Practice Learning module (SW31011)

The period of practice learning is undertaken from August – December.

4.5 days are spent in agencies with 0.5 days taken for study.

You will be placed in an agency. This will be across the statutory, voluntary, and independent sectors setting. You will engage in direct work with service users and/or carers.

You will be given two full days of university-based teaching. This will outline the key requirements of placement. A further integration day midway through placement will enable you to integrate theory and practice.

During placement, you will supported by a practice educator (and link worker where appropriate). This will allow you to carry out professional tasks as required by the agency.

You must be registered as a student social worker with the Scottish Social Services Council and have PVG clearance.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn and apply knowledge, skills, and understanding of the social work processes of assessment, planning, and intervention
• carry out practice informed by knowledge, research, and policy
• learn to work with other professionals to identify and respond to need and risk
• develop an appropriate level of autonomy, initiative, and accountability in practice

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• evidence knowledge, skills and competence in relation to the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE) at level 9
• practice in line with agency procedures and the SSSC Codes of Practice
• understand the impact of injustice and oppression on service users and carers
• practice independently. You will also be able to seek support as appropriate. You will use supervision to identify and meet developmental needs.

show written and verbal presentation skills appropriate to professional practice.

Assignments / assessment

Summative – 100% Assessment of Practice

The practical element of practice is assessed by a Practice Educator. Practice is assessed against the Standards in Social WorkEducation (SiSWE) set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Students who pass the practice elements of the placement submit:

1. a portfolio of evidence that includes specific documents collated during the placement. A full list of the required documents is contained in the practice learning handbook. It includes a report in which the student analyses and evidences their practice against the SiSWE. This is assessed and completed by the practice educator.
2. a 3,000-word essay critiquing an element of practice they found of interest. This is marked by the module lead or another member of staff not involved in the student's practice learning opportunity. The essay provides the mark for the module.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

Two full days of preparation on campus pre-placement involving the module lead, lecturers, and guest speakers.

One full day on-campus during placement with the module lead and guest speakers.