This is the national qualification for the social work profession, and is designed for people who intend to undertake a career in social work.
Mature candidates (over 21) without formal qualifications may apply, and will need to demonstrate that they are able to study at a higher education level, usually by taking a written test. However, we recommend that candidates without recent study experience should undertake appropriate academic preparation for higher education (see above). Additionally:
Usual miminum age limit is 18 years old, and there is no maximum age limit for entry.
The application and interview processes for this Degree are selective, and our selection process must meet the requirements of the document: 'Suitability for Social Work' GSCC) and the emerging recommendations of the Social Work Reform Board, which require:
1. Involvement of employers, service users and carers in selection processes
2. Rigorous selection criteria including a written test, interview and group activity.
Should an applicant be offered a place, prior to enrolment the applicant will need to provide evidence of qualifications, complete a Declaration of Suitability, and obtain a satisfactory CRB check.
Most modules are assessed by written assignments, some with additional presentations. Three modules are assessed by examination: Introduction to Law, Applied Law and Working with Children. The two long practice placements are assessed by portfolios of evidence.
The social work profession has a good framework of post-qualifying studies and continuing professional development.
The majority of students begin careers in social work. The nature of the degree, however, is essentially vocational, and specifically provides the single access qualification to the profession of social work. Currently there is a national need for more social workers, and nearly all successful graduates are able to find relevant employment in a very worthwhile career.
Year 1
Full Time Modules: Higher Learning Skills, Ethics and Values, Social Work Practice Level 1, Organisation and Management of Social Work, Introduction to Social Work Practice and Theories, Psychosocial Aspects of Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Legal Aspects of Social Work, Communication and Interviewing Skills, Social Work Practice Level 2.
SOL Modules: Higher Learning Skills, Ethics and Values, Social Work Practice Level 1, Organisation and Management of Social Work, Psychosocial Aspects of Human Growth, Communication and Interviewing Skills.
Year 2
Full Time Modules: Using Knowledge in Social Work, Innovations in Health and Social Care and Their Impact on Service Users, Working with Children and Families, Working with Adults, Applied Social Work Law, Personal and Professional Development, Mental Health and Social Work, Working with Groups and Communities, Working with Risks, Rights and Responsibility in Social Work.
SOL Modules: Using Knowledge in Social Work, Introduction to Legal Aspects of Social Work, Social Work Practice Level 2, Introduction to Social Work Practice and Theories, Working with Risks, Rights and Responsibilities in Social Work.
Year 3
Full Time Modules: Social Work Practice Level 3, Evaluative Report on Service Provision, Specialist Practice
SOL Modules: Innovations in Health and Social Work and their Impact on Service Users, Applied Social Work Law, Working with Children and Families, Working with Adults, Social Work Practice Level 3, Working with Groups and Communities, Mental Health
Year 4
SOL Modules: Evaluative Report on Service Provision, Professional and Personal Development, Specialist Practice.
Methods of Teaching and Learning
For full-time students, most modules are taught through classroom, group and individual study with tutorial support. Classroom-based teaching is through a mixture of presentations, guest speakers, video/audio inputs, case studies, group exercises and seminars.
All students are required to undertake three practice placements during the programme, the first for 10 days, the second for 80 days and the third for 120 days. The practice placements integrate academic learning within developing practice competence.
For part-time students modules are taken through 'Supported Open Learning' (SOL) whereby students work through a range of learning materials and independent study, with fortnightly seminar and tutorial days in college to consolidate each section of learning. Placements and assessment are as for the full-time route. By the end of the degree course all BA Applied Social work students must have achieved the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or equivalant (guidance will be given).
Please contact the Advice Shop for details of costs and start dates.
Please note that although the information given is believed to be correct at the time of publication, course information, costs where applicable and attendance details may change.
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