will attend placement for a period in line with regulator standards and carry out direct work with service-users in a social work or social care environment. They will develop skills, knowledge and values through experiential learning. They will be supervised by either an On-site or Off-site practice educator.
Contact hours: 600 (with direct practice arrangements as required by the social work regulator)
Private study hours:150
Total study hours: 750
BA (Hons.) Social Work - compulsory module
Main assessment methods
Coursework -portfolio – Pass / Fail - 100%
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
Banks, S , (2012), Ethics and Values in Social Work, 4th ed., Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan
Coulshed, V. & Orme, J., (2006), Social Work Practice: an introduction, 4th ed., Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan
Maclean S. & Harrison R., 2011, Theory & Practice, A Straightforward Guide for Social Work Students 2nd Edition, Litchfield: Kirwin Maclean Associates
Maclean S. & Harrison R., 2009, Making the Most of Your Practice Learning Opportunities, Rugeley: Kirwin Maclean Associates
Parker, J., (2017), Social Work Practice: Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Review 5th ed., Los Angeles: Learning Matters Ltd
Thompson N, (2006), Anti Discriminatory Practice 4th ed., Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding of: (i.e. subject-specific knowledge and understanding)
8.1 Social work services, service users and carers; the service delivery context; and the nature of social work practice.
8.2 Critical knowledge of theories and models for social work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities, and the methods derived from them.
8.3 The nature, definition, development and application of relevant values and philosophical ethical principles.
8.4 The principles of rights, justice and economic well-being and their significance for social work practice.
8.5 The relevance of research from psychological, environmental, sociological, economic and physiological perspectives for understanding the impact of a range of factors on personal and social development and functioning including spiritual and cultural factors.
8.6 Human growth and development across the lifespan including mental health, disability and needs arising from age-related ill health and disadvantage.
8.7 The legal and policy framework for social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities including critical understanding of the scope for professional judgement.
8.8 The impact of injustice, social inequalities, policies and other issues which affect the demand for social
Work services
8.9 Concepts of participation, advocacy, empowerment, partnership working, including working with service users and carers, and information sharing across professional disciplines and agencies
8.10 The relevance of sociological perspectives to understanding societal and structural influences on human behaviour
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
8.11 A developed capacity for the critical evaluation of knowledge and evidence from a range of sources
including empirical research.
8.12 An ability to use research and inquiry techniques with reflective awareness, to collect, analyse and interpret relevant information.
8.13 Ability to practise as an autonomous professional, exercising their own professional judgement, exercise autonomy and initiative in individual decision-making.
8.14 Awareness of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice.
8.15 Ability to reflect on and review practice; incorporating appraisal of previous learning into future learning and practice.
8.16 Understanding of the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to their profession.
8.17 Acknowledgement and understanding of the potential and limitations of social work as a practice-based discipline to effect individual and social change.
C. Subject-specific Skills: (These will include practise and professional skills)
8.18 Ability to draw on appropriate knowledge and skills to inform practice; using knowledge and understanding in an integrated way in specific practice contexts and to engage in effective relationships with service users and carers.
8.19 Ability to practise safely and effectively within their scope of practice applying creatively a repertoire of core skills.
8.20 Ability to acquire and integrate skills in problem-solving including: managing problem solving activities; gathering information; analysis and synthesis; and intervention and evaluation.
8.21 Ability to practise within the legal and ethical boundaries of their profession, integrate clear understanding of ethical issues and codes of values in practice.
8.22 Ability to maintain fitness to practise.
8.23 Ability to practise in an anti-discriminatory and non-oppressive manner.
8.24 Ability to maintain confidentiality and maintain records appropriately.
8.25 Ability to assure the quality of their practice, demonstrate habits of critical reflection on their performance and take responsibility for modifying action in light of this.
D. Transferable Skills:
8.26 Ability to communicate effectively to an advanced level.
8.27 Ability to apply I.T. and numerical skills.
8.28 Problem solving skills, including managing problem-solving activities, gathering information, analysis and synthesis, intervention and evaluation.
8.29 Ability to work effectively and appropriately with others, including challenging others where necessary.
8.30 Skills in personal and professional development including managing uncertainty, change and stress; critical and effective use of research.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Communicate effectively in a range of situations using a range of methods, including effective IT Skills, written skills and advocacy skills.
9.2 Demonstrate skills of working effectively with others in a range of situations.
9.3 Demonstrate skills in personal and professional development.
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