Foundations of Professional Learning (30 credits)
Develop your academic study skills and resilience strategies in preparation for both undergraduate study and your role in the workplace. Consider your own approach to learning and your role within groups, by giving and receiving feedback. Explore the nature of professional learning and familiarise yourself with the frameworks for assessment of professional capability within social work practice.
Values and Ethics for Social Work (30 credits)
Examine the role of the social worker and how this has been defined and developed, before considering the importance of personal and professional behaviour and boundaries. Reflect upon your personal values and gain an introduction to the values, ethics, and standards for social work. Explore the role of social work with different service user groups and settings. Study how diversity can relate to discrimination, disadvantage, power, and oppression, and explore how and to what extent social workers can challenge this by promoting social justice and human rights.
Developing Skills for Practice (30 credits)
Complete Stage 1 of your Professional Standards and Readiness to Practice Portfolio, including evidence of reflection on your personal and professional development. Engage in a community study where you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your understanding of the complex interaction between the individual and their community. Explore cultural, economic, and social factors which impact on daily living and social justice. Reflect on your direct work with service users and carers to develop your interpersonal communication and interviewing skills.
Understanding Theory for Practice (30 credits)
Gain an introduction to the theoretical frameworks from social science disciplines which inform social work practice. Explore key perspectives in social theory, particularly the conceptual awareness of the relationship between the individual and society. Enhance your theoretical understanding of the features and development of modern society in order to identify patterns in our social life. Focus on themes such as the way society is organised, the patterns in social relations, the dynamics of social change, and theoretical explanations of social conflict and inequality. Develop skills in comparative analysis of social and psychological theories and concepts, relating these key perspectives of social theory towards real world events and issues.
