Why study this programme?
Social work is a dynamic and demanding profession that combines academic study with intensively focused practice experience.
At the University of Chester you will study and prepare yourself for a professional career with staff that have extensive social work knowledge and experience. You will be motivated to enable people who experience difficulties in their lives to make changes that will meet their social care needs, and will recognise the importance of protecting vulnerable children, young people and adults.
This programme is delivered at Riverside building in Chester.
Note from the GSCC
Social work is a regulated profession. As a social work student you will be expected to register with the General Social Care Council (GSCC), the social work profession's regulator, and adhere to the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Social Workers.
As well as regulating individual social workers and students, we also regulate the performance of social work courses, the reports of which are published on our website, so you can check to see how each university is performing.
Programme Structure
Year 1
Semester 1
Integrating Social Sciences: Themes for Social Work (20 credits)
You will explore the way in which psychology, sociology and social policy provide a knowledge base that can be applied to an assessment of the complex social situations that social workers work with.
Social Work Theory in Practice (20 credits)
In this module you will critically evaluate the way in which the methods, models and theories that are used in social work practice enable social workers to work effectively with service users and carers. The issues involved in inter-professional practice are discussed.
Social Work Law and Ethics (20credits)
You will be expected to know the main provisions of the legislation that provides a framework for practice and to explore the interface between social work law and social work ethics and valuates. The GSCC Codes of practice will also be examined in this module.
Semester 2
Placement 1 (100 days, non credit bearing)
This module is designed to enable you to develop your social work practice skills. The experience gained in this placement enables you to make significant progress in your personal and professional development. The module provides an opportunity for you to meet the National Occupational Standards for Social Work. You are expected develop your ability to integrate theory with practice.
Year 2
Semester 1
Working with People (20 credits)
In this module you will critically examine the services that are provided to people who have social care needs. The role of the social worker in assessing needs and implementing appropriate interventions is discussed. The importance of a partnership approach in working with people is emphasised. The protection of vulnerable children, young people and adults from harm is a significant theme in this module.
Research (20 credits)
Understanding of and competence in empirical research is a defining characteristic of the Masters degree. This module is a comprehensive introduction to research methods in social and behavioural sciences. Throughout the module you will prepare your dissertation proposal, which will be informed by practical experience and theoretical consideration of a range of research methods. You will develop a portfolio of practical work, including your dissertation proposal.
Placement 2 (100 days, non credit bearing)
This module is designed to enable you to develop your social work practice skills in a different social work setting. You will be able to take responsibility for work of a more complex nature and be able to work more independently. You will be able to demonstrate that you have internalised the knowledge, values and skills from the social work Masters programme.
Social Care Organisations and Inter -professional Practice (20 credits)
Social workers predominantly carry out their work in the contexts of agency provision. You will critically analyse the way that organisations unction and explore the interface of the organisation and the professional. You will acquire the skills required to develop inter-professional practice within an inter-agency perspective.
At this point in the programme, you are able to exit with the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work. This includes the professional qualification that entitles you to apply for registration with the GSCC and you will therefore be able to practice as a social worker.
You are able to continue with your study and complete a dissertation. Successful completion of the Dissertation would result in the full award of MA Social Work.
Description
The programme uses a wide portfolio of assessment methods ranging from essays and case studies to exams and presentations, as well as observations in placement. Competency in IT will be required.
Description
On completion of the course you will be able to practice as a qualified social worker in a wide variety of settings.
Extra Information
- Have normally achieved a minimum of a 1st or 2.1 honours degree, in any subject.
- Have achieved GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent.
- Have substantial experience of working in a Social Work/Care or related environment.
