This course is designed to provide social workers with the skills and theoretical understanding to become effective practice educators and contribute to the learning of others, within the workplace and the wider context of social work education.

Mapped against the Practice Educator Professional Standards (BASW 2015) and the Professional Capabilities Framework for social workers (BASW 2018), the course is designed to develop graduates able to assess learners’ capabilities and provide effective learning opportunities in the workplace.

It features core units focused on practice educator training and applied research skills. You then choose from a number of options, such as applying knowledge to work-based learning; mentoring and coaching; and supervising for quality and performance.

The course is normally completed within five years, on a part-time basis.

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Master's level
• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Master’s level

Why choose this course?

• Gain the core knowledge, skills and values required for the role of practice educator in line with current professional standards
• Study the ways in which you can promote equal opportunities for learners and challenge all forms of oppression and discrimination that affect learners from minority groups
• Explore the different ways in which you can demonstrate an on-going commitment to working in collaboration with local employers, practitioners, service users and carers
• Develop the ability to critically evaluate theories of adult learning and apply them in everyday practice to ensure the best outcomes
• Provide leadership to support the development of a learning organisation that provides lifelong learning and continuous professional development for its workers, and so improves the quality of experience for service users, families and carers
• Our Schools work closely with the Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR), which is renowned for its globally influential research
• The majority of research undertaken at IASR has been rated internationally excellent or world-leading by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

• Applicants must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or any other social work regulator in the United Kingdom
• Successful applicants will normally have an Honour's degree (2:2 or above) and must have a professional qualification in social work.

All applicants should be practising social workers who wish to become practice educators, and have some direct experience of supporting the learning of others in some capacity such as on-site supervisor. Most applicants will have a minimum of two years of post-qualifying experience for direct entry into the course.

How will this course improve my career prospects?

After successfully completing the course, you will be able to specialise in professional education in social work, an area likely to see increased demand for practitioners with advanced skills. You may also like to continue your professional development by progressing to a Professional Doctorate programme, such as our Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice.