Course Summary

This course satisfies both General Social Care Council (GSCC) and academic requirements and thus successful students achieve both a higher degree and a professional qualification in social work. The various aspects of the course are fully integrated and you will be encouraged to develop academic and practice skills, plus, from the beginning of your studies, a value and evidence-based approach to the profession. Members of the social work teaching team are GSCC-registered social workers and have extensive practice experience with key groups of service users.

You will spend the first term of each year at the University. The second and third terms (January to July) comprise taught input at the University, as well as 100 days on placement in a variety of professional agencies where learning is supervised and assessed by a suitably experienced practitioner.

Placement opportunities include statutory settings as well as in private and voluntary agencies. Both encompass a wide range of service user groups and offer the opportunity to work in partnership with other relevant professionals. Practice learning is structured in recognition of the fact that you may embark on the course with only a limited knowledge of social work practice, but will complete it as a professional ready to embrace employment in a range of settings.

Why choose this course?

Successful students will be able to seek successful employment with a wide range of local authorities and within many private and voluntary agencies throughout the UK.

During the course you will:

• Study a course commended by the GSCC for our commitment to the provision of a supportive and student-centred environment
• Experience a social work teaching team located in the Department of Applied Social Studies, which is nationally and internationally recognised for its research excellence
• Benefit from blended learning throughout, which facilitates study from home
• Experience a University that the GSCC review of Social Work at the University in 2009 commended for the involvement of service users and carers in all elements of the courses

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Human development across the life course
• Crictical issues in understanding law and society
• Ethics, values and anti-oppressive practice
• Working with people
• Critical issues in specialist and inter-professional practice
• Reflective social work practice
• Applied professional practice

MSXXW

Assessment

The Programme is assessed using a range of methods including formally assessed papers, assignments, case studies, group and individual presentations, research based work and evidence drawn from Practice Learning in the work place.

These methods are designed to test students in all the areas necessary for competent practice as qualified Social Workers as well as the academic disciplines underpinning such practice. Through the use of a variety of assessment methods students will be able to demonstrate a wide range of key skills for both academic and practice competence. Practice Learning will be assessed over three periods of work-based learning in a variety of social work and related settings.

Educational Aims

The Programmes aim is:

To provide an effective learning experience to enable students to achieve a nationally recognised professional qualification in Social Work within the framework of an academically rigorous degree programme.

Objectives

• To provide a broad base of academic and practice learning at postgraduate level and to provide opportunities for further research and professional development


• To enable students to acquire the core knowledge, skills and values inherent in Social Work as identified in the Department of Health prescribed curriculum (DH 2002) and the Quality Assurance Agencys Benchmark Statement for Social Work (QAA 2008)


• To provide practice learning opportunities for students to develop, and demonstrate competence in, social work practice to meet the requirements of National Occupational Standards (TOPSS 2002)


• To promote equal opportunities and to challenge all forms of oppression and discrimination affecting minority groups in our society


• To support a postgraduate approach to study that includes a systematic and independent ability to develop, critically evaluate both theoretical understanding and practice


• To demonstrate a commitment to research, evaluation and monitoring to ensure quality assurance and that training remains effective and relevant to practice


• To demonstrate an on going commitment to work in collaboration with local employers, practitioners, service users and carers at all levels of the Programme


• To ensure that practice is knowledge-informed and evidence based

Student support

All students on the MSc. Social Work programme will be allocated a personal tutor in their first week of study who, in normal circumstances, will support the individual student throughout the duration of their study. This will involve personal and group tutorials, placement meetings, academic support and monitoring of academic and professional development. Every unit is supported by the Universitys virtual learning environment (VLE) BREO, in addition to which each year group of students has its own BREO site for information exchange, discussion groups, course information, etc. this resource has proved particularly valuable during practice learning periods when students are located away from the university in practice learning settings.

In addition, all students have access to the Universitys Study Support (Professional and Academic Development PAD) for and Student Services for specialist advice and assistance.

Team working

The principles and practice of effective team working are crucial in professional Social Work and the curriculum is designed to allow students to develop their understanding of the theories of group and team working and put these into practice in the classroom through both collaborative learning and group assessments. Practice assessment criteria also require students to evidence their understanding of and competence in team work in each period of assessed practice.

Career Management Skills

As a professional qualifying programme the Social Work degree prepares students to enter the field of Social Work as Registered Practitioners. Through Practice Learning and some key academic units students are supported to consider their career options and explore the realities of professional practice. Placement experiences across at least two different Practice Learning settings allow students to experience working in the diverse range of settings in which modern social work practice takes place. It is a Department of Health / GSCC requirement that students experience working within the statutory and legal framework as well as gaining experience in the Private Voluntary and / or Independent sector. Units focusing on specialist and inter disciplinary practice, together with employer led workshops on career planning, job seeking and preparation for interview all aim to support students and increase their career choice and management skills.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

Graduates will be able to enter the GSCC professional Register as Social Workers and work in a wide range of Statutory, private, voluntary and independent organisations providing services to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, children, families, groups and communities.

Further study:

Post-qualifying (PQ) level study is available to qualified Social Workers in a range of settings, allowing graduates to engage in continuous professional development and demonstrate their fitness for continuing registration. The University of Bedfordshire offers PQ programme at Graduate and Post - Graduate level with more programmes being developed with local employers to meet the needs of the workplace.

Entry

Additional:

Applications for this course must be made through UCAS. Applications received after 15 January 2012 cannot be guarenteed consideration.

Applicants for the postgraduate Social Work programme must normally have been awarded an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1) in a programme of study at a recognised Higher Education Institution in a broadly social science based discipline. Students having a first degree not in a social science discipline, or of lower classification, may be considered if they can demonstrate substantial experience in Social Work / Social Care in the previous five years.

The Department of Health requirements for Social Work degrees require students to have achieved Key Skills Level 2 or above in Maths and English before commencing the course. This means GCSE grade C or above or an equivalent qualification which includes an assessment of these skills (e.g. Access course).

Applicants will also be required, through the selection process, to demonstrate substantial relevant experience and an aptitude to work with people in need, i.e. the appropriate personal qualities, values and skills to be a social worker. All applicants selected for interview will be required to undertake a written task for which advance notice and a reading list will be provided.

All applicants will be required to declare any previous offences (including reprimands and formal warnings) and, if selected, successful applicants will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check to ensure their suitability for working with vulnerable groups. In addition applicants will need to complete a health check questionnaire and give permission for contact with their GP, where necessary, to confirm their suitability for Social Work training.

Students whose first language is not English must have IELTS grade 7 or above (with 7 in each area of assessment).

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

General Social Care Council

Students with disabilities

The Social Work programme actively encourages and supports students with disabilities and aims to ensure that all assessment strategies are adapted as necessary to ensure that any disabled student registered on the programme is not disadvantaged, and is enabled to attain the learning outcomes, develop identified skills and achieve the professional requirements.

Students with specific needs (e.g. dyslexia, visual or hearing impairment, mobility issues) that may require additional resources for practice learning (i.e. aids or adaptations) will need to notify the placement co-ordinator of these needs at the earliest opportunity so that appropriate arrangements may be made with practice learning providers to ensure equality of opportunity. Placement agencies will be selected and supported to ensure that they can make reasonable adjustments in the practice learning setting in order to ensure that students are enabled to make full use of the learning opportunities available and to demonstrate the required level of competence in practice.

Unit assessments are designed to allow all students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence, as required by the GSCC and DH requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made where necessary to ensure that students with disabilities are enabled to meet the academic and professional requirements of the course.

Skills Development

As a professional qualifying course the MSc Social Work programme focuses on professional skills and academic knowledge in equal measure. Postgraduate students will be expected to demonstrate a high level of skill in independent learning and critical evaluation as well as the practice skills required to meet the National Occupational Standards six Key Roles.

Postgraduate students will develop their cognitive skills during the course and demonstrate the ability to:

• Analyse, synthesise and evaluate concepts, theories and experience


• Think logically and systematically in problem solving


• Reflect on and critically evaluate both the knowledge base and practice


• Apply critically the principles of ethical practice in both the practice and research contexts


• Plan, structure and undertake an analysis of a significant area of social work practice

In addition, at the point of qualification, students will be expected to be competent in cognitive skills as follows:

• Knowledge & Understanding students should be able to demonstrate a depth of knowledge and a systematic understanding of social work research and practice, and be critically aware of and deal with complexity, gaps and contradictions in the current knowledge base with confidence

Analysis:

• Students should be able to autonomously analyse new and/or abstract data and situations using a wide range of techniques appropriate to Social Work and to his/her own research or advanced scholarship

Synthesis and Creativity:

• Students should be able to autonomously synthesise information and ideas and propose new hypotheses, create original responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge or develop new approaches to changing situations

Evaluation:

• Students should be able to independently evaluate current research, advanced scholarship and associated methodologies and appropriately justify the work of self and others

Improving learning and performance

The Social Work programme offers an integrated approach to learning throughout the two years in which students personal and professional development is encouraged, monitored and assessed. The requirements for practice learning build incrementally with students moving sequentially from being able to observe and articulate their understanding of practice, and the context in which it occurs, through to the stage of understanding and application of practice skills and academic knowledge in Year 1, through to the application and critical evaluation of practice and its theoretical underpinnings at the point of qualification. Students are supported throughout this process by their personal tutor and the allocated Practice Educator in each of the Practice Learning settings.

Progress files

Students are required to maintain a Personal Progress File throughout each year of the Programme and should ensure that this is available to their personal tutor and Practice Educator as required. The Progress file will contain evidence of the students personal and professional learning and will form a developmental record of the students achievements and transferable skills in both academic and practice learning.

Professional standards

As Social Workers in training students on this programme are required to have a satisfactory CRB check and to register with the General Social Care Council on the Registered Student section of the Professional Register. As such, in additional to their agreement to abide by the Universitys Student Code of Conduct, students on this programme commit to abide by the GSCC Code of Practice for Social Care Workers (GSCC 2003). This means that they must uphold the standards set out in the Code of Practice, not only in the Practice Learning settings but also in their daily lives and academic study. Matters of attendance, punctuality, approach to learning, engagement with others and other evidence of `conduct and good character (GSCC 2003) are monitored throughout the programme. The University is committed, under the terms of its GSCC approval to consider issues of suitability and fitness to practise throughout the duration of students studies as well as the specific requirement to formally assess a students readiness for practice before their first period of assessed practice learning. Students who are identified as needing additional support to reach this standard will have an individual action plan drawn up and agreed against which progress will be monitored prior to confirming their first period of assessed practice learning.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

In year 1 students will undertake (as part of the 30 credit L3 unit Applied Professional Practice 1), classroom based theoretical and interactive learning in preparation for assessed practice, in accordance with the GSCC requirements. The professional and academic requirements of the programme are laid out in this unit and students are introduced to and helped to develop the skills needed in order to progress throughout the programme. As part of the assessment of this Unit, students produce a workbook of evidence to demonstrate their readiness for assessed practice in accordance with the GSCC requirements (set out above). In this workbook students need to demonstrate their understanding of the importance of good communications skills, their beginning understanding of service user perspectives and requirements and their understanding of the GSCC Code of Practice, especially in relation to anti-discriminatory and anti- oppressive practice, professional boundaries and role. Students will undertake role plays and simulated practice scenarios as part of this learning which will be formatively assessed by service user and carer representatives, alongside practitioners and academic/ practice learning staff. The unit concludes with the students first 100 day period of assessed practice learning in which professional standards are key.