Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Social Work
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-11-05 | - |
Program Overview
Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Social Work
Overview
This short course has been designed to enable employees with our partner agencies who would like to become social workers to develop the required academic skills to progress to the full professional qualifying BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) course.
If you pass the Cert HE, as well as produce a satisfactory personal statement and pass the written requirement for all social work applicants, you'll be guaranteed an interview for the degree apprenticeship.
Completing this social work course will also lead to a standalone, valid qualification for professional development for staff in unqualified roles in social care settings.
The ideas discussed and the skills and knowledge gained on this course will enable you to put what you've learned into practice within your workplace, and also have practical examples to draw upon in your academic work.
Why us?
- Successful completion of the course will lead to a guaranteed selection interview for direct entry to level 5 of the full BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)*
- Benefit from a flexible learning schedule to fit around work and other commitments
Course structure
The modules studied on this course are based on those in level 4 of the integrated degree apprenticeship, with identical learning outcomes to Stage 1 of that course. This course is delivered in a different format and you'll study part-time with late afternoon and evening sessions to fit around the working day, and is supplemented by online learning activities.
In addition to the four 30-credit modules studied on the course, if you wish to go on to apply for direct entry to level 5 of the degree apprenticeship, you'll also need to complete a 'Readiness for Practice' portfolio. This demonstrates that you've met the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work at the appropriate level.
Modules on this course include:
- Foundations of Professional Learning (30 credits) Develop your academic study skills and resilience strategies in preparation for both undergraduate study and your role in the workplace. Consider your own approach to learning and your role within groups, by giving and receiving feedback. Explore the nature of professional learning and familiarise yourself with the frameworks for assessment of professional capability within social work practice.
- Values and Ethics for Social Work (30 credits) Examine the role of the social worker and how this has been defined and developed, before considering the importance of personal and professional behaviour and boundaries. Reflect upon your personal values and gain an introduction to the values, ethics, and standards for social work. Explore the role of social work with different service user groups and settings. Study how diversity can relate to discrimination, disadvantage, power, and oppression, and explore how and to what extent social workers can challenge this by promoting social justice and human rights.
- Developing Skills for Practice (30 credits) Complete Stage 1 of your Professional Standards and Readiness to Practice Portfolio, including evidence of reflection on your personal and professional development. Engage in a community study where you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your understanding of the complex interaction between the individual and their community. Explore cultural, economic, and social factors which impact on daily living and social justice. Reflect on your direct work with service users and carers to develop your interpersonal communication and interviewing skills.
- Understanding Theory for Practice (30 credits) Gain an introduction to the theoretical frameworks from social science disciplines which inform social work practice. Explore key perspectives in social theory, particularly the conceptual awareness of the relationship between the individual and society. Enhance your theoretical understanding of the features and development of modern society in order to identify patterns in our social life. Focus on themes such as the way society is organised, the patterns in social relations, the dynamics of social change, and theoretical explanations of social conflict and inequality. Develop skills in comparative analysis of social and psychological theories and concepts, relating these key perspectives of social theory towards real world events and issues.
Facilities
You'll be based at the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.
Entry requirements
This course requires you to be working in a social care role that involves direct contact with service users and/or carers.
Fees and finance
The fee for this course is £3,000
The employer usually meets these costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.
We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact .
IT provision
You can access free Wi-Fi throughout the University campus, so you can work from anywhere. If you don't want to carry a laptop around, just use one of the University’s PCs or Macs. We have hundreds of computers for you to use in the Murray Library, St Peter's Library, and the David Goldman Informatics Centre. If you ever have any technical problems, just ask the friendly helpdesk team.
Library Services
University library services will be central to your study experience and are delivered at our two libraries on campus, as well as online. Our libraries offer a variety of study environments to meet your needs, including areas for groupwork, individual and silent study. You’ll also have access to desktop PCs, space to use your own mobile technology and printing facilities.
The library works closely with academic staff within each faculty to offer specialist, industry standard resources in your subject discipline. The Faculty of Social Sciences provides thousands of relevant books and e-books, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. You’ll also have access to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals which are always kept up to date, including Project Muse, Lexis, JSTOR and many more.
To find out more information, visit our University Library website.
Course duration and attendance
- 18 months
- Part-time
Course code
CID1517
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The course provides a strong foundation for social work practice by covering key topics such as:
- Professional Learning and Study Skills
- Values and Ethics for Social Work
- Developing Skills for Practice
- Understanding Theory for Practice
The course also emphasizes the practical application of knowledge by:
- Encouraging reflection on personal and professional development
- Providing opportunities to engage in community study
- Developing interpersonal communication and interviewing skills
Outline:
The course is supplemented by online learning activities to further enhance the learning experience. However, the program is tailored to a part-time format and includes additional online resources.
Students will study four 30-credit modules during the course:
- Foundations of Professional Learning focuses on developing academic and study skills, reflecting on personal learning journeys, and exploring collaborative learning strategies.
- Values and Ethics for Social Work examines the historical development of social work and explores the importance of professional behavior and boundaries. It introduces fundamental values and ethics within social work practice, while exploring the role of social workers with various service user groups and settings. Additionally, it examines how diversity can be related to discrimination, disadvantage, power, and oppression, prompting critical reflection on how social workers can challenge these issues and promote social justice and human rights.
- Developing Skills for Practice allows students to build on their existing skills by engaging in community-based study. This module encourages reflection on direct work with service users and carers to hone interpersonal communication and interviewing skills. Additionally, it requires students to complete Stage 1 of their Professional Standards and Readiness to Practice Portfolio, showcasing their personal and professional development.
- Understanding Theory for Practice dives deep into social sciences theories that inform social work practice. It explores key theoretical perspectives, particularly the conceptual relationship between individuals and society. Students analyze social life patterns, structures of society, and social relations to understand social change dynamics, conflict, and inequality. By engaging in comparative analysis of social and psychological theories and concepts, students learn to apply these perspectives to real-world events and issues. ## Assessment:
This may include:
- Written assignments and essays: This allows students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts, analyze social issues, and present well-structured arguments.
- Portfolios: Compiling evidence of personal and professional development through reflective practice and showcases practical experience.
- Presentations and group projects: This encourages collaboration, communication skills, and critical thinking through the presentation of research findings or analysis of case studies.
- Examinations: These may be used to assess specific knowledge and understanding of key theoretical frameworks and social work principles. ## Teaching:
The Cert HE utilizes a variety of teaching methods to create an engaging and interactive learning environment:
- Lectures from experienced and qualified social work educators provide foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
- Seminars and tutorials offer a platform for group discussions, case study analysis, and deeper exploration of specific topics.
- Workshops equip students with practical skills in areas such as communication, interviewing, report writing, and critical reflection.
- Online learning activities: These provide additional resources for independent study, self-assessment, and interaction with peers and tutors. ## Careers:
With a social work qualification, individuals can pursue diverse careers in various settings such as:
- Local authorities: Providing support and services to children, families, adults, and communities
- Health services: Working with individuals facing physical or mental health challenges
- Voluntary and charitable organizations: Supporting vulnerable groups and advocating for social change
- Education settings: Promoting the well-being and educational success of children and young people
- Criminal justice system: Working to rehabilitate offenders and support victims The specific career path chosen will depend on individual interests, skills, and values. However, the Cert HE provides a strong foundation for those seeking a fulfilling and impactful career in the field of social work. ## Other:
The Cert HE offers additional benefits for participants:
- Guaranteed interview for entry onto the full BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) upon successful completion.
- Gain valuable professional development opportunities for those working in unqualified social care roles.
- Develop transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership, applicable in various career paths.
- Gain access to the University's library resources, including online databases and journals, to support research and study.
- Benefit from the expertise and support of experienced staff and tutors with extensive knowledge in social work education and practice.
