Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Social Work

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Develop the underpinning knowledge and values required in the practice of social work. Build on your existing skills as a professional. Work towards gaining eligibility to progress onto the qualifying Social Work apprenticeship.

Overview

This short course has been designed to enable employees with our partner agencies who would like to become social workers to develop the required academic skills to progress to the full professional qualifying BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) course.

If you pass the Cert HE, as well as produce a satisfactory personal statement and pass the written requirement for all social work applicants, you'll be guaranteed an interview for the degree apprenticeship.

Completing this social work course will also lead to a standalone, valid qualification for professional development for staff in unqualified roles in social care settings.

The ideas discussed and the skills and knowledge gained on this course will enable you to put what you've learned into practice within your workplace, and also have practical examples to draw upon in your academic work.

Why us?

Successful completion of the course will lead to a guaranteed selection interview for direct entry to level 5 of the full BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)*

Benefit from a flexible learning schedule to fit around work and other commitments

Course structure

The modules studied on this course are based on those in level 4 of the integrated degree apprenticeship, with identical learning outcomes to Stage 1 of that course. This course is delivered in a different format and you'll study part-time with late afternoon and evening sessions to fit around the working day, and is supplemented by online learning activities.

In addition to the four 30-credit modules studied on the course, if you wish to go on to apply for direct entry to level 5 of the degree apprenticeship, you'll also need to complete a 'Readiness for Practice' portfolio. This demonstrates that you've met the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work at the appropriate level.

Modules on this course include:

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.

Facilities

You'll be based at the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

This course requires you to be working in a social care role that involves direct contact with service users and/or carers.

Fees and finance

The fee for this course is £3,000

The employer usually meets these costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact cape@sunderland.ac.uk.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Related courses

Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

Contact

To apply or find out more about this course, please contact the CaPE team: cape@sunderland.ac.uk.

Page last updated: 08 November 2023

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.