Introduction to Social Work - SPY00031C

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Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

In this module, you will be introduced to a range of social work domains, practices and underpinning concepts. You will learn about the context of social work in different times, places and sectors, and consider what it means to be a social worker. The module will include the voices of a range of social work practitioners, service users and carers who will provide a grounded perspective on social work in action. You will begin the module by exploring the roots of social work in the UK and how it has evolved as both an academic discipline and practice-based profession. You will then learn about social work in a variety of different contexts and practice settings, including both UK and internationally. This will provide a foundation for you to explore the core aspects of social work practice and the principles that inform them. The module will be a combination of taught lectures, small group discussions and independent study. The overall aim of the module is to introduce you to a range of essential practice concepts and ideas that we will return to in subsequent years and study at a deeper level. In doing so, we will be aligning with the social work profession’s expectation that practitioners continuously develop their skills, knowledge and understanding. This module will help you to demonstrate that you have built on the ‘entry’ level descriptors in the following Professional Capabilities Framework domains (and are working towards the standard required at the ‘readiness for practice’ level): - Knowledge - Values and Ethics - Contexts and Organisations - Professionalism - Diversity and Equality - Critical Reflection and Analysis

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to: - Understand how social work has developed within the UK and internationally. - Understand social work as a profession and academic discipline - Demonstrate an awareness of the contexts within which social work is practiced - Demonstrate an initial understanding of the different aspects of social work practice - Critically engage with different debates on the nature and purpose of social work

Module content

The module will include 11 taught lectures and corresponding seminars (where the lecture content can be explored in depth), i.e. 2 hours teaching time per week. Lectures and seminars will both be an hour in length. Lectures will include both direct teaching and group discussion. Indicative content: Introducing the module and getting to know each other The History of Social Work in the UK (with a focus on the development of social work law and policy in the devolved nations) Social Work as an International Profession (with a focus on contrasting social work practices) Social Work as a Profession (with a focus on what makes a profession) Children and Familes SW (with a focus on safeguarding) Mental health SW (with a focus on multidisciplinary working) Adults SW (with a focus on on care and support planning) Social work in forensic settings (with a focus on risk) Social work in education (with a focus on social pedagogy) Social work in the community and voluntary sector (with a focus on advocacy and rights) Concluding the module and assessment clinic

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

• Banks, S (2021) Ethics and Values in Social Work (5th ed) Red Globe Press

• Coulshed, V and Orme, J (2012) Social Work Practice: An Introduction (5th ed) Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke

• Horner, N (2018) What is Social Work? (5th edition) Exeter, Learning Matters.

• Lishman, J; Yuill, C; Brannan, J; Gibson, A (2018) Social Work: An Introduction (2nd ed), Sage, Los Angeles

• Thompson, N and Thompson, S (2015) The Social Work Companion (2nd ed) Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke

• Thompson, N (2020) Anti-Discriminatory Practice: Equality, Diversity and Social Justice (7th ed) Red Globe Press