Social Work
School of Public Policy and Professional Practice
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Last Updated 20 September 2013

Principal Course Timetable Blocks 5


Please note: All BA (Hons) Social Work modules are only available to students undertaking BA (Hons) Social Work. They are not available to students undertaking other programmes.

Social Work Single Honours - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
SWK-10002 Introduction to Legal Processes C E 5 10
This module is intended to provide a broad introduction to legal processes as they affect the delivery of social work services. The module will provide the necessary background knowledge for the study of law in the context of services to children and families and to adults, which is taught in the following semester and developed at Level 2. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to the meeting the requirements of the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and, ultimatley, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. The subject benchmark standards for social work have been used to inform the development of the module.
SWK-10004 Human Growth and Development C C 5 10
This module is designed to provide introductory, underpinning knowledge of human growth and development in order to prepare students to practice more effectively with diverse service user groups. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject benchmark statements for social work have also been used to inform the development of the module.
SWK-10006 Key Concepts from the Social Sciences C C 5 10
In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject Benchmark Standards (SBS) for Social Work are also indicated for each of the learning outcomes. This module is intended to develop a basic appreciation of a number of key concepts from the social sciences that are used to understand and explain the relationship between individuals and their social contexts. Thus, it seeks to develop an awareness of how social processes create and sustain - identity, social structures and social roles and perspectives. This module will be particularly valuable for students who have not previously studied any of the social sciences. Specifically it aims to help students to: - Begin to think sociologically - Consider the nature of individual and group identity - Engage with constructionist explanations of social roles and structures
SWK-10010 Foundations of Social Work C C 10 20
This introductory module introduces the students to the founding principles and core values of Social Work. In additon it introduces students to the key skills and processes of Social Work; those of communication, assessment, intervention and professional accountability. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. The learning outcomes for this module are also framed by the expectations of the subject benchmark standards (SBS) for Social Work
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
SWK-10005 Personal and Professional Development (1) C C 10 20
In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject benchmark statements for social work have also been used to inform the development of the module. The module focuses on the development of core skills required to practice effectively as a social worker. Skills acquisition is developed via experiential and practical workshops, class room sessions, shadowing visits and the development of a portfolio of learning.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
SWK-10007 Inequality and Disadvantage C C 5 10
This module introduces the students to social division and diversity and equips the students with the knowledge and skills to work with difference and disadvantage. The module will provide the student with a knowledge framework to practice and engage with service users in an anti-discriminatory manner. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. The subject benchmark standards (SBS) for Social Work have been used to inform the development of the module.
SWK-10008 Area of Practice (1): Working with Children and Families C M 10 20
This module introduces the student to Children and Family Social Work with all its attendant complexity. The module provides students with the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to practice social work with this service user group. It will provide a basic understanding of the organisational and legislative context in which Social Workers operate and the challenges faced in this challenging but rewarding area of work. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. The subject benchmark standards (SBS) for Social Work have been used to inform the development of the module.
SWK-10009 Area of Practice (1): Working with Adults C M 10 20
This Level 1 module introduces students to social work with adults. It is one of two modules, the second of which is at Level 2 that provide students with the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to practise social work with adults. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. The learning outcomes for this module are also framed by the expectations of the subject benchmark standards (SBS) for Social Work

Social Work Single Honours - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
SWK-20004 Personal and Professional Development (2) C C 22.5 45
This is the first of two modules which focus on supervised and assessed practice placements which will enable students to acquire and apply skills, knowledge and values in direct work with service users. This module is designed to develop student's capacity to assess for, plan and engage in professional interventions with service users. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject benchmark statements for social work have also been used to inform the development of the module.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
SWK-20001 Area of Practice (2): Working with Children and Familites C M 15 30
This is the second of two modules (the first at Level 1) that provides underpinning knowledge to enable students to develop and apply their skills, knowledge and values in direct work with children and families. It will build on learning in year 1, and in line with level 2 of the course will enable students to develop a more critical understanding of the complexity of social work with children and families and inter-agency working. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. This module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the subject benchmark standards (SBS) for social work.
SWK-20002 Area of Practice (2): Working with Adults C M 15 30
This second of two modules (the first at Level 1) will provide further underpinning knowledge to enable students to develop and apply their skills, knowledge and values in relation to social work with adults. The focus of this module is to give consideration to the complex issues that adults experience in relation to issues of ageing, mental health and disability. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. The subject benchmark statements (SBS) for Social Work have been used to inform the development of this module.
SWK-20003 Social Work Theory and Methods (1) C C 7.5 15
In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject Benchmark Standards (SBS) have been used to inform the development of the module.

Social Work Single Honours - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
SWK-30001 Applying Social Work Knowledge and Research C C 7.5 15
This module introduces students to the idea that knowledge and research are social constructions; thus that they are amenable to scrutiny and to challenge. Via the introduction of a specific body of knowledge, including evaluative modelling and social philosophy, students are equipped to critique both knowledge and social research, and to determine their utility for application to practice. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject Benchmark Standards (SBS) for social work are also indicated for each of the learning outcomes.
SWK-30002 Social Work Research C C 15 30
The increasing focus on evidence informed practice in social work means that social work students must have a working knowledge of the principles and application of social research. This module will therefore provide students with the means to develop a critical understanding of the research process and how research can be applied in social work practice. In order to facilitate this learning students will have the opportunity to undertake a literature based research project which will enable them to appreciate and analyse best evidence in social work - related to a topic of their choice. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject Benchmark Standards (SBS) for social work have been used to inform the development of the module.
SWK-30003 Social Work Theory and Methods (2) C C 7.5 15
This module builds upon the level 2 module Social Work Theory and Methods (I) and develop a more critical approach to social work theory and knowledge. In particular, it seeks to broaden students' understanding of the possibilities of social work by drawing upon alternative conceptions and differing international perspective. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject Benchmark Standards (SBS) for Social Work have been used to inform the development of the module.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
SWK-30004 Personal and Professional Development (3) C C 30 60
Students will undertake a practice learning placement of 100 days and must by the end of the placement, demonstrate their ability to practice and apply knowledge, skills and values relevant to the practice capabilities framework for social work. Students will undertake regular supervision and practice education sessions as well as three direct observations of their practice which they must pass. Students will also complete a placement portfolio evidencing their learning and achievement and including a detailed case study analysis drawn from their direct practice experience. In line with professional requirements, this module will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and, ultimately, the Standards of Proficiency (SOP) required for professional registration upon successful completion of all elements of the qualifying award. Subject benchmark statements for social work have also been used to inform the development of the module.
C Compulsory Core Module
O Optional Core Module
EP Programme Elective Module
EA Approved Elective Module
EF Free-Standing Elective Module
M Mixed Assessment e.g. a mixture of essay(s) and examination, with the latter's weighting below 90%.
E Examination, providing 90% or more of the mark.
C Continuous Assessment e.g. essay(s) or practical work (as appropriate).
+ Available to qualified non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students but there may be a restriction on the number of places available
~ Specific pre-requisite(s) needed by non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students wishing to take these modules
# Not normally available to Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students (except by prior negotiation with Departmental Tutor)
Note: Modules not marked with a # are available to suitably qualified Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students.