Social Work (including foundation year)BSc (Hons)

Foundation Year Programme

In this module you will explore a broad range of social science and current affairs issues. You’ll reflect on the qualities needed to be a successful student in Higher Education and identify your own strengths and areas for development. You’ll be guided to investigate and conduct research on a topic of interest to you in greater depth.

1. You will learn to access sources, recognise and analyse arguments, and critically engage with source material.
2. You will explore some principles of research and develop research skills.
3. You will develop digital and academic communication skills, including integrating source materials with your own voice into written work.
4. You will develop oral, written and visual communication skills to produce work in a range of formats.
5. You will critically engage with current, social, and ethical issues, in the context of the Education for Social Justice Framework and your subject area
6. You will contribute to building a sense of belonging, and a respectful learning community, where students collaborate, share knowledge and ideas and work effectively as a team.
7. You will be encouraged to explore and build on prior knowledge and experiences to prepare you for further study in your subject area, professional behaviours and your chosen career
8. You will reflect on your learning journey, build your confidence, and take ownership of your motivation.

Assessing, Planning and Professional Ethics

This module provides opportunities for students to prepare for effective social work practice. By the end of this module:

• You will understand key concepts and to develop a foundational knowledge of need, risk, support and care for children and adults, and the role of the social worker and other related professional fields such as housing
• You will be able to recognise how legislation, policy and practice guidance relates to assessment and support/care planning.
• You will be able to understand and reflect on models and theories of assessment and support/care planning for children and adults and to develop practitioner skills in a context of social work ethics and values.
• You will recognise the importance of promoting the involvement of children and adults in social work processes and the development of skills in the empowerment of service users.

Lifespan Development

Social Workers are required to develop and apply relevant knowledge from social work practice and research, social sciences, law, other professional and relevant fields, and from the experience of people who use services (PCF Domain 5).

This module will support you to apply knowledge acquired from sociological and psychological theories of adult and child development, people with lived experience and through a child observation task

By the end of this module you will be able to

• Identify, analyse and evaluate psychological and sociological theories of child and adult development.
• Demonstrate an understanding of child developmental milestones within the parameters of diverse cultures and contexts.
• Explain and analyse theories of adult development, to understand the specific, day to day difficulties and disadvantages faced by different adult service user groups including people who need the help and support of social care services because of ill-health, impairment/disability.
• Identify housing challenges and solutions throughout the life course including: the impact of poor housing on children; intergenerational fairness in access to housing; and housing options and support for older people
• Explain theories of loss and grief and identify differing models of support within the context of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory theory and practice.
• Apply psychological and sociological theories of development to a child observation and an adult narrative task.

People with Lived Experience colleagues have contributed to the development, design and delivery of this module in the following ways:

Facilitation of Task 2 narrative and facilitation of teaching sessions to support this task. Facilitation of lifespan development teaching session exploring disability.

Readiness for Direct Practice

This year-long module prepares you for direct practice to progress into your first placement.

This module provides opportunities for you to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the role of social workers, the regulations and key

documents that govern social workers.

• Develop practice skills in a supportive learning environment.

• Develop professional abilities, skills and understanding of the generic role of a social

worker to achieve readiness for practice across a range of different service user

groups.

• Develop basic communication skills in-line with the Readiness for Practice criteria.

• Engage with the 9 domains of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).

People with Lived Experience colleagues have contributed to the development, design and delivery of this module in the following ways:

- Developed the case studies used in the role play assignment

- Assess the role play assignment

- Co-facilitate a session

Social Context for Social Work

This module introduces social theories, social constructs, and social policy whereby legislation, ethical issues, anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice and Law are embedded throughout the module.

Through the examination of the nine protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, you will address structural issues that impact on the lives of People with Lived Experience.

You will explore and reflect on Global, National and Local issues and how these issues manifest into other social issues, such as homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, education, unemployment etc. (L01)

You will have direct input from People with Lived Experiences and social workers with regards to their lived personal and professional experiences of social issues.

You will scrutinise and analyse, ethical dilemmas and the tensions that exist between Law, legislation, policy and procedures and practice.

Aims

You will gain knowledge and understanding of housing Law and how it interconnects with social work practices.

You will be expected to undertake research in preparation for planning for a group presentation in order to develop your communication skills through collaboratively working within groups, which is a fundamental skill within social work. (LO4)

You will acquire knowledge from different sociological perspectives, social policy, human rights and Law. (LO1)

You will be encouraged to explore and question personal values and beliefs systems and investigate how this impacts and influences social work practice. (LO3)

You will have the opportunity

‘People with Lived Experience colleagues have contributed to the development, design and delivery of this module in the following ways

• Developed the case studies used
• Co-facilitated a session
• Marked the presentations’ etc

Creative, critical reflective approaches to practice

This module will help you consider the ways that Social Workers, Youth and Community Workers can be creative in the use of ‘self’, reflection and in exploring imaginative new ways of working with people. You explore and learn about a range of creative approaches to enable the development of critical reflective dialogue and support individuals, groups and communities to analyse their circumstances and that issues affecting them, and to search for possible solutions that support growth and change.

Social Workers, Youth and Community Workers who work alongside marginalised individuals, families and communities are required to make difficult decisions and to intervene to support change and improve the circumstances of people’s lives. The social professions require professionals who have a high level of personal commitment, are open-minded and prepared to examine and even change their own attitudes and possible prejudices.

Each encounter with a vulnerable individual, family or community is unique and requires creative thinking about solutions that are specific to that individual, family or community. Ultimately a social professional’s creativity is motivated by and directed to understanding and improving the lives and conditions of marginalised people within society who are in need of support, advocacy and protection. Networking, supporting and championing new ways of meeting need are all creative endeavours, as is the ability to reflect both personally and with others.

Module aims:

• You will develop an understanding of concepts and underlying principles in fostering critical and reflective dialogue
• You will be able to use a range of creative approaches to support individuals, groups and communities to analyse their circumstances and explore potential solutions to issues affecting their lives.
• You will learn how to gather and use the feedback and insights of others to critically reflect on and further develop your own practice.
• You will develop a critical understanding of power and structural oppression and how this understanding can be used to challenge and disrupt inequality in practice

Law for Social Work Practice

You will understand, analyse and critically reflect on legal processes, legislation, statutory instruments, and guidance. You will explore social work and multi-agency practice interventions applicable to children and adults in need and at risk of harm. You will examine how these are informed by law, theory, research and the voices of children and adults. Knowledge of inquiries and serious case reviews will inform your learning and concepts of human rights and safeguarding are central to the module. You will understand thresholds for intervention and the application of professional judgement which underpin best-practice models.

The teaching methods are various and participatory. They take into account different learning needs and styles to ensure wide participation. You will be given tools to develop your confidence to interpret the and use law in social work practice in order to safeguard and protect People with Lived Experience. Your understanding of case law will be tested in this module.

The lectures and case studies in the seminars are guided by real life situations as reflected in practice in case law and as described in serious case reviews.

You will have the experience of observing live courts in action and take part in mock court activities (with the presentence of a judge and visiting lawyers). These activities serve to build on existing knowledge of the law and this will further expand your understanding of legislation and law in practice.

An ethical approach to applying the law runs through the whole course. You will learn about the legal system as a way of ensuring social justice, and you will learn how and why a rules-based order based on the European Convention of Human Rights informs all social work practice.

You will have the opportunity to make the connection with anti- discriminatory and anti-Oppressive practice and Equality of Opportunity. You will increase your understanding of the impact of past and present colonial approaches within the law and how a rights-based approach to law facilitates decolonisation in law and practice. The teaching group are experienced Practitioners and Academic staff representing diverse ethnicities, genders, sexualities, and cultures.

The aims of the module are that you will:

1. learn how the English Courts and legal system works, and how to find your way through legislation, statutory instruments, codes of practice and case law.
2. become familiar with key professional milestones, such as serious incident reports and professional guidance.
3. have the opportunity to examine and explore laws related to anti- discriminatory practice, human rights and social justice in relation to current legislation, policy and practice guidance.
4. have direct live experiences of courts in action, the use of real-life cases and the examination and explorations of serious case reviews.
5. critically analyse the role of multi-agency working together in protecting children and adults, this will include housing law, and opportunities to explore safeguarding in practice for children and adults.
6. critically reflect on the professional role with an emphasis on evaluating and managing risk, the importance of accountability, understanding thresholds and the application of professional judgement.
7. investigate how the law evolved from a colonial context and how a rights-based approach to law facilitates decolonisation in law and practice.

Practice learning 1 - first placement

Practice Learning 1 will provide you with 70 days of experiential learning opportunities, within a social work or social care setting, to integrate the theory you have been introduced to in university with practice. You will be supported to develop and submit key tasks required to progress to your 1st placement.

You will also be supported to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour and relationships, develop professional values and gain working knowledge of organisational contexts. It also aims to provide you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills required for practice with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities.

It provides the first opportunity for you to practise social work under supervised conditions and develop knowledge, skills and values to enable you to meet the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at first placement level and Social Work England’s Professional Standards as they relate to this level of your studies.

Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work

This module provides opportunities for students to understand and apply theoretical perspectives that support and structure social work intervention and direct work with children and adults. By the end of this module:

• You will be able to understand and analyse the contested nature of social work explanations of the circumstances of service users and the interventions implied by these explanations.
• You will be able to identify and analyse theoretical perspectives relevant to social work taking into account the practical and ethical impact these perspectives have upon different individuals, groups and communities.
• You will be able to evaluate different theoretical perspectives with regard to relations of power and anti-oppressive practice relevant to social work

Becoming Research Minded for Practice

To be research minded is to have the ability to use research to inform practice which counters unfair discrimination, racism, poverty, disadvantage and injustice - consistent with core professional values. This core module enables you to re-visit your teaching and learning on your course and will explore a range of different attributes to develop critical understandings of the application to social research. This will include:

• An awareness of the value of research
• The ability to identify or generate appropriate sources of evidence
• An appreciation of different methods used to obtain and make sense of research knowledges

It requires you to complete a substantive student led piece of work. You will have scope to develop your critical analytical skills, engage with research processes and explore relevant subjects of personal and professional interest with a view to consolidating transferable skills for future employment.

Introduction to Research

Research is a cornerstone of effective practice, enabling professionals to make evidence-informed decisions, advocate for social justice, and contribute to the development of knowledge within the field. This module introduces you to the principles, processes, and ethical considerations of social research. It aims to build foundational skills for understanding, evaluating, and conducting research that informs practice and policy.

Aims of the Module
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Understand the role of research practice and policy, including its contribution to evidence-based decision-making and service improvement.
• Identify and critically appraise different research paradigms and methodologies, with an emphasis on qualitative and quantitative approaches relevant to social professions and Social Sciences.
• Gain competence in interpreting and evaluating research findings, including assessing applicability to practice.
• Explore ethical issues in social research, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

The module allows you to practice research skills through micro-studies in class. You will be able to engage with research that matches your personal and professional interests. At the end of the module you will have developed important practice skills for future employment including confidently conducting your own research projects and evaluations.

Practice learning 2 - second placement

The Practice Learning 2 module provides you with the opportunity to prepare for your professional practice in social work under supervised conditions and

• Develop your knowledge, values and skills in relation to working with people with lived experience in more complex situations, taking responsibility for managing your time and workload effectively.

• Develop an understanding of, and an ability to apply ethical principles and relevant legislation whilst working alongside professionally qualified social workers in a setting and with a people with lived experience group that contrasts with the first placement.

• Consolidate and integrate the skills and knowledge developed in your first placement and university-based teaching modules.

• Demonstrate knowledge and effective application of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) (BASW), Professional Standards (SWE) and the Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) (DfE and DoH)

By the end of your final placement, you are expected to be practising at the level that will be required of a newly qualified social worker.