This module provides the necessary foundational knowledge as you embark on your journey into the field of social work. Through this comprehensive overview, you are introduced to the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin social work practice. This module lays the groundwork for you to develop a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of social work and its critical role in addressing societal challenges and promoting social justice. Within this module, you will delve into the historical roots of social work, tracing its evolution from charitable endeavours to a formalised and regulated profession. By examining the historical context, you will gain insight into the socio-political factors that have shaped the development of social work practice, including shifts in societal attitudes that influence contemporary practice, such as how we conceptualise risk, harm, and abuse. Building upon these concepts the module will provide a robust knowledge and understanding of protection and safeguarding principles when working with people across the life course. Ethical considerations and values inherent in social work, such as dignity, respect, and cultural competence, are emphasised throughout the module. You will be invited to reflect on your own personal values and consider how these can work in tandem with professional values and social work’s code of ethics. This will be promoted through engagement in discussions and reflective exercises to explore the ethical dilemmas that social workers may encounter in their practice and develop strategies for ethical decision-making. Anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice are further core principles of social work which will be explored within the module, with a view to seeking to understand how your own future practice can promote equality and inclusion. By the conclusion of the module you will have gained a solid foundation in the core concepts and skills of social work practice. You will be equipped with the knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and ethical framework necessary to navigate the complexities of social work practice and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. This introductory module serves as a springboard as you continue your journey toward becoming a competent and compassionate social work professional.
Social policy is vital to social work, as it dictates and frames the world within which social workers operate. In this module you will navigate the labyrinth of policies that shape both social work practice in England and the broader British welfare state. With a keen eye on historical context, you will build your knowledge from the foundational pillars laid by Beveridge to explore the contemporary challenges of austerity and inequality, with thematic strands focusing on contemporary societal issues such as poverty, welfare provision, and substance misuse. This module will also support you to take a global perspective of contemporary issues, to analyse why other countries respond differently and what we can perhaps learn from them. Within this module you will develop foundational knowledge of UK politics and you will unravel the complexities of social work practice in the UK, understanding how power and decision-making moves from the corridors of policymaking to the frontline trenches of social work practice. Employing social work’s unwavering commitment to social justice, you will explore how social policy decisions ripple through the lives of individuals and communities that you will work with. Your learning on this module will be supported by sessions co-delivered by people with lived experience of social work, and broader guest speakers with experience of working in the context of social policy. Through case studies, debates, and analysis, you will be supported to hone your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing social workers today and to explore how social policy decisions and directions may influence your own future social work practice.
Social work is a profession grounded in its commitment to engage with, empower, and promote the welfare and wellbeing of people in society. However, the world in which we work is often complex and turbulent, and we frequently enter people's lives at points where we are exposed to high levels of vulnerability, need, and crisis. Social workers also operate in environments of inequality and injustice, where relational and societal influences limit people's opportunities and shape their ways of coping through challenging circumstances. Through this myriad of complexity, it will be your responsibility as a social worker to find meaning and make sense of this and use this understanding to inform your practice in line with professional standards. This module aims to support you to develop the skills to do just that. As part of your learning, you will engage with teaching which will develop your knowledge of the core theories and models which underpin the social work profession. You will come to appreciate the broad theory base on which social work draws its knowledge, and understand how individual, relational, and societal forces influence and disproportionately impact individuals within our communities. You will learn how people adapt to these influences through the development of their own internal defence mechanisms, behaviour, and social networks, and how as a social worker you can use this knowledge to promote social justice and confront issues of inequality and inclusion. You will be exposed to critical social work perspectives and theory which question dominant ideologies and challenge the power structures, inequalities, and injustices within society. You will also begin to develop your knowledge in understanding how to collaboratively engage with those in receipt of social work services, and how the awareness of the intersectional nature of individual identity can ensure that your practice is grounded in the principles of anti-oppressive social work.
Social work, at its core, is a people profession; social workers engage with people from all backgrounds and walks of life across the entire life course. To be able to work effectively with such large demographics of people, social workers need to have a detailed understanding of human life course development informed by multiple perspectives. This enables social workers to provide effective, holistic, culturally competent, and person-centred assessment and intervention, with the goal of promoting positive outcomes and enhancing wellbeing across the lifespan. This module will help you develop a greater appreciation of what it means to be human, and how from conception to death, we develop physically, emotionally, and socially in the search for meaning, identity and belonging. Within this you will hear specialist perspectives from across the health and social care sector, including contributions from both professionals and those with lived experience of accessing social work services. You will consider the universal aspects of the human condition that influence us all and begin to make sense of the different factors and transition points which impact the trajectory of an individual's development in both optimal and detrimental ways. You will explore how this knowledge is used in social work to identify needs, risks, and strengths to effectively work in partnership and advocate for those in receipt of social work services. Informed by psycho-social perspectives, the module will also help you understand the ways in which as humans, we make sense of and try to assimilate to the world around us in our effort to establish identity. Finally, you will engage in lectures which aim to help you develop specialist knowledge in areas such as neurodiversity, disability, gender, and sexuality, which draw upon the most contemporary academic perspectives, and are applied to social work contexts.
In the field of social work, effective communication is the cornerstone of building meaningful relationships and facilitating positive change. This module is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of human interaction within the context of social work practice. This module provides the opportunity for you to develop and enhance the requisite skills you are required to be able to demonstrate in readiness for direct practice before your first social work placement. The approach of this module is rooted in evidence-based practices, drawing from contemporary theories and real-world scenarios to enhance your communication toolkit. You will explore the nuances of communication and the art of building and maintaining relationships whilst developing your understanding of the power dynamics inherent in social work relationships. You will develop the skills to establish rapport, manage boundaries, and navigate challenging conversations with both sensitivity and professionalism. You will also be supported to develop your understanding of the concept of reflective practice and how this can be applied in your future practice. Supported by a combination of taught sessions and practical skills days, by the end of this module, you will not only possess the theoretical foundations but also the practical skills required to communicate effectively and build authentic relationships that contribute to the well-being of the wide range of individuals and groups that will be considered within this module. To ensure that the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience are central to both your social work education and your future practice, this module will be co-delivered and co-assessed with colleagues from ARU Peterborough’s group of people with lived experience.
Entering third level education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all students to make the most of the opportunities Higher Education provides, so they reach their potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You will be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you will explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where students collect knowledge and various complete mini tasks. You will proceed at your own pace, though we expect all students to have completed their Into ARU exploration by week 6. Students who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete by that date, will be signposted to existing services so that we can be confident that they are supported.
View the full module definitionThis module delves into the broad and multifaceted landscape of child and family social work and will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and effective practice in this field of practice. Beginning with an exploration of foundational concepts, you will develop your understanding of the importance of relationships and familial roles through an introduction to the intricate dynamics of parenting styles, parenting capacity, and the notion of 'good enough' parenting. Extending beyond nuclear families, the module examines the complexities of the diverse structures within which children grow and develop. Through an in-depth analysis of the impact of parenting on child development, behaviour, and the risk of harm, you will gain insights into the pivotal role of familial relationships in shaping a child's well-being. A second core component of this module is safeguarding. Building on your knowledge from your first year of study, this module will extend your understanding of crucial aspects of child safeguarding. You will explore strategies for identifying and addressing risks within different environments encompassing both intrafamilial and contextual safeguarding dimensions. Additionally, the module critically examines systems and approaches of care and control, such as the youth justice system, fostering, adoption, and support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, emphasising the importance of providing nurturing environments for vulnerable children and young people. Furthermore, you will explore the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities, including those related to special educational needs and additional support requirements. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical case studies, you will develop the skills and sensitivity necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of social work with children, young people, and their families. Cumulatively, this module will support you in developing a wide range of knowledge and skills to help build family relationships, resources, and resilience so that the welfare of the child remains paramount. As a future social worker, this module will provide an in-depth insight into the specialism and will provide you with the skills to practice effectively across the broad range of social work roles available with children, young people, and their families.
Social work with adults is a specialism as diverse and multifaceted as the individuals that you will encounter in this area of practice. This module will delve into the complexities of supporting and empowering individuals in their adult years, addressing diverse needs, challenges, and aspirations within the context of their individual lives. The social worker's role is to advocate for the well-being and autonomy of adults, recognising their inherent dignity and worth. This module will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to navigate the intricacies of adult social work practice with confidence and compassion. You will explore principles of person-centred practice, empowering individuals to identify and pursue their goals while respecting their autonomy and rights. You will have the opportunity to examine a wide range of topics, from understanding the unique needs of different adult populations to navigating complex systems and policies, such as funding and commissioning of services. You will examine the life course of an adult and explore how people’s lives can intersect with social work services at different stages of the life trajectory. The module will consider the transition from children’s social care to social work with older people and how to practice in the context of death, dying and end-of-life care. Individual needs that can occur across adulthood will also be explored, including life-limiting conditions, dementia, physical disabilities, and learning disabilities. Lectures and workshops will be co-produced and co-delivered with people with lived experience of adult social work services and with current adult social work practitioners, offering the opportunity to draw on a range of perspectives to inform your understanding of real-world practice. This module also highlights the important role of carers in adult social work, being essential for providing comprehensive and person-centred support to individuals, preventing caregiver burnout, empowering carers, promoting social inclusion, and fostering collaborative relationships that enhance the overall quality of care and support provided to adults in need. Examining the systems which adults are nested within, you will learn about the importance of family and the community to inform holistic assessments to harness strengths and address limitations. By the end of this module, you will emerge as a more skilled and empathetic practitioner, ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults in need of support and assistance.
Statutory social work plays a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and promoting their well-being, while also ensuring compliance with legal mandates and obligations. It encompasses a wide range of interventions and services aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of those in need of support and assistance. This module will provide you with an in-depth exploration of roles, responsibilities, and legal frameworks that govern social work practice in statutory settings in England. This module is situated at this point in your learning journey to build upon your existing knowledge and understanding of the principles of safeguarding and your experiential learning from your first placement in readiness for your final placement in a statutory social work setting. Within this module, you will explore social work both in the context of working in adult services and child and family services. You will develop a robust knowledge of the legislation, regulations and statutory guidance pertinent to practice, and you will be supported to enhance your awareness of referral and safeguarding processes in both fields. You will also explore safeguarding interventions and develop a heightened awareness of the range of alternative care placements, with a particular emphasis on care planning for children entering care, corporate parenting, and the powers and duties to support care leavers. You will have the opportunity to consider the different trajectories that referrals for statutory social work can take and when legal interventions may be necessary to ensure an individual’s safety and welfare. As such you will be introduced to legal proceedings and working with legal professionals and to support your experiential learning, you will be able to observe real-world court proceedings. Cumulatively your learning on this module will support you to develop the confidence and competence to practice in the capacity of a student social worker in a statutory social work setting.
Assessment and intervention are core components of social work practice. Running in tandem with your first social work placements, this module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in assessing needs and delivering effective interventions. Grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, this module will equip you with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to work collaboratively with individuals and families across all areas of social work practice to undertake effective assessments and develop robust and evidence-informed intervention plans. This module consists of a combination of taught sessions and practical skills days. The module begins with taught sessions exploring the principles and theories underpinning assessment and intervention in social work. You will examine various models and approaches to assessment, including strengths-based, ecological, and person-centred perspectives, and consider their application in diverse practice contexts. You will be introduced to the different assessment methods and tools used in practice and critically analyse their use, effectiveness, and evidence base. Particular regard will be given to cultural competency in undertaking assessments. The taught sessions will transition to consider how assessments inform proposed interventions and the wider considerations that need to be made when devising an intervention plan and culminate with a consideration of how progress or success is measured and evaluated. The skills days have been designed to supplement your learning and provide practical opportunities to develop your skill set in this area. You will be supported to develop your assessment and report writing skills and have a wealth of opportunities to practice undertaking a range of assessments and practice how to gather information and understand the range of interventions available. By the end of this module, you will have developed a critical knowledge and understanding of the principles of social work assessments and interventions and have had the opportunity to develop and enhance your practical skills in this important area of social work practice. This will support you to apply these skills in your social work placements and future career.
Collaboration and inter-professional working are hugely important at all levels and across all settings as they underpin excellent professional practice. This inter-professional module is centred around exploring the inter-relation between different factors that make individuals and families vulnerable. It uses the areas of substance misuse, mental health and domestic abuse as the medium through which to explore this and to consider the increased risks of harm to families that result. The rationale for the module is to build your understanding of these subjects, how they interplay in the context of both your own discipline and that of others and in particular to understand the complexity and importance of a collaborative response in supporting and meeting the needs of families and safeguarding vulnerable individuals affected. Several disciplines are involved in the module and it offers the opportunity for you to come together with other students, facilitating opportunities for sharing both your subject knowledge and life/practice experience in order to generate interesting avenues of approach not available within the silo of a single discipline. Links between your disciplines will be proactively pursued to explore the complex issue of safeguarding, and you’ll integrate information and methodologies from your respective disciplines as you approach the problem, understanding that there is no single right answer. Through facilitated discussions you’ll gain a broader understanding of one another’s sphere of practice and be able to learn from each other in a meaningful way.
This module aims to develop an inter-disciplinary approach to personal, theoretical and practice-based understanding of AntiRacist Practice and Critical Race Theory. An understanding of the British perspective on race and racism will be highlighted to set the scene and then global perspectives will be discussed. Students will then critically reflect on the limitations of a single approach to solve wider societal concerns regarding racism by applying knowledge created through the connections across different disciplines. This module has been designed and will be delivered with a range of academics from departments across different fields of study and specialism (Social Work, Social and Cultural History, Business and Law, Library Services, Social Research, Diversity and Cultural Change Officer and Race Equality Advocates). The resources (teaching material, exercises) used for teaching and learning are inter-disciplinary taking into account differing personal perspectives, alternative epistemologies on race and different ways to achieve race equality. The module learning outcomes will be current and relevant to those in higher education and based upon empirical research and modern socio-political understandings of anti-racist practice and critical race theory. This will be an on-line inter-disciplinary level 5, 15 Credit Ruskin Module open to all students and teaching will follow these three strands: 1. The module will enable students to reflect on their personal experiences of race and racism with the aim of questioning, understanding and evaluating their self-concept with clarity and to nurture their community cultural wealth. 2. The module will equip students with knowledge and understanding from an inter-disciplinary perspective on the historical context, influential thinkers, creatives, anti-racist activists, models and methods that underpin race and racism in the UK and from broader global theoretical understandings. 3. The practice-based element will enable students to engage with students from other disciplines to understand different antiracist practices through acquiring the creativity, skills, attitudes and behaviours to reduce personal & structural discrimination and inequalities. The teaching, learning and assessment will be facilitated carefully to ensure safe spaces are established for students. This module will take students on a journey of self-development as they learn and understand more about race and racism. This selfdevelopment can invoke a range of emotions and positions therefore the module delivery will be carefully facilitated to ensure all students feel safe, positively regarded and supported. It is essential for HEIs to value, recognise and support students to access a range of inter-disciplinary knowledge, skills and abilities to adapt and thrive in HEIs. Students can use these multiple strengths to gain greater certainty, confidence and clarity in themselves and with their interactions with other individuals, communities and organisations. The multiple strengths possessed by students need nurturing so they can be empowered to adapt and resist racial inequalities and thus enable a more successful progression. The outcome of this module will lead to the active provision of community cultural wealth which in turn is likely to contribute to developing high self-concept clarity and tackling inequalities. In turn students will develop a robust inter-disciplinary theoretical and personal understanding of race and racism which will enable them to build meaningful allyships, challenge inequalities and enable a more successful progression through the course. Students will be split into teams across disciplines. These inter-disciplinary discussions will be facilitated, and students will be provided with prompts, learning tools and exemplars so they can: reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviours in relation to the topics discussed, be encouraged to consider underpinning knowledge and theories, and be provided with exemplars, suggestions and guided to explore actions they can take to develop an Anti-Racist Action Plan to reduce personal or structural discrimination and inequalities. This module relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity: - Decent work and economic growth - This module will increase awareness of socio-political inequalities that oppress people of colour in terms of employment and economic positions and how to engage with anti-racist practices to reduce personal & structural discrimination. - Reduced inequalities – This module will explain how the widening disparities in society require sound policies to empower communities, and promote economic inclusion of all regardless of sex, race or ethnicity. - Peace, justice and strong institutions – this module will explain the importance of promoting the rule of law to ensure equal access to justice for all, ensure the protection of freedoms, and promote and explain relevance of non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
Appraise with a critical lens, a range of contemporary, sociological issues within UK society. We’ll provide you with opportunities to explore and analyse the interrelationship between issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, political ideologies and the role of social systems such as education, in promoting notions of social justice. Consider how these issues can be applied across several disciplines. Using data you’ll look at the facts, what is published and how social justice is experienced, alongside self-reflection on how personal bias can influence your understanding. You’ll reflect on the interplay between the issues and how they relate to your own subject discipline and more widely in society. You’ll be supported to become a reflective professional and see the value of the role of social justice in your own professional field.
This interdisciplinary module is an answer to the growing pressure to address modern slavery in UK Universities. In a World where millions of people live precarious lives and are victims of ancient forms and more recent typologies of slavery, it is crucial to create awareness and equip the next generation of professionals with the basic knowledge to individuate and recognise slavery. The module is designed to introduce you as students, coming from different backgrounds, to the debate on slavery/modern slavery terminology, nature, and history with a focus on how slavery affected and is still affecting governments, national and international businesses, and communities. You will be introduced to the cultural, sociological, and legal aspects of slavery’s legacy and will analyse the main typologies of slavery as an individual and/or collective trauma.
View the full module definitionThis module will explore how belief impacts our behaviours. You will explore your own worldview and beliefs and how these impact your identity, your daily life and your profession. You will encounter different worldviews, faiths and belief systems and examine their impact on wider society. Through exploring a number of different disciplinary approaches to particular societal issues, you will gain a deeper understanding of how individuals are inspired by and assimilate their personal beliefs within their professional lives and within their individual academic disciplines. Through interdisciplinary and interfaith discussion of real-life societal concerns, you will gain an understanding of how differences in faith and in disciplinary approaches can assist in resolving broader social issues. Inspired by the UN SustainabilityGoals of Reducing Inequality (10) and promoting Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (16), this module is not just for those with religious or faith backgrounds but for anyone seeking to understand more about different beliefs and faiths and how these shape us, can enrich our work and enable us to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of our community life. It is for anyone who is seeking to understand how growing an understanding of different beliefs can help us address the deeper questions of life and inspire us to tackle real-life challenges.
View the full module definitionTo approach the wicked problem of what sustainability means, we will explore how your understanding of sustainability develops through both formal and informal education. Bringing lively discussions into the classroom, together we will investigate different interpretations of sustainability, through the lens of our diverse student body, from different academic disciplines with distinct life experiences. Logical connections across disciplines will be crafted by examining the historical and political context for sustainability, the psychology of sustainability, the science of sustainability and the financial issues surrounding sustainability. Drawing upon psychology and wellbeing, you will reflect on your own values and experiences to explore what sustainability means to you and how you have arrived at this understanding. You will consider your personal history and journey, proactively integrating your own discipline, and considering how this has shaped your understanding. The future of sustainability and your place in this will be considered. Delve into social, economic, environmental, as well as political issues, such as understanding and questioning the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how these can underpin equitable global futures.
View the full module definitionARU Peterborough is a new institution within the city of Peterborough and this module provides an exciting opportunity for students to integrate and network with members of the community. Whether you live, study, or work in Peterborough, or do more than one of these things in tandem, you are a member of local civic life. As part of this module, you will have the opportunity to develop and enhance this relationship, by promoting active citizenship and empowering you to seek positive social change within the community. Underpinned by the tenets of community organising, this module has been co-developed with Peterborough Citizens, the local chapter of Citizens UK. Within this module you will be introduced to the core principles of community organising - power analysis, working relationally, negotiation, the 5-step method to social change - with sessions delivered by professional organisers from Peterborough Citizens. Following the introduction of the core knowledge and understanding of organising and an exploration of social justice and the idea of community, you will be invited to evaluate the responses of a listening campaign to identify areas for change. Based upon this, you will work in interdisciplinary groups to develop, and implement, a plan of action to seek to contribute towards positive social change within the local community.
View the full module definitionAs you embark on your final year and your final social work placement, this module will support your continued progress by delving into the intricate landscape of risk and complexity in social work practice, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate these challenging dimensions effectively. Through critical examination, practical application, and reflective practice, you will engage with various aspects of risk and complexity, including the determination, assessment, and management of risk. You will have the opportunity to utilise real-world risk screening and assessment tools, looking at a range of areas of practice across the lifespan such as contextual risk and exploitation, child sexual behaviour, hoarding and self-neglect. Informing a holistic view of risk and complexity, you will also be invited to explore the role of vulnerability and resilience in magnifying or mitigating issues, and how resistance, non-compliance, and disguised compliance can present in practice. The module will also afford an in-depth look at the particularly complex issues of domestic abuse, substance misuse and homelessness. To support your preparation for qualified practice you will critically reflect on personal values, biases, and assumptions that may impact decision-making in managing risk and complexity and explore the role of supervision and reflection as support mechanisms. Underpinning your approach, you will engage with people with lived experience of social work services who will provide their perspectives on the perception of risk in their lives and explore how risk management and decision-making can, and should be, a shared responsibility.
It is widely acknowledged that people with lived experience of social work services are key stakeholders in social work education. Historically this has involved individuals engaging in one-off lectures across different modules, with a focus on sharing their personal stories. With this module we wanted to acknowledge that more could be done to promote meaningful and authentic learning, so this module has been co-designed, co-produced, and is co-delivered throughout by people with lived experience, providing true insight into what you need to know and do in practice to work with individuals with lived experience to work together to improve outcomes. One of the key principles of this module is to promote humanising social work practice. You will regularly interact with and be guided by people with lived experience of social work services. You will be able to draw on their expertise and alternative lens of practice which will support you to develop fosters empathy, compassion, and understanding, helping students develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities and realities of people's lives. Understanding of the lived experience movement, its origins, and future ambitions will support your awareness of the ever-growing group voice of lived experience. The module also seeks to empower people with lived experience by providing a platform for their typically underrepresented voices and supporting them to reclaim agency and contribute to shaping the future of social work practice and education. It aspires to validate their expertise and perspectives, elevating their voices as valued stakeholders. As we seek to close the gap and foster partnerships between academia, practice, and lived experience communities, within this module you will learn how to strengthen relationships and build trust and mutual respect, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and practice. Overall, in this enriched learning environment you will be supported to promote social justice and develop into a competent, compassionate, and responsive social work professional, with true value for the role of people with lived experience in social work research and practice.
Mental health is a fundamental part of human functioning. Therefore, recognising and understanding the signs of mental ill-health, and developing the skills to effectively respond to individuals in distress, is a key aspect of social work that permeates through every single area of practice. This module focuses on developing understanding of the legislative context of mental health and broadening knowledge of the most common mental health challenges that social workers encounter. This teaching will also be supported by first-hand accounts from those with lived experience of mental health difficulties. In this module you will develop skills to effectively develop a holistic formulation of mental health; an understanding of the nature of individual challenges and an approach to support which is tailored to meet needs. You will learn about working with risks associated with mental health and will develop the skills to produce an effective care plan which promotes the rights of the individual. You will also be supported to develop an enhanced understanding of engaging with complex and distressing themes such as self-harm and suicide within your practice. Enhancing your learning experience further, you will also engage in learning focused on therapeutic mental health treatment in social work, including both community and inpatient contexts and will develop an appreciation of the key factors that support successful therapeutic intervention. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate contemporary approaches to intervention and consider when such treatment approaches may not be appropriate, or successful. This module will also cover the complexities and unique factors that specific groups encounter, including children and adolescents, older adults, and those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. The module integrates broader, international perspectives and approaches to mental health, reflecting the spectrum of attitudes towards mental health which vary considerably across nations and cultures. Finally, we will consider what you need to do to support your own mental health in practice, given the considerable impact that working with themes of mental distress can have on social workers if self-care is neglected.
The ability to work in collaboration with others is fundamental for effective social work practice. Yet, ineffective interagency and interdisciplinary working is an often-cited factor in child safeguarding practice reviews and safeguarding adult reviews into cases of serious harm, or death. But this is not a new issue facing social work, and so this module invites you to critically explore the barriers and challenges to collaborative practice with the aim of supporting you to make meaningful change in your own future practice as a social worker. The module will explore the challenges and ethical considerations inherent in interdisciplinary and interagency working, including power dynamics, information sharing and competing values and priorities. Developing an understanding of theoretical frameworks and group theories will aid the understanding of the complexities of working with diverse professionals and systems. The module will consider how collaborative models and multi-disciplinary teams are utilised across the spectrum of social work services. Fundamentally, the overarching aim of this module is twofold, to spotlight this practice challenge and to improve future practice. So, you will delve into practical strategies for effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution and learn how to navigate professional boundaries, negotiate shared goals, and advocate for integrated and holistic approaches to service provision. Grounded in principles of collaboration, the module will be co-delivered and draw on the expertise of contributions of different disciplines, including health, education, and criminal justice to enable you to explore different roles and responsibilities and to draw on multiple perspectives. Through experiential learning opportunities, case studies, and interactive discussions you will develop the skills and competencies necessary to collaborate effectively across disciplines and agencies to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
Evidence-based practice is fundamental to effective and ethical social work. This module will provide you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth exploration of a social work topic of your choice by conducting a systematic or scoping literature review. You will develop the skills to formulate an appropriate research question and implement a search strategy to source appropriate literature. You will also learn how to screen and refine your selection of studies and how to quality assess and synthesise the information obtained. This will culminate in the opportunity to interpret the evidence available, highlight potential gaps and inconsistencies in the literature, and fundamentally, critically evaluate the implications for social work practice. The module will be taught through a series of face to face practical and interactive workshops. You will also be supported by your dissertation supervisor, a member of the social work academic team who will be assigned to you to offer support and feedback through both group and individual supervision sessions.
This module is designed to guide you through the process of your final statutory placement and to support you in preparing for and securing employment as a newly qualified social worker. This module recognises the critical importance of effectively transitioning from academia to practice and will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to navigate the job market with confidence and professionalism. Throughout the module, you will engage in comprehensive discussions and practical exercises focused on various aspects of the employment search process. You will learn essential strategies for identifying job opportunities, crafting compelling application materials, preparing for interviews, and establishing meaningful professional connections with potential employers. As you progress through the module, you will gain valuable insights into the art of interview preparation. You will learn how to research prospective employers and contextual information such as Ofsted reports, anticipate interview questions, and develop compelling responses that demonstrate your readiness for professional social work practice. Role-playing exercises and mock interviews will provide you with opportunities to practice your interview skills and receive constructive feedback. Activities are co-designed and co-delivered with local employers to ensure that you have contemporary insight into recruitment needs and approaches. Supplementary to the focus on securing your first graduate role, this module will also support you in preparing for and understanding the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. You will also be introduced to the requirements of professional registration with Social Work England and the ongoing requirements for continuous professional development, peer reflection, and re-registration. By the conclusion of the module, you will have acquired the practical skills, resources, and confidence needed to navigate the transition from university to professional social work practice successfully. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of your next steps and career trajectory you will be well-prepared to pursue and secure a rewarding graduate career opportunity in social work.