Social Work Studies – (M.A.)

Contents

The majority of academic teaching takes place in the autumn term. This teaching is arranged in modules, for which credits are awarded. A total of 180 credits are required in order to gain an MA.

The first year consists of a number of compulsory modules:

* Law for Social Work (15 credits)
* Human Growth & Development (15 credits)
* Power & Discrimination (15 credits)
* Fitness for Practice (20 credits)
* Social Work in Organisations (15 credits)

In the second year students can follow one of two pathways, according to their interests:

* Social Work with Children and Families (40 credits); or
* Social Work with Adults (40 credits)

Students must also complete a dissertation, on a subject of their choice which relates to social work practice (60 credits).

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, case discussions, experiential exercises (including the use of video-recording) and various projects designed to encourage the integration of theory and practice.

Assessment will be by written assignment, individual and group presentation, projects, and seen exam.

The course has excellent links with local agencies and an outstanding record in providing high quality placements. We recognise that placement learning is an extremely important part of the student´s educational experience and work hard to ensure that placements are successful in meeting individual learning needs. Students and practice assessors are well supported by the programme throughout the practice learning.

It is a requirement of the General Social Care Council that all students qualifying as social workers must satisfactorily complete 200 days of assessed practice learning. For the purposes of this course, the 200 days are divided as follows into three periods of practice learning:

* Year one: 75 day placement (February to June)
* Year one: 20 day placement in a group care setting (June to July)
* Year two: 105 day placement (February to July)

During the course of the three placements, each student must gain experience in at least two different practice settings: of statutory social work tasks involving legal interventions; and of providing a service to at least two different service users groups.

Each period of practice learning will be assessed against the National Occupational Standards for Qualified Social Workers, all of which must be satisfied prior to qualification.

When allocating practice learning placements, care is taken to match the student´s learning needs and personal requirements to the individual learning opportunity offered. Placements are normally within the geographical boundaries of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.