Social Work – (M.A.)

Contents

This professional qualifying programme continues for two full calendar years (24 months) full-time, starting in September. Teaching methods include seminars, lectures, workshops including skills workshops, video recording, group work and simulation exercises. All parts of the course are compulsory. The programme incorporates the following elements:

* 180 Masters Level credits, of which 60 credits are awarded on the basis of a dissertation and 120 credits through taught modules – these are to be passed at Masters Level, with a pass mark of 50%, for the award of MA
* Assessment in line with the National Occupational Standards for Social Work to the level required by the GSCC comprising practice learning of 200 days and practice associated assignments (to be passed at undergraduate level with a pass mark of 40%)
* The core curriculum content as specified by the GSCC
* Compliance with QAA benchmark statement for social work

All students will be required to register with the General Social Care Council (GSCC), the regulatory body for social work in the UK. In Year 1 of the course students must demonstrate their suitability for professional training in order to progress to the next stage of the award.

Year 1 introduces students to the general principles of social work, while Year 2 aims to develop analytical, research and evaluation skills. Each year includes 100 days of practice learning in a social work setting.

Year 1 Taught Modules (Assessed at Masters Level (credits in brackets) – total 70 Level 4 credits)
* Power and discrimination (10)
* Introduction to legal processes (10)
* Social work theory and methods 1 (10)
* Area of practice 1: children and families (15)
* Area of practice 1: adults (social science, law, policy and practice) (15)
* Life course development (10)
* Personal and Professional Development (100 days practice learning and associated assignments assessed at undergraduate level)
* Taught element (interpersonal skills, preparation for practice learning)

Year 2 Taught Modules (Assessed at Masters Level • (credits in brackets) – total 50 Level 4 credits)
* Social work theory and methods 2 (10)
* Social work research (10)
* Area of practice 2: children and families (law, disability, mental health, inter-professional working, risk) (15)
* Area of practice 2: adults (law, disability, mental health, inter-professional working, risk) (15)
* Personal and Professional Development (100 days practice learning and associated assignments assessed at undergraduate level) 2 6 8

Dissertation
* 15,000 – • word dissertation (60 Level 4 credits)
* Taught element (interpersonal skills, preparation for practice learning)

Practice Learning Arrangements
There are two full-time block practice placements, one in each year. They are arranged in a wide variety of statutory and voluntary agencies under approved practice teachers and with regular tutorial contact. They are usually within a radius of 50 miles of Keele, in Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and the West Midlands.