Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Practice Learning (Social Services) is a part-time program designed to support the development and understanding of practice education in social services settings. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to work effectively as social work practice educators.

Course Details

Mode of Study:

Part-time

Duration:

1 year

Start Date:

January

Modules:

The program consists of three modules, which need to be undertaken in sequence. The first two are taught modules, while the final module consists of a supervised, assessed student placement.

• Module 1: Creating, Supporting and Evaluating Learning Opportunities in Practice Settings
• Module 2: Supervising and Assessing Social Work Students in Practice Placements
• Module 3: Supervised Social Work Practice Learning Placement

Entry Requirements

• A Scottish bachelor’s degree (SCQF level 9) or equivalent or above
• A relevant professional social work qualification
• A minimum of two years relevant post-qualifying experience in a social services or other relevant setting
• Current experience of working in social services settings
• The endorsement and support of the employing organisation for undertaking this award
• Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Social Worker or eligible for such registration

Fees & Funding

• The cost of the program is £1750
• Successful applicants will have their course fees paid by their employer in advance

Careers

• The Graduate Certificate in Practice Learning is often seen as a step towards middle management roles
• Students will develop supervision and management skills, as well as highly transferable skills such as communication, reflective practice, ethical decision making, collaboration, problem solving, and time management
• Practice Educators play a crucial role in the development of future professionals, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice and preparing them for successful careers in their chosen field

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study. Full information is available in our disclaimer.

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed to develop your understanding of practice education in a variety of social services settings and your ability to apply the professional skills and techniques associated with practice education in social work. The program aims to equip you to work effectively as a social work practice educator.

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Objectives:

• Develop a critical understanding of the ways you can work with others to create a supportive learning culture and environment.
• Develop competence in the provision and facilitation of learning opportunities within and across settings.
• Utilize a range of advanced skills and techniques to support the learning of students in practice placements.
• Appraise theories of learning so that you can devise and adapt your approach according to the needs of different students.
• Exercise responsibility for evaluating students’ learning against professional standards of practice.

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Outline:

The program consists of three modules, which need to be undertaken in sequence. The first two are taught modules, while the final module consists of a supervised, assessed student placement.

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Module 1: Creating, Supporting and Evaluating Learning Opportunities in Practice Settings

• Focuses on establishing effective working relationships to support learning as part of a wider interprofessional context.
• Considers how to lead the creation of a positive learning culture and environment that supports your own and others’ learning, and how to support and create learning opportunities for a social work student.
• Allows you to reflect on your own experiences as a learner, while being introduced to theoretical approaches to adult learning.
• Emphasizes social work values and the Scottish Social Services Council’s Codes of Practice, considering ethical practice in the practice educator role.
• Provides an opportunity to start preparing for the supervised practice learning placement.

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Module 2: Supervising and Assessing Social Work Students in Practice Placements

• Focuses on the supervision and assessment of social work students in practice placements.
• Covers assessment frameworks and strategies to ensure that the assessment of students is fair and based on solid evidence, linked to the Standards in Social Work Education.
• Explores how to involve people receiving services and carers in these processes.
• Encourages reflection on your own knowledge base and how to support students in making links between theory and practice.
• Examines the role of supervision in supporting students and prepares you for the challenges of working with students who fail to meet the required standards.

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Module 3: Supervised Social Work Practice Learning Placement

• A formally assessed supervised practice placement where you will bring all of your learning together in practice to supervise a social work student as their practice educator.
• You will be supported and assessed throughout by an experienced practice assessor.
• The program is designed to run alongside Edinburgh Napier University’s Master of Social Work Programme.
Supervising a student from this program for Module 3 will allow you to complete the program in the shortest possible time.

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Assessment:

• Modules 1 and 2: You will be assessed on your completion of a 1500-word reflective assignment.
• Module 3: You will be supported and assessed by a practice assessor who will observe you in supervision with the student on two occasions and complete a report at the end of the placement.
At the end of the program, you will submit a portfolio of evidence gathered during the placement consisting of feedback from the social work student and colleagues, feedback from the two observed supervision sessions with the student, the practice assessor's report and a 1500-word reflective assignment.

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Teaching:

• You will study on a part-time basis.
• Modules 1 and 2 consist of four days of taught sessions, and Module 3 consists of the student placement, a two-hour online introduction and two ‘recall days’ at the University.
• Each module is equivalent to 200 hours of study therefore you will be expected to engage in guided and self-directed study before and after the taught sessions.
• The program uses a blended approach to learning, teaching and assessment.
As well as spending time on campus engaged in group-based learning, you will also be expected to be proactive in identifying and accessing relevant literature and other learning resources.
• You will be encouraged to identify and utilize your transferable skills and knowledge throughout the program and will be supported in this through scenario-based learning, group work, role play and problem-based learning.

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Careers:

• By gaining a Graduate Certificate in Practice Learning at Edinburgh Napier University, you will have a qualification that is endorsed by local stakeholders.
• This qualification is often seen as a step towards middle management roles, as you will develop your supervision and management skills.
• You will not only be well-placed professionally but will have a suite of highly transferable skills such as communication, reflective practice, ethical decision making, collaboration, problem solving and time management, that can take your career to new heights in a variety of health and social care settings.

• A Practice Educator typically works within the field of social work or healthcare.
• Their primary responsibility is to support and supervise students or newly qualified professionals during their practical placements or probationary periods.
• Practice Educators play a crucial role in the development of future professionals, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice and preparing them for successful careers in their chosen field.

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Daily tasks and responsibilities in typical practice education roles include:

• Supervision
• Assessment
• Role modelling
• Promoting ethical practice
• Facilitation
• Teaching & training
• Successful entrants are funded through their employer.
• The cost of the program is £1500.
Successful applicants will have their course fees paid by their employer in advance.

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Tuition fees for 2023/24 Students from 2023/24 2024/25 View Tuition Fees for 2024/25 The cost of the programme is £1500. Successful applicants will have their course fees paid by their employer in advance.

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management