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SWK-30036 - Module Specification
School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

SWK-30036 - Contemporary Social Work Practice: Issues and approaches
Coordinator: Cath Holmstrom Room: N/A
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733928

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

N/A

Description for 2022/23

Critical approaches within social work theory will be combined with an exploration of current and priority concerns and dilemmas within social work practice. In addition, this module will be the 'home' for the final year advanced skills sessions which will support the ongoing professional development of students and will thus contribute to employability too.

Aims
This module builds upon previous placement and theoretical modules to identify key practice challenges within social work and to explore the contribution of theory, especially critical theories, and research, to understanding these.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/swk-30036/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse and evaluate the philosophical approaches underpinning critical social work theories in relation to contemporary social work practice: 2
critically analyse one specific contemporary practice challenge using relevant social work theories to do so: 2
identify and critically examine a key dilemma, tension or conflict in a chosen area of social work practice and explore contributions of theory and research in understanding and responding to this: 2
critically reflect upon own skills development: 1

Study hours

25 hours seminars/tutorial
10 days of skills workshops (day will be 4-5 hours plus reflection) = 45 hours
80 hours directed reading and assignment preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Oral Exam weighted 25%
Oral Exam (15 minute)
students will complete a final year oral exam shortly before commencing their final placement and after completing the advanced skills sequence. They will identify learning in relation to future learning needs, to be developed in placement and beyond, in a discussion that models supervision and professional appraisal type process.

2: Essay weighted 75%
Essay (2000 words)
Students will select one from a selection of essay titles that explore tensions, dilemmas and contemporary challenges in social work practice. Students will be able to choose a question and a focus that aligns with future career plans and/or next placement specialism and will draw upon theoretical perspectives to examine the challenge/dilemma identified.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023