Course Resources Archive

This module will introduce students to the profession of social work and the study and transferable skills that will be needed for the successful completion of the programme.  Students will be introduced to the profession of social work in its historical and contemporary contexts, will explore some key issues and debates, and will have the opportunity to hear from experienced social workers about their work, and the future direction of social work.

They will be required to reflect on their personal, academic and career goals and to plan an effective strategy towards achieving those aims, including the demonstration of key academic and ICT skills (ECDL equivalent).

Students will explore key themes of continuity and change in social work, current issues and debates and their background, and current contexts for social work practice. They will have the opportunity to learn from experienced social workers and begin to listen to the service user’s voice. The module will encourage students to think about existing skills which will be needed as a student and in working life, and to plan for the ongoing development of these skills. An emphasis will be placed on skills that are necessary to become independent learners in social work, particularly in the areas of:

• Literature searching
• ICT skills
• Assignment preparation

In addition, students will be required to reflect on their learning and study skills, and to plan for their ongoing personal development and career planning in Levels II and III.

i)  Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module students should be able to:
a. Have a basic knowledge of the contemporary organisation and delivery of personal social services
b. Understand why social work responds to changing needs
c. Give an outline account of the development of social work since the advent of the welfare state and its key developments
d. Understand the changing position of the service user over time
e. Understand the historical continuities in the challenge to provide personal social services, and how they continue to manifest themselves

ii) Skills
By the end of the module students should be able to:
a. Locate, read and evaluate key texts
b. Demonstrate key ICT skills
c. Evaluate personal strengths and needs in study skills and develop strategies for overcoming any deficits
d. Set personal goals and evaluate progress towards meeting these
e. Work cooperatively with others in small groups 

Staff / student contact: 30% (lectures, tutorials)
Student directed learning: 70%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.