COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the MA Social Work course, students undertake a set of compulsory modules designed to build foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for effective social work practice. The "Core Skills for Social Work Practice" module focuses on developing the essential abilities required to engage and support individuals and families in diverse social welfare settings. This module emphasizes communication, empathy, and professional conduct, preparing students to navigate the challenges of social work roles. The "Critical Perspectives on Social Work and Society" module encourages students to examine social work through a critical lens, exploring how societal structures, inequalities, and power dynamics influence both individuals’ lived experiences and social work interventions. This module fosters a deeper understanding of social justice issues and challenges students to think critically about the profession’s role within broader social contexts. Complementing this is the "Critical Theory for Social Work" module, which introduces students to key theoretical frameworks that inform social work practice, enabling them to analyze and apply these perspectives to real-world situations effectively. The "Evidencing Capability - Practice Learning 1" module provides students with their first formal opportunity to engage in practice-based learning, where they begin to demonstrate their developing skills and competencies in a supervised professional environment. This hands-on experience is crucial for linking academic learning with practical application. Finally, the "Social Work Law" module equips students with knowledge of the legal frameworks and regulations that govern social work practice, ensuring they understand the rights, responsibilities, and ethical considerations involved. Together, these modules combine theoretical insights with practical learning opportunities, laying a comprehensive foundation that supports students in becoming competent, reflective, and socially aware practitioners ready to contribute meaningfully to their profession.