COURSE CURRICULUM

The social work course provides a structured and comprehensive foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary social work, preparing students to become competent and reflective practitioners. In Year 1, students explore core areas including Social Work with Adults and Social Work with Children & Young People, developing an understanding of the ethical, legal, and policy frameworks that guide practice across different populations. Through these modules, students gain insight into person-centred and empowering approaches to adult care, and the complexities of working with children, young people and families in both preventative and statutory contexts. The Understanding Social Work module forms the basis of professional identity, introducing students to the core knowledge, skills and values of social work, including critical thinking, human rights-based practice, and the application of theory to practice.Practical learning is embedded early on with Practice Placement 1, where students complete a 70-day placement in a social care setting. This real-world experience allows them to apply classroom knowledge, develop communication and reflective skills, and begin forming a professional identity under the supervision of qualified practitioners. Supporting this, Models of Intervention equips students with a range of theoretical approaches and evidence-based methods applicable across various social work contexts. Social Work Research, which continues into the final year, introduces students to the use and critique of research evidence in supporting ethical and informed decision-making in practice.In the final year, students further specialise with Social Work Law for Qualifying Practice, exploring the legal and ethical complexities of working with vulnerable individuals across both statutory and voluntary sectors. The course culminates in Practice Placement 2, a 100-day placement in a statutory setting, where students are expected to demonstrate autonomy, accountability, and authority in carrying out statutory responsibilities. This placement marks the final stage of practice readiness, confirming the student's competence to qualify as a professional social worker.