UNIVERSITY of Bradfordschool of Social and International Studies

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Social and International Studies Division of Social Work and Social Care Programme title: MA Social Work

Awarding and teaching University of Bradford institution:

Final award and interim MA award(s): Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]

Programme title: Social Work Social Care (for students gaining an award but who do not meet the professional body requirements that permit application for professional registration) Programme approved / The Health and Care Professions Council accredited by: (HCPC)

Duration: 2 years full-time

UCAS code Direct application or L508 Social Work

Relevant subject benchmark Social Work statement(s):

FHEQ Level: 7

Date produced: March 2004

Last updated : January 2014

Introduction

The aim of our MA in Social Work is to provide you with a professional work qualification at Master level if you already hold a first degree. The programme therefore offers both academic and professional outcomes. Academic outcomes are available at Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Master levels. The professional status of social worker is conferred by the HCPC and successful graduates are eligible to register with the HCPC as a qualified social worker.

We offer a well-established programme with a national reputation for producing high calibre workers. A large proportion of our students are in employment within three months of graduation and many go on to become leaders within the field of social care. Our programme is designed, managed and delivered by a Programme

1 © University of Bradford 2

Management Board that includes practice placement agencies, students, lecturers and practitioners. Stakeholder involvement ensures that our programme maintains a dynamic, outward-looking approach towards social work education with a clear focus on the needs of service users. The following groups and organisations play an active part in the life of the programme:  Employers: We have long standing, productive partnerships with Bradford, Calderdale and Wakefield Children and Adult Services, Barnardo’s (West Yorkshire) as well as other local and regional voluntary organisations.  Service users: User involvement is vital to the life of our programme and is an area we are committed to expanding. At the present time users: are employed as module teachers and guest speakers are involved in local action-based research; co-run local and national conferences; and provide advice on programme design.  Students: We seek feedback on every aspect of the programme including: placement provision; module content and teaching; programme management and design.  Lecturers: The majority of lecturers are qualified social workers with substantial practice experience. We work within a strong team ethos that ensures all lecturers are involved in the management and running of the programme.  Practitioners: Social Work Practitioners are involved in: teaching and assessment of practice placements; teaching within the academic setting; monitoring placement standards and interviewing programme applicants.

Programme Aims

The MA in Social Work programme is intended to: A1. Provide knowledge of social work services and service users, the service delivery context, values and ethics in social work, theories and methods of social work, and the nature of social work practice; A2. Develop skills in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities; A3. Develop your ability to support individuals to represent their needs, views and circumstances; A4. Improve your awareness of the management of risk to users, self and colleagues; A5. Build your transferable skills in the use of workload management and accountability, self-reflective practice and professional competence, communication and information technology and numerical skills, problem solving skills, information gathering, analysis and synthesis, intervention and evaluation, communication skills, skills in working with others, and skills in personal and professional development.

2 Programme Learning Outcomes

On completion of the MA in Social Work you will be able to LO1 Demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for your own conduct, safe practice and learning as a qualified social worker; manage your time and workload effectively with support through supervision and maintain professional integrity in your work. LO2 Conduct yourself according to social work values and principles and with guidance recognise, reflect on and work with competing values and ethical dilemmas; work in partnership with service users taking into account their needs, views and rights within relevant legislation. LO3 Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and a critical understanding of factors that shape identity are able to take into account and challenge discrimination and oppression on a personal and institutional level. LO4 Identify and apply in practice the principles of social justice, inclusion and equality and how legislation and guidance serves to advance or constrain people’s rights. LO5 Apply social work skills and methods in response to the diverse physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of people using critical evaluation of the available evidence - this will facilitate a reflective and creative approach encompassing legal and policy frameworks, human growth and development, research and professional judgment. LO6 Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making by being able to identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence. LO7 Use initiative, judgement and authority to communicate, assess, engage and intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse; share and communicate verbal and written information appropriately and within relevant timescales. LO8 Engage with, inform and adapt to changing economic, social, political and organisational contexts; operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional partnerships and settings within diverse organisations and contribute to the development of appropriate culturally sensitive services and organisations. LO9 Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and management.

Curriculum

Year 1 Year 1 provides you with knowledge and understanding of the context of social work practice and equips you with the required practice skills to undertake your first social work placement. Your academic work provides: an understanding of historical perspectives and contemporary issues within social work; social policy underpinning social work practice; values and ethics; communication skills; skills in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation; social work theories and methods and the law

in relation to social work practice. The first social work placement takes place during Year 1 of your programme. The programme team also offers 30 day skills preparation for practice over the duration of the programme. There will be taught input and an assessment of these skills (details will be available in your programme handbook).

Module Module Title Type Credits Level Study Code period SW-7014D Social Work Theories and CORE 20 7 SEM 1 Methods

SW-7016M Ethics, Professionalism and CORE 10 7 SEM 1 Reflective Practice

SW-7017M Interviewing and Communication CORE 10 7 SEM 1 Skills

SW-7018D Practice Placement Learning I CORE 20 7 SEM 2 SW-7013D Social Work with Children and CORE 20 7 SEM 2 Families

SW-7012D Social Work with Adults CORE 20 7 SEM 2 SW-7011D Law for Social Work CORE 20 7 SEM 2

Year 2 Year 2 builds upon this foundation and focuses upon the development of specialist skills with particular service user groups. At this stage there is an emphasis on the importance of autonomous learning and the acquisition of evidence-based practice. Your academic work provides an understanding of: social work skills in relation to mental health, child care, disability and work with older people skills; multidisciplinary and interagency work; research and evaluation; and reflective practice. The second practice placement takes place during Year 2 of your programme.

Module Module Title Type Credits Level Study Code period SW-7019D Practice Placement Learning II CORE 20 7 SEM 2 SW-7015D Interprofessional Working CORE 20 7 SEM 1 SW-7001D Research Methods for Social CORE 20 7 SEM 1 Workers

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Our programme is built around The College of Social Work’s requirements for practice placements, coupled with a clear system of curriculum development as you progress through the stages of the programme. You will undertake two assessed practice placements: the first placement in year one and the final placement in year two. The placements will be with different service user groups and one placement

4 will allow you to undertake statutory interventions. These placements, along with the 30 days skills preparation and the teaching and learning strategies outlined below, will enable you to critically analyse and reflect on your practice and learning and to progress through your programme. Our proven skills in teaching rest upon a commitment to clear learning outcomes, a structured system of progression, imaginative assessments and the provision of safe, stimulating learning environments. Your lecturers have a variety of specialist practice, academic and research skills as well as a commitment to providing high quality teaching and learning. All assessments test skills in critical analysis and reflective practice in the integration of the practice and theory of social work. Prior to starting each placement you will be assessed on your ‘fitness to practice’ and suitability for social work training. You will be expected to pass your placement at the required level. Other forms of assessment include: essays; individual and group presentations and exercises; video and taped practice submissions; participation in ‘virtual learning’ exercises and formal examinations.

Assessment Regulations

Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the link below: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ Exceptions to these regulations are: 1. You must achieve at least 40% in 180 credits to be eligible for the MA in Social Work. If you do not achieve this but do meet University progression requirements, you will be eligible for the award of MA in Social Care. 2. If you do not complete the MA in Social Work but achieve at least 40% in modules amounting to 40 credits and at least 35% in units amounting to the other 20 credits you will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Social Care. 3. If you do not complete the MA in Social Work but achieve at least 40% in modules amounting to 100 credits and at least 35% in units amounting to the other 20 credits you will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Social Care.

Admission Requirements

You are required to have substantial and relevant experience as a social care or health worker and to possess a relevant honours degree at 2:1 or higher or an honours degree and a postgraduate qualification which will provide you with current underpinning knowledge from psychology, sociology and social policy. Your work experience must amount to the equivalent of at least 6 months full-time work and include experience obtained during the past two years and with vulnerable groups in Britain. In addition you will be able to demonstrate an adequate level of literacy and numeracy (this would normally be GCSE English, and Maths grade C or equivalent)

and you must also possess beginner level IT skills. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to social work as a career, and provide evidence that you can be entrusted to work with vulnerable children and adults. We will also take into consideration any factors which indicate you may be unsuitable to become a social worker, examples include: certain previous criminal convictions and episodes within your health record. The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.

Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive

6 series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. Students’ Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk. Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website www.careers.brad.ac.uk The curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills to practise as a qualified social worker. The two placements provide an opportunity for you to develop their practice and many of our graduates are offered employment with your placement agency.

Learner Development Unit For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to

our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/ Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: [email protected]

University policies and initiatives Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/

Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The Admissions Office The University of Bradford School of Social and International Studies Richmond Road The University of Bradford Bradford, BD7 1DP Richmond Building UK Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233054 +44 (0)1274 236088 http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/ http://www.brad.ac.uk/postgraduate/social- work/

The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.

8 Appendices to MA Social Work programme specification Table 1 Programme Learning Outcomes

Level Module LO LO LO LO LO LO LO LO LO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 SW-7014D A A S 7 SW-7016M A S S S S 7 SW- 7017M S A S S 7 SW-7013D S A A A A S 7 SW-7012D S A A A A S 7 SW-7011D S A A S S 7 SW-7018D A A A A A A A 7 SW-7015D S A S S A A 7 SW-7001D A S A A S 7 SW-7019D A A A A A A A A A

Notes: A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module; S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed

On completion of the MA in Social Work you will be able to LO1 Demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for your own conduct, safe practice and learning as a qualified social worker; manage your time and workload effectively with support through supervision and maintain professional integrity in your work. LO2 Conduct yourself according to social work values and principles and with guidance recognise, reflect on and work with competing values and ethical dilemmas; work in partnership with service users taking into account their needs, views and rights within relevant legislation. LO3 Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and a critical understanding of factors that shape identity are able to take into account and challenge discrimination and oppression on a personal and institutional level. LO4 Identify and apply in practice the principles of social justice, inclusion and equality and how legislation and guidance serves to advance or constrain people’s rights. LO5 Apply social work skills and methods in response to the diverse physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of people using critical evaluation of the available evidence - this will facilitate a reflective and creative approach encompassing legal and policy frameworks, human growth and development, research and professional judgment.

LO6 Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making by being able to identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence. LO7 Use initiative, judgement and authority to communicate, assess, engage and intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse; share and communicate verbal and written information appropriately and within relevant timescales. LO8 Engage with, inform and adapt to changing economic, social, political and organisational contexts; operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional partnerships and settings within diverse organisations and contribute to the development of appropriate culturally sensitive services and organisations. LO9 Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and management.

10 Table 2: Methods of assessments

Level Module 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 SW-7014D A 7 SW-7016M A 7 SW-7017M A A A 7 SW-7013D A 7 SW-7012D A S 7 SW-7011D A 7 SW-7018D A S S A 7 SW-7015D A A 7 SW-7001D A S 7 SW-7019D A S S A

Notes: A = this method is formally assessed in the module; S = this method is used to inform student learning 1. Assignment 2. Interview 3. Exam 4. Presentation 5. Practice learning assignments 6. Reflective journals 7. Direct Observations 8. Service users feedback

3. This table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules

Teaching and Learning Methods Level Module 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SW-7014D X X X 7 SW-7016M X X X 7 SW- 7017M X X X 7 SW-7013D X X X 7 SW-7012D X X X X 7 SW-7011D X X 7 SW-7018D X X 7 SW-7015D X X X X 7 SW-7001D X X X X X X 7 SW-7019D X X

1. Lectures 2. Seminars/workshops 3. PC/library sessions 4. Presentations 5. Supervision/Tutorial 6. Group work