Applied Social Work: Practice Education MA

• 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 a systematic understanding of your field and critically evaluative your approach to current knowledge in practice education
• Gain the core knowledge, skills and values required for the role of Practice Educator in line with current professional standards, and gain opportunities for further research and development
• Benefit from the systematic and independent ability to critically evaluate both theoretical understanding and application in practice.

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

Mapped against the Practice Educator Professional Standards (TCSW 2013), this course is designed to develop graduates who are able to

• Provide effective learning opportunities for learners in the workplace and make judgements about the capabilities of learners through an understanding and application of the Professional Capabilities Framework (TCSW, 2012).
• Apply theories of adult learning in everyday practice to ensure the best outcomes for students and other learners in the workplace.
• Provide leadership to support the development of a learning organisation which provides lifelong learning and continuous professional development for its workers and so improves the quality of experience for service users, families and carers.

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You will be assessed using a range of methods. In the initial stage of the core units there is the opportunity for you to receive constructive feedback on your academic writing.

Observations of practice are also integrated within the two core units, designed to provide formative feedback providing you with a clear understanding of areas where you might need to improve and areas where you are doing well.

Reflection on evidence drawn from practice in the workplace underpins many of the assessment activities. These methods are designed to test you in all the areas necessary for competent practice as qualified social workers and practice educators, as well as the academic disciplines underpinning such practice.

Through the use of a variety of assessment methods you will be able to demonstrate a wide range of key skills for both academic and practice competence. Evidence of practice competence must be assessed by a professionally qualified and experienced Stage 2 practice educators who have been approved by the University for this purpose.

As this course has been developed within the new framework for CPD as defined by the Social Work Reform Board it offers clear career opportunities.

Students successfully completing the course will be able to specialise, within their field, in professional education in social work. Furthermore as the Practice Educator Framework develops nationally there will be increased demand for practitioners who have a high level of skills in work-based learning and assessment in order to provide the practice-based learning required across the spectrum of qualifying and post-qualified education.

Examples include working with social workers who are in their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) or becoming an independent practice educator working with a wide range of agencies both in the statutory and third sector.

Other graduates have been promoted to positions of greater responsibility and have used the knowledge gained on the course to secure these positions.

I really enjoy teaching this course as the students I work with are enthusiastic and committed to the learning and development of others, as well as their own professional development. It is very satisfying to be able to support practitioners committed to ensuring high quality rigorous and supportive learning opportunities for the next generation of social workers. Students undertaking this course come from a wide range of practice backgrounds which adds richness to the learning experience for all.

Quote from a lecturer

Putteridge Bury campus

Putteridge Bury is a magnificent country mansion set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens and picturesque parkland. Built in 1911, it is just four miles from the University Square campus on the Hertfordshire - Bedfordshire border. 

It is home to the Bedfordshire Business School postgraduate programmes and the University’s Conference Centre.

A free shuttle bus service operates between Putteridge Bury and University Square.

Comprehensive Learning Resources Centre

The Putteridge Bury campus has its own comprehensive Learning Resources Centre equipped with PCs, which give you access to online information databases and more than 2,000 electronic journals.

Students based at Putteridge Bury can also benefit from the 200,000 books and specialist texts, 9,000 journals and 300 fully networked PCs that are available at the University Square campus.

Location

Ideally located only four miles from Luton town centre, Putteridge Bury is set in picturesque parkland just off the A505 and enjoys a tranquil rural environment and ample parking within the grounds.

Putteridge Bury lies close to the University Square campus, and is a short drive from the London Luton airport, the train station and bus station.