Social Work - Distance Learning BA (Hons)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | 2023-05-05 |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Social Work Distance Learning degree from Robert Gordon University is designed for someone already working in a related social care role. It will provide you with the knowledge, values and skills required by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to practice as a qualified Social Worker.
This part-time degree gives you the flexibility to balance your learning with work and other life commitments. Designed as a work-based degree, it is delivered through a combination of on campus learning, practice experience and tutor led learning supported by online resources. There are two entry levels dependent on your existing qualifications and experience.
As a Social Worker you will have a vital role in society providing support and protection to people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Program Outline
Stage 2
Stage 2 enables you to develop knowledge and skills associated with social work practice. You will acquire an initial ability to demonstrate assessment and intervention skills with a range of client groups. There are three teaching blocks and one assessed placement during the 14 months of this Standard Entry stage.
Stage 3
For students progressing from Stage 2 or joining via Advanced Entry this stage is over a 13 month period and comprises of two teaching blocks and an assessed placement.
Stage Three enables the student to apply advanced social work skills to specific client groups. This will be demonstrated by a greater level of independent study and increasing competence in social work practice.
Stage 4
Stage Four enables you to engage in more advanced self-directed study and to acquire a critical and evaluative understanding of social work and related disciplines. You will also be developing your research skills culminating in the completion of a dissertation. This stage has two teaching blocks over a 15 month period.
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Graduate Story
Vicky Taylor - BA (Hons) Social Work - Distance Learning
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our
course and module disclaimer
for more information. Detailed module informationLearning Method
Work based degree delivered with a combination of on-campus learning, practice experience and tutor led learning supported by online resources.
There are two one-week on-campus teaching blocks per calendar year involving a variety of teaching methods and activities with a small cohort of other students. In addition, there will be some online teaching sessions throughout the year. Contact with personal tutors may be through Microsoft Teams, email or by telephone. Students will also benefit from regular group and/or individual tutorials. These will predominantly take place over Teams but depending on the circumstances may take place in the student’s personal area following discussion. All modules at each stage of the course are compulsory and developmental feedback will be provided for each module. Each stage of the course is worth 120 academic credits. The degree classification is based on the marks obtained for modules taken at Stage 4. Completion of studies will be ratified at the course Assessment Board which usually sits in October.
The online element of the course is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), CampusMoodle.
CampusMoodle offers you the flexibility of where and when you choose to study and gives you full open access to tutors and other class members. You will have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The online campus provides you with course materials which include:
Activity Summary
Independent study
- 825 hours per stageBlock teaching comprising lectures seminars and group learning
- 45 students per group for 30 hours x 2 blocks per stageTutorials, individual, group, face to face or remotely
- up to 10 students for 8 hours per stageHow long is a BA (Hons) Social Work - Distance Learning course?
A Social Work - Distance Learning course can be completed part time, over:
Independent Study
There is a strong emphasis on independent study where you are encouraged to research materials. All modules will direct you to indicative and recommended reading.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our class sizes are small, and this, along with a high level of contact time with staff, enables us to provide a friendly and supportive learning environment.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all coursework.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
The Inclusion CENTREOnline Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
CampusMoodleStudy Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
University LibraryPlacements
Stage 2 entrants complete two assessed practice learning placements, one of 60 days starting in the January of the second calendar year of study, and one of 100 days starting in the January of the third calendar year of study. There is the possibility of the 60 day placement being undertaken in your place of work with some adjustments made to your existing role. This might not be suitable in all cases and must be discussed and agreed with the course team.
Stage 3 entrants complete one assessed practice learning placement of 100 days, starting in the January after starting the course. This placement should be done with a different service user group in a different setting.
Stage 4 entrants - there is no placement requirement.
Placements are undertaken in a block period of full-time days. Course staff will work with you to identify suitable opportunities for your placement(s) in your locality.
Job Prospects
Is Social Work (Distance Learning) a good course choice?
Previous BA Social Work (Distance Learning) graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to enhance their current careers and progressed in main grade and managerial roles the following settings:
Find your Career Path