COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Social Work degree at the University of Northampton is a three-year program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professional values required for effective practice in diverse social work settings. In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of social work through modules such as skills for practice, understanding law and policy, introduction to social work, readiness for social work practice, decision making and professional judgement, sociology and psychology in social work contexts, and understanding contemporary social concepts. These modules develop foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional awareness, supported by teaching from qualified academics, service users, and practitioners. In the second year, students deepen their understanding of service user groups, service provision, and social justice issues, including oppression, discrimination, and gender inequality. Critical thinking and reflective practice are emphasized, alongside a 70-day assessed placement in a social work or related setting, and modules covering theories and models for practice, safeguarding, and practitioner research. The third year focuses on professional practice, with a 100-day assessed placement that allows students to apply their learning in real-world contexts, explore risk and uncertainty in assessments, and understand the management of social work tasks. Additional modules on professional identity, transition into practice, and a dissertation consolidate research skills, critical thinking, and applied knowledge, preparing graduates for professional social work roles and further postgraduate study.