Social Work MA

University of Gloucestershire

This is the second placement module providing opportunities for students to demonstrate professional capability at the qualifying level. This module will provide opportunities for students to experience social work practice in order to develop and apply their knowledge, skills and values with either individuals, families, carers, groups or communities. The module will enable students to demonstrate and understand the importance of multi-agency working and the organisational context of social work practice. They will draw on their learning from the first placement, from academic and skills based modules, and will apply this guided by structured supervision and support.

The module aims to develop the students understanding of the essential values, ethics and skills required for effective social work practice. This module represents a 70 day work placement social work students are expected to familiarise themselves with and undertake the work and processes of the approved agency in which they are placed. The module will integrate theory and practice in the understanding and implementation of assessment when working with services users and carers. Students will be enabled to reflect upon their own values and beliefs and confront any conflict with the principles and values underpinning social work practice. Students are expected to work with the framework of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and the Standards of Proficiency. They are formally assessed against Social Work?s Professional Capability Framework - End of First Placement Level Capabilities.

This module aims to explore a variety of intervention and assessment approaches balancing the rights, risks and responsibilities in Social Work practice within a culturally diverse population. It will build on some of the issues raised in the 1st year with regard to social justice and ethical decision making. The complex relationship between justice, care and control within social work practice will be examined alongside the complexities, uncertainties and ethical dilemmas when making professional judgements and decisions. Concepts, and theory around risk, resilience, collaboration with service users and the significance of multi -agency working will be explored.

The module aims to enable students to undertake a large single piece of work informed by social work practice. The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to conduct a sustained and intensive investigation into one topic linked to their practice. Appropriate ethics will be requested and students will be requested to disseminate their findings in order to promote evidence informed practice.

This module aims to develop critical thinkers and to introduce students to the sociological, psychological and psychosocial theories that underpin social work practice. Values and ethics will also be explored alongside the importance of ethical decision making and working in partnership with diverse service user groups and other professionals. A focus on individuals, families and communities the module will consider development over the lifespan. The module will explore the knowledge and theories that assist social workers in understanding complex situations. It will critically analyse theories and methods that enable change to take place. The module will teach on key skills development and the judicious use of these skills in ways that are effective and that enable and empower people to address concerns and make positive changes.

This module introduces students to the legal and policy context in which social workers practice. Divided into two parts, the module explores how the government and the legal system work in relation to social work; developments in relation to state welfare provision and theoretical models for explaining such change, social welfare responses to issues such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion and homelessness are all discussed. Students then go on to explore in detail the legal and policy context and its application within social work practice. This will include relevant legislation, policy and statutory guidance in relation to adult social care, children and families, mental health and capacity. The implications and principles of rights and equality, justice, and economic wellbeing as they relate to social work practice are stressed throughout.

The module aims to provide students with the skills that underpin social work practice. It will contribute significantly to the 30 day skill development programme ensuring that students are prepared and safe to undertake practice learning and meet PCF Readiness for Practice Capabilities in order to enable students to embark on their 70 day practice placement. The focus will be on work with individuals and groups, including communities and teams, and the judicious use of these skills in ways that are effective and that enable people to address concerns and to move their lives forward. The importance of communication and developing effective working relationships with individuals, children and other professionals will critically examined.

This module builds on the theoretical understanding in relation to social work with adults, families and communities. This module will explore the application of research when responding to complex situations and the legal, social, economic and ecological context of social work will be analysed. Drawing upon a wide range of knowledge and evidence students will apply their understanding when working with individuals and families accessing social care services. Complex problem definition and the impact on adults, children and communities will be explored and analysed using different theoretical models of understanding. Difference and diversity will be addressed and the types of discrimination impacting upon individuals will be explored. Knowledge and skills of inter-professional and multi-agency working will be expanded upon.