On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1 - Demonstrate a critical understanding of reflexive practice in social work.
2 - Demonstrate an adherence and commitment to the British Association of Social Workers Professional Capabilities Framework for social work practice and Social Work England Standards to ensure preparation for practice.
3 - Critically appraise the factors that influence social work practice in contemporary society.
4 - Develop critical self-awareness of their own practice associated with the role of social worker.
This module has been designed to support safe and effective preparation for students into professional practice in social work through the 80/ 90-day placement offer on the programme. The module is a pre-requisite for Placement 1 and Placement 2 modules and provides students with a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted field of contemporary professional social work.
You will explore and experience various aspects of social work practice in a variety of ways. These will include working with students from other professional programmes such as social care, education, and nursing. Lectures/seminars will include delivery by practitioners, people with lived experiences and academics to consider a wide range of social work practices which enables you to understand your experiences with social work. It will give you a chance to see both the opportunities and challenges, informing your own practice going forward, as well as gaining more experience in dialogue and communication. You will explore a wide range of theoretical perspectives and frameworks ranging across psychological and sociological disciplines to provide you with essential tools to address individual and systemic challenges in practice. Integrating this theory in practice will enable you to undertake critical analysis and develop tailored interventions to support people.
The module places particular emphasis on the varied contexts where social workers are employed, including statutory, non-statutory, charitable, and independent organisations. Looking at the roles within different fields and contexts. Furthermore, you will explore the collaborative aspects of social work, delving into the interactions with other professions and identifying the unique features that set social work apart. The module underscores the commitment of social work to anti-oppressive practice and the vital role of reflection and reflective supervision in fostering the professional growth of social workers. This module introduces key skills and theoretical concepts crucial for contemporary social work practice to use as a foundation that can be built on and explored in more depth in other modules throughout the course.
You will demonstrate your ability to practice in a safe and professional manner, consistent with the profession of social work, as part of the module assessment requirement. The module will explore the notions of professionalism, values, ethics, diversity, and equality and how these are applied within contemporary social work practice. You will engage with the legislative and policy landscape in which social work is located and explore the intricate relationship between national and international policy and rights, and how these dynamics might intersect.
You will engage in discussions regarding the nature of social work as a profession and its emphasis on building relationships. A deep understanding of the lived experiences of people, as service users and their expectations from social workers is a core aspect of this module as is the ability to critically reflect and analyse practice.
The teaching and learning methods for this module are underpinned by programme strategy that aligns with Leeds Trinity University Learning, Teaching and Academic Experience Strategy (LTAE 2022-2026) in that it aims to transform the way we work co-creatively with students, how we connect them and our learning and teaching with the outside world and societal issues and support all our learners on a personalised, values-based and career-led journey through their studies. You will be taught in a variety of methods including simulated practice, problem-based learning using case studies, reflective practice workshops, flipped classrooms; traditional lectures; including participatory workshops which utilise co-creative exercises that will also influence learning and teaching methods. Additional online material such as discussions and online activities will be supported by a variety of media and resources, ranging from videos and selected textbooks and articles and placed on Moodle, Leeds Trinity University’s online learning platform.
The module will use a combination of learning and teaching methods using lectures, small group seminars and individual and group tutorials to support your academic and professional development. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading. Guest speakers will be used to develop an understanding of current Social Work practice, this will include practitioners and people with lived experiences The practice of relational pedagogy and person-centred planning will be showcased by staff in their delivery style.
Formative assessment is employed in each module to support your learning, allowing you to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and understanding across the programme and to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. Formative feedback takes a variety of forms such as reflective tasks and does not contribute to the final module mark. Further detail on the specific teaching and learning including how these have been developed in response to student feedback, can be found in the module handbook. Students will need to pass the assessment for this module before they can undertake their professional placement as part of Practice 1.
Lecture/Seminar
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 30
Guided independent study
Hours: 130
Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGS1W