BA (Hons) Social Work
Location
Osprey House, Redditch
Qualification Level
BA Honours Degree in Social Work
Entry Requirements
Minimum age of 18 at the start of the course
GCSE grade C or Key Skills Level 2 in English and Maths
Possession of a level 2 IT qualification would be an advantage
For under 21s
At least 4 GSCEs grade C or above
240 UCAS tariff points (at least CCC at A Level, one A Level in a relevant subject)
At least 6 months relevant social care experience, whether paid or voluntary.
For over 21s
The ability to study at degree level, usually demonstrated by recognised qualifications at Level 3 in a relevant subject.
At least 6 months relevant social care experience, whether paid or voluntary.
Other conditions
Satisfactory health check
Satisfactory enhanced CRB/ISA check
Following enrolment, registration with the Social Work Regulatory Body as a student social worker.
Attendance
Full Time
Course Duration
3 Years Full Time
Course Description
The BA (Hons) Degree in Social Work at North East Worcestershire College is the qualification for people who want to become professionally qualified social workers in any area of social work, such as children and families, mental health, older people or people with disabilities. The course integrates theory and practice and provides an understanding of social work practice, theory and law. About half of the learning takes place in college (mainly Redditch) and through self-directed study and each student completes 200 days of practice over three placement learning opportunities in a wide variety of practice settings where you will be under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. You will have a personal tutor to offer support and guidance.
The course team are enthusiastic, supportive and well qualified. Staff regularly attend both academic and practice-related conferences and forums, both nationally and regionally and are involved in national research projects. They have also published material in social work journals. This networking enriches our teaching and you will benefit from up-to-date developments in the fields of social work practice. Current social work practitioners assist in the delivery of modules by virtue of the well-established relationship between NEW College and social work agencies. Students also benefit from regular sessions presented by service users and carers groups.
Course content
Year 1
Study Skills
The Professional Learner and Safe Practitioner
Applied Psychology and Human Development
Sociology: Themes and Perspectives in Social Work
Introduction to Practice (Triple module)
Development and Delivery of Social Welfare Provision
The Ethics and Values of Social Work
Year 2
Law for Social Work Practice
Assessment and Intervention, theories and Methods
Skills for Social Work Practice
The Research Process
Practice – Developing Competence (triple module)
Year 3
Practice – Achieving Competence (quadruple module)
The Competent Practitioner
The Research and Policy Context of Social Work Practice
The Professional Lifelong Learner: Independent Study
How is the Qualification Achieved ?
Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge base and skills you will need to become an effective social worker and so our assessment process is designed to support and monitor your development towards your competence as a practitioner by the end of the programme. Formal assessment is continuous and occurs at the end of each module. You will be assessed using a variety of methods, reflecting both the subject matter and the value of developing and demonstrating a range of key skills. Practice assessment will feature both observations of practice and written work to demonstrate awareness, understanding, analysis and reflection on practice.
There is a 100% attendance requirement for all modules.
You will benefit from access to libraries at both NEW College and University of Worcester. These libraries hold a wide range of texts and journals which are continuously updated. There are areas for private study, computing and the use of the internet. You will have electronic access to journals and other resources held at North East Worcestershire College.
Learning and teaching is supported by subject specific Learning Advisors at NEW College and there is also an experienced learning support team who can arrange individual support where necessary.
On Successful Completion of this Course
Completion of your degree will allow you to join the register of social workers, so that you can practice professionally. You will be qualified for social work in the public, voluntary, private or independent sectors. Post qualifying training opportunities will be accessible via employment. Postgraduate academic study opportunities will also be accessible.
NEW College works closely with Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council to enhance employment opportunities on completion of the degree. Employment rates are high and you acquire valuable transferable skills in writing reports, analysing data, using computers, researching material, interviewing and giving presentations.
How Do I Find Out More?
For further information please contact the
Social Work Administrator
Tel: 01527 572532
Email: socialwork@ne-worcs.ac.uk
The UCAS code is L500 BA/SW (Institution N58)
How To Join This Course?
This degree programme must be applied for through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can either apply online at www.ucas.ac.uk/apply or printed forms may be requested from your school, careers office or UCAS. To request an application form from UCAS, please contact: UCAS Applications Requests, Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ
Tel: 0870 1122200.
E-mail:app.req@ucas.ac.uk
The UCAS code for North East Worcestershire College is N58, and this should be clearly marked on your application form.
Additional Information
Course features and benefits
• One of the top 14 Social Work courses in the country (Community Care, July 2010)
• The course addresses the specific requirements of professional social work training and meets all the relevant requirements of the Department of Health and the General Social Care Council
• Small friendly and welcoming department providing a high level of tutorial and pastoral support
• An enthusiastic, teaching team with a great wealth of experience in practice in a wide variety of practice settings
• Regular guest lectures from practising social workers and service users and carers
• An attractive and modern learning environment
• Practice learning opportunities in a wide variety of multi-disciplinary environments within the counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire
• The Programme has been commended by GSCC Inspectors for the high number (100%) of final student placements involving statutory and legal interventions
• Close links with local social work agencies and a strong partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Hereford Council
• Strong commitment to the involvement of service users and carers in all aspects of the programme for which it has been commended
Additional Course Documents
Intranet
Moodle
Email
social work bursaries information 2010
