Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 212

PUBLIC POLICY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Social Work
Overview

Social Work is a practice based profession which
engages people and groups to address complex
life challenges and enhance wellbeing. The social
work discipline is underpinned by theories of social
work, social sciences, humanities and practice based
knowledge. Our enthusiastic staff group bring
a wide variety of experiences from practice and
research which include: child rights, gerontology,
protection and safeguarding and the value base of
social work. We have a long established history of
providing social work at Keele and offer an informed
and critical approach to knowledge about the social
content in which social work is practised. We offer an
excellent range of practice placements and our highly
regarded skill based learning is led by social work
practitioners and people who use services.
The aims of BA (Hons) Social Work are to:
• Provide you with an educational experience
which ensures that you are able to engage
with the formal knowledge base underpinning
social work practice
• Provide the basic professional training in social
work to meet the requirements set by the Health
and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Provide a programme of study that develops the
knowledge, skills and values required for effective
anti-discriminatory practice in a diverse society
• Develop your personal and intellectual qualities
so that you are able to respond effectively to
changes in society and social work practice
• Prepare you for employment and lay the
foundations for continuing professional
development

Course content

First year
Personal and Professional Development enables
you to develop a practical appreciation and
understanding of core social work skills. The module
supports you to begin to understand and develop key
social work skills including effective communication,
interviewing and recording. The module concludes
with the ‘readiness for practice’ assessment which
must be passed before you may proceed to your
practice learning placement in year two.
Human Growth and Development provides
knowledge of human growth and development and
from birth to end of life.
Inequality and Discrimination will provide you
with an understanding of the nature and impact of
inequality and disadvantage in contemporary Britain.
Foundations of Social Work provides an introduction
to the values, ethical principles and professional
boundaries of social work.

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In Key Concepts in Social Sciences you will develop
an appreciation of a number of key concepts from
the social sciences that are used to understand and
explain the relationship between individuals and th V