UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
Practice Assignments 2 (SO945)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
SSPSSR
3.
Start date of the module
September 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
15 Students initially, rising to 25
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
M
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and spring terms (Sept-Feb)
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
Successful completion of all modules at level 1 MA Social Work (or acceptance of an APEL portfolio)
will be a prerequisite
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
MA Social Work (compulsory module)
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
By successfully completing this module students will:
11.1
Demonstrate an ability to research, critically analyse and synthesise current
knowledge of social work theories, methods and research from relevant and up to date
sources;
11.2
Reflect on and evidence how the student has worked within agreed standards of social
work practice and ensured they have maintained their own professional development;
11.3
Develop an in depth understanding of the application of the principles and values
underpinning social work practice to manage complex ethical issues, dilemmas and
conflicts;
11.4
Demonstrate reflective and accountable practice, critical analyses of self as a worker
and the ability to think analytically;
11.5
Present a coherent and systematic presentation of the material.
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12. The intended generic learning outcomes
At the end of this module successful students will have developed skills to:
12.1 Gather, evaluate, and assimilate information from a range of sources;
12.2 Critically analyse and synthesise knowledge;
12.3 Presenting material and argument logically, systematically, critically and reflectively.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module is an integral part of the practice learning and is designed to sit alongside the
Practice Placement 2 module (SO922). It offers an opportunity for students to demonstrate their
learning in academic form. The assignment incorporated in the module enables students to
critically reflect on their practice and their own development over the course of their learning.
Students will have the opportunity to apply relevant theoretical learning to their own practice and
demonstrate reflection and critical thinking.
14. Indicative Reading List
Adams, R., Dominelli, L. & Payne, M. (2009) Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates,
3rd Ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Healey, K (2005) Social Work Theories in Context: Creating Frameworks for Practice. Basingstoke:
Palgrave Macmillan.
Laird, S E (2008) Anti-oppressive social work: A guide for developing cultural competence.
London: Sage Publications
Payne,M (2005) Modern Social Work Theory, 3rd edition, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Ruch, G., Turney, D. & Wards, A. (eds) (2010) Relationship-Based Social Work: Getting to the
Heart of Practice. London: Jessica Kingsley
Rutter, L. & Brown, K. (2012) Critical Thinking and Professional Judgement for Social Work 3 rd
edition Exeter: Learning Matters
Watson F, Burrows H, Player C (2001) Integrating Theory and Practice in Social Work London:
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended learning outcomes
The work in this module is drawn from the practice learning experience. It represents the
academic component of assessing the student’s placement experience.
Contact hours: 18 contact hours during the course of the placement, in the form of Recall Days to
the university consisting of lectures and seminars addressing the integration of theory and
practice.
Study hours: Of 150 hours of study required for a 15 credit module, 18 are contact hours. In
addition, students need to engage in approximately 11 hours of private study per week. Private
study involves wider reading to develop material received during lectures, preparation for
seminars and work for assessment by coursework. It will be supported by an appropriate range of
written materials, books, journals and internet or electronic sources posted on Moodle.
Learning and teaching methods: In the practice learning settings students will be expected to
take considerable responsibility to provide evidence of their skills, knowledge, values and critical
analysis. Sources of evidence will relate to the Professional Capabilities Framework performance
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criteria. Students will be a part of work-based teams in practice settings where they are placed.
They will be allocated a Practice Educator who will supervise the gathering of evidence and
provide a final assessment of the student’s practice. This will address learning outcomes 11.2,
11.3, 11.4.
University lectures will suggest sources to gather information, including a range of textbooks,
journals and relevant websites. Some key journal articles will be provided on Moodle. Students
will not be expected to buy set textbooks. In seminars students will enter into discussion about
issues raised by social work practice and will be expected to put forward structured, coherent
arguments. They will apply knowledge to case presentations of their own practice where they
will be expected to use sound judgement and evaluate the appropriateness of different
approaches. These will address learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
The module will be assessed in the form of one 5000 word written Practice Learning Reflective Study
(100%) based on the students’ critical reflection and analysis of their practice and development over
the course of their learning.
The rationale for the method of assessment. The Practice Learning Reflective Study will test the
students’ ability to reflect on their practice and show their ability to understand the place of social
work theories, models and methods for working with service users. The study will draw on the
students’ ability to acknowledge their own learning and development and how this relates to their
work with service-users, therefore meeting learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 12.1, 12.2,
and 12.3.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Lecturers with appropriate academic and professional qualifications and with experience of being
academic advisors for students on BA (Hons) Social Work placements will be involved in this
module.
Certain new books (and extra copies of particular existing books) will need to be ordered by the Drill
Hall library. Relevant journals and e-books can be accessed online from the Templeman Library
website.
Practice placements at this stage will primarily be based in local authority provision and will
comprise of varied service-user groups and provide statutory social work experience.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary,
including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for
students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for
students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with
the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided
where needed.
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms
of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities. Where
there is a Individual Learning Plan in place or an identifiable disability it will be the responsibility of
the student, PE and Academic Advisor to ensure that any impact it might have on placement is
considered and planned for.
19.
Campus(es) where module will be delivered: Medway
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
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Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of School
Date
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Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED
INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I
confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner
College/Validated Institution
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Date
………………………………………………….
Print Name
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Post
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Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated October 2013
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