Postgraduate Course: Professional Social Work Practice 1 (SCWR11036)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 80 |
ECTS Credits | 40 |
| Summary | This course is for social work students on the Masters in Social Work programme only.
The course includes an assessed practice placement. |
| Course description |
A practice placement of 80 days will provide students with the opportunity for direct supervised practice in an agency that provides social services. Placement settings will enable the development of practice skills, knowledge and values. Agencies will appoint a Practice Educator to assess, supervise, support and teach students.
Individuals being supported by students will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the quality of support provided by students. This feedback is an important component of student learning and contributes to the Practice Educator¿s assessment. Students will be encouraged to learn and work with a range of professionals from other settings and begin to understand the significance of a multiagency approach.
Throughout their placements students will be supported by their Academic Supervisor.
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Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Blocks 1-3 (Sem 1-2) |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
800
(
Lecture Hours 8,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 16,
Placement Study Abroad Hours 581,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
195 )
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| Additional Information (Learning and Teaching) |
Students are required by SSSC (Regulatory Body) to complete 13 days ( 7 hours per day) in Observatio
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
The three components of assessment include:
1. Student Self Evaluation of Development of Learning on Placement (4000 words) - 50%
2. Practice Educator's Placement Final Report - Pass/Fail
3. Practice Study (4000 words) 50%
All three components must be passed to pass the course. |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Successfully complete an 80-day assessed Practice Placement, meeting the required SiSWE and Ethical Principles
- Demonstrate the ability to apply key social work theories, legislation, policy and up to date research to practice situations
- Demonstrate the ability to analyse their social work practice including critical discussion of the selected method(s) of intervention, skills utilised, discussion of related ethical and values issues and the development of relations with service user(s)/carers
- Demonstrate the ability to write about the development of their social work skills, knowledge and values in a clear, coherent way
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate key theories/ideas and decide the effectiveness of various approaches in social work practice
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Reading List
Barnard, A., Horner, N. and Wild, J. (2008) The Value Base of Social Work & Social Care, Maidenhead, Berkshire: OU Press/McGraw Hill.
Clark, C. (2000) Social Work Ethics: Politics, Principles and Practice, Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Cree, V.E. and Myers, S. (2008) Social Work: Making a Difference, Bristol: Policy Press/BASW.
Cree, V.E. and Davis, A. (2007) Social Work: Voices from the Inside, London, Routledge.
Doel, M. and Best, L. (2008) Experiencing Social Work. Learning from Service Users, London: Sage.
Gray, M. and Webb, S.A. (2009) Social Work Theories and Methods, London: Sage.
Parker, J. (2004) Effective Practice Learning in Social Work, London: Learning Matters.
Watson, D. and West, J. (2006) Social Work Process and Practice, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Curiosity
The course supports the development of professional curiosity by encouraging students to ask searching questions so that they develop their understanding and perspectives. This is a crucial skill when assessing and supporting people's needs and circumstances and supports students to form an evidence base for their assessments. Students are encouraged to explore and adopt different perspectives and practice approaches.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is embedded through all aspects of the course. During placements students engage in reflective supervision, case discussions and critical writing. Students develop their ability to critically analyse the application of social work knowledge including research, theories, values and skills.
Reflection
Reflection is a core element of the course. Through weekly reflective supervision and written reflective tasks students will become critically reflective practitioners.
Communication
Students will develop a range of communication and active listening skills. They will learn how to communicate effectively and confidently with those they support and other professionals who may hold different perspectives. Focus is also given to developing written communication skills through case recording, report writing and other written tasks.
Inclusivity
The development of professional and personal values which are inclusive is fundamental. Students will work with people from diverse ethnicities, cultures, identities, ages, cultures, religions, socio-economic backgrounds and abilities. Students will uphold social work values such as respecting diversity; challenging negative discrimination and injustice; facilitating peoples' rights to self determination; promoting human rights; treating people with dignity and respect; promoting the participation of people; working in partnership with those they are supporting and co-producing plans of support.
Individuality
Students will take a person centred approach to their work. They will learn to assess a person's needs, circumstances, understand their wishes and individuality.
During their training students will develop into competent and confident practitioners. Through reflection and feedback they will identify their strengths and ongoing learning needs and develop their own individual learning plans to support their individual growth.
Adaptivity
Supporting people whose circumstances can change rapidly and people who are experiencing crisis require the development of skills in adaptivity. Students will learn to be responsive to evolving circumstances and adapt the approaches they take to supporting people accordingly. Students will follow agency practices and be responsive to developments in legislation, policy and practice as they problem solve in complex situations.
Collaboration
Students will develop skills in assessment of need, risk and strengths. They will work collaboratively to identify issues and develop support plans to address the challenges that people are experiencing. They will review interventions and supports to ensure that desired outcomes are being achieved. Students will learn to work in groups with individuals being supported and colleagues. Through this work they will develop strategies to manage situations of conflict.
Data and digital literacy
The use of technological tools appropriate to student social worker learning in placement contexts will enable students to develop data and digital literacy. The course supports students to take a critical and ethical approach to the use of data and digital tools. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
In semester one there will be three, 50-minute lectures. In semester two there will be three two hour workshops. During placement there will be two "recall days" where student will return to University for teaching. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mrs Karen Armstrong
Tel:
Email: Karen.Armstrong@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Brodie Hamilton
Tel: (0131 6)51 3139
Email: Brodie.Hamilton@ed.ac.uk |
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