Structure and content
The taught course consists of nine modules which include two periods of assessed practice.
Year 1
You will study three modules during Semester One on:
Theory and Practice of Social Work: Introduction to core knowledge, skills and values for social work practice; professional identity, communicating, listening, interviewing, assessing, planning, intervening, reviewing and evaluating, reflective practice, anti-discriminatory practice
Social Work Law and Policy: Introduction to legal systems and processes, law regarding children, adults and families, community care and criminal justice
Human Development and Family Contexts: Development across the life cycle. Dominant themes and challenges associated with developmental stages; complexity of family life
During Semester 2 you will undertake a learning opportunity (placement) full-time supervised practice (70 days) in a statutory or independent agency.
Year 2
You will study four modules during Semester Three on:
Theory & Practice – Health, Illness & Disability: the impact of illness and disability on the social and emotional functioning of individuals, families and specific service user groups, for example, people with mental health problems, people with drug/alcohol problems. Social and medical models of illness, disability and learning difficulties. The meaning of risk – risk taking and risk minimisation approaches. The influence of social and structural factors. Social work skills and methods in promoting the health of people who use social work services
Theory & Practice – Crime, Welfare and Justice, Criminal justice social work: What is crime and who defines crime? Responses to offending behaviour, Theoretical explanations of offending behaviour ‘causes’ of crime. Assessing and ‘managing’ the risk of crime, its extent and nature. Exploration of different areas of practice. Effective social work practice and what it means.
Theory & Practice – Children, Families and Society: social work assessment and intervention in relation to children and families. Exploration of different areas of practice. Creative responses to the assessment and management of risk
The second supervised practice placement runs through the summer period and during semester four (100 days). You then take one module: Research Methods. The award of Postgraduate Diploma is made at this point, following satisfactory completion of all assessed work.
Year 3
Students proceeding to the MSc complete Year 3.
The dissertation period, during which research is undertaken and written up, is three months (full-time) or six months (part-time).
Delivery and assessment
The course is delivered through lectures incorporating small group discussion, student-led project work, micro-skills teaching workshops. Assessment involves completion of written assignments, oral and written examinations (law) and group presentations.
Practice Learning Opportunities are in a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies and provide the opportunity for classroom-based teaching to be applied in practice. Every student has a practice teacher to supervise and assess their practice.
The programme is run in partnership with statutory and non-statutory agencies in Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Edinburgh City, Midlothian, West Lothian, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.
All assessment is on a continuous basis. You are assessed by conventional essays, placement-associated written work and DVDs of role-played practice, accompanied by a written critique. Practice placements are assessed on the reports from both you and your supervising practice teacher.
Preparation
Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.
