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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BSW Social Work

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title BSW Social Work Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Social Work
Programme Code SWK-BSW-S UCAS Code L500 HECoS Code 100503 - Social work - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 360
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Social work (2008)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Northern Ireland Social Care Council

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 18-10-19

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Because of the nature of the programme and NISCC's requirements in relation to practice learning, semester lengths will vary and students may be required to attend practice placements outside normal working hours. Students who fail their Practice Learning will normally be allowed one opportunity to re-take these modules.
Because of the professional nature of the programme, attendance at all teaching sessions and practice learning days is compulsory.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
The BSW degree is governed by the University's Fitness to Practice Procedure and such arrangements as are agreed with NISCC in relation to the maintenance of the register of student social workers.

Educational Aims Of Programme

To provide a positive learning environment to enable graduate students to develop the knowledge, skills and values to demonstrate competence in social work in accordance with the requirements as set down by the Northern Ireland Framework Specification, 2014.

To provide graduate students with a creative range of high quality teaching and learning opportunities, based on principles of adult learning and utilising their graduate skills, to enable them to meet the academic standards of the BSW degree.

To provide graduate students with the opportunity to understand, analyse and critique the impact of social inequalities, injustice, discrimination and oppression on individuals, families and communities.

To provide graduate students with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills required for effective, competent and ethically sound practice.

To provide graduate students with the opportunity to develop critical, analytical and reflective skills relevant to both the academic and practice components of the programme.

To provide a learning environment for graduate students, which promotes continuous professional development, professional accountability and professional responsibility.

To provide a learning environment for graduate students to develop an approach to social work which enables service users to gain, regain or maintain control over their own lives in so far as this is compatible with their own or others safety or rights.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically analyse theories and perspectives and apply to practice related social issues and problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams

Problem-solve by effective use of theory and knowledge in relation to personal and social problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams

Relate theory to practice in ways which demonstrate effective and coherent interventions in practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams

Relate theory to practice in ways that demonstrate ability to critically evaluate practice and policy.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams

Use research to inform, direct and evaluate social work practice and outcomes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams

Use research to develop critical perspectives in social work.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Psychological, sociological and social policy perspectives relevant to social work knowledge, skills and practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams.

The nature and causes of social problems which lead individuals, families and communities to require social work intervention.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams.

The range of social service provision in statutory, voluntary and private agencies aimed at meeting the needs of individuals, families groups and communities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams.

The relationship between social care and professional social work within a range of social service provision in statutory, voluntary and private agencies.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams.

The relationship between professional social work and other disciplines and skills required for effective inter-disciplinary, inter-agency and inter-professional partnerships and collaboration.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

The processes, nature and effects of marginalisation, social exclusion, discrimination and oppression on individuals, families and communities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

The nature and effects of social differences based on class, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexuality, ability, mental health and other processes of social stratification on individuals, families and communities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

The relationship between agency policy, procedure, legal and professional requirements and the delivery of professional social work practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

The location of contemporary social work within both a historical and comparative perspective with particular reference to Northern Ireland and including European and international perspectives

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams.

A range of methods and models of assessment with particular emphasis on risk assessment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

A range of methods and models of intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Methods and models of evaluation of professional intervention and service delivery which emphasises evidence based practice approaches.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

The relevance of research - local, national and international – to contemporary social work practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams.

The importance of self-reflection and use of supervision to ensure practice is professional, responsibility, accountable and competent.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, evaluation of formative skills assessment, and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

The conceptual links between values, codes of ethical practice, regulation of professional conduct and delivery of ethically sound practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

The relevance of community and information technology to social work practice and social work organisations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, exams and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Prepare for and work with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities to assess their needs and circumstances

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, formative skills assessment, and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Plan, carry out, review and evaluate social work practice with individuals, families, carers, groups, communities and other professionals

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, formative skills assessment, and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Support individuals to represent their needs, views and circumstances.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Manage risk to individuals, families, carers, groups, communities, self and colleagues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Manage and be accountable, with supervision and support, for own social work practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Demonstrate and be responsible for professional competence in social work practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Advanced skills in communication, oral presentation, negotiation, problem solving, management of self and others, networking and teamwork.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, formative skills assessment, and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Beginning skills in working with quantitative and statistical data from an evidence based practice perspective

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and exams

Skills in effective use of communication and information technology appropriate to a professional social worker.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Beginning skills in managing their continuous professional development and lifelong learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, formative skills assessment, and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Skills in working effectively in social welfare organisations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, skills workshops, tutorials and practice placement

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, student presentations, formative skills assessment, and Practice Teacher assessment of practice.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Introduction to Social Work SWK1005 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Psychology for Social Work SWK1002 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Themes and Issues in Social Policy SPY1005 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Law for Social Workers SWK1004 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Sociology for Social Work SWK1006 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Preparation for Practice Learning SWK1003 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Research, Policy and Practice SWK2009 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 0% 0% 100%
Social Work in Context SWK2006 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Social Issues Across the Life Course SWK2018 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Evidence Informed Case Study (UGR 2) SWK2014 2 40 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Practice Learning Level 2 UGR SWK2013 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Social Work in Adult Services SWK3004 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Practice Learning Level 3 SWK3009 3 20 -- YES 14 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Social Work with Children and Families SWK3003 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Social Work in Criminal Justice and the Courts SWK3008 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Evidence Informed Project (Level 3) SWK3010 3 40 -- YES 14 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Stage 3: Students are normally expected to have submitted all assignments for SWK3003, SWK3004, SWK3008 before going on placement.

Stage 2: Students must have passed SWK1003 before going on placement.

Students must have passed SWK1005 before going on placement