Practice Learning 4 module (SW42003)

Practice Learning 4 is the final practice placement for BA(Hons) Social Work. You will be placed in social work environments to apply your classroom learning in practice, this will give you a critical understanding of social work practice. You will build on your knowledge from the previous placement and use your prior learning in a social work environment.

You will be supported by a training team comprising of:

• practice educator, who will work with the student to attain their learning goals and assess the student's practice
• link worker, who will oversee the student's day to day tasks
• advisor of studies, a University tutor, who will work to ensure that you are being given the opportunities you need to pass the placement

Student placements are in a range of social work settings, both in statutory and voluntary organisations, and can involve working with children, adults, or older people. The placements can be in duty teams that assist people to access services, or specialist teams that work with particular service user groups such as alcohol and drug misuse, learning disabilities, or protection of adults and children.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• develop a core understanding of a range of areas of specialist social work practice
• gain a critical understanding of how theory and research informs social work practice
• understand the advanced integration of practice and academic learning
• develop professional accountability to service users, carers, other professionals, and society

By the end of this module, you will:

• develop advanced communication skills
• demonstrate awareness and use of legislation in practice
• demonstrate critical reflection skills
• become competent social workers

Assignments / assessment

• You will prepare a portfolio during your practice learning placement which comprises of:
  • a working agreement - between all members of the training team
  • student profile - identifying your skills and learning needs
  • interim report and minutes of meeting
  • direct observations of practice by the Practice Educator or Link Worker
  • service user and carer evaluation
  • final report - completed by the student and Practice Educator, which will evidence the students work against 6 competencies, known as the Standards in Social Work Education

The practice learning placement is graded pass or fail. A pass is required to continue with the course, and graduate.

• In addition, you will complete a practice essay of 3,000 words - "Explore and critique an aspect of your practice from placement which you found interesting"
• A pass on this essay is 100% of the grade for this module.

There is no final exam for this module.

Teaching methods / timetable

• Practice Learning 4 will start in August each year, with 2 days of classroom input to help you to prepare for your placement. You will go into a pre-arranged placement for 95 days, which includes 1 day a week of study
• You will return to University for 1 day in the middle of your placement for an integrated learning day

You will also have an interim meeting at the middle point of the placement to assess your progress against the standards and ensure there are sufficient learning opportunities available.

The successful completion of Practice Learning 4 module is a core requirement of the social work course.