Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
- Awarding Institution / Body
- Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
- University Department/Centre
- External Accreditation
(a) Approval to proceed to the second stage of application for accreditation of Post Qualifying Award in Social Work. (16 January 2008)
(p) Second stage approval subject to
- internal validation processes
- confirmation of specific GSCC criteria / information at second stage validation.
- Title of Final Award
(Post Qualifying Award in Specialist Social Work – Adults)
- Modes of Attendance offered
- UCAS Code
- Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
National Occupational Standards for Social Work
(NOS, TOPSS 2002)
QAA Level descriptors. DH requirements
GSCC Code of Practice for Social Care
- Other external influences
- Date of production/revision of this form
- Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to :
- Develop adaptable and responsive practitioners, confident about promoting the highest standards of social care practice for adults in multi-professional settings (45)
- Promote the consolidationand critical evaluation of theory and practice of social work in a range of key areas including direct work with service users, families and carers, self management and use of supervision, mentoring and practice education. (46)
- Enable a standard of personal and professional development commensurate with the knowledge, skills and values of the GSCC accredited PQ Specialist Award – Adults (47)
- Developand critically evaluate competence in a specialist field of adult social work (48)
- Explore the use of collaborative and multi-professional approaches to practice, and apply reflective skills to critically evaluate social work practice. (45, 49)
- Enable practitioners to support the learning and professional development of others including a review of approaches to the assessment of others’ practice competence and effective management of practice learning. (49)
- Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Consolidation of practice
Critically evaluate current practice usingNOSS, and values. Evidenceand critically reflect on contemporary approaches to social work with an emphasis on service user /carer perspectives.
A 2 Legislation and policy.
Extend and critically apply knowledge and understanding of all legal frameworks relevant to specialist area of adult social care practice. Critically evaluate the role of the practitioner in developing and raising standards of practice in working with vulnerable adults focussing on assessment and issues related to choice and independence, risk management, support and protection in a family setting.
A3. Enabling others learning.
Critically explore understanding of learning environments, including methods and skills to enhance others’ learning. Demonstrate planning and assessment of practice, using knowledge from research and critical evaluations, and promote organisational opportunities for professional learning.
A4. Adult development and transitions.
Critically discuss theories of human growth and development, ageing and health related factors, loss and bereavement, and their significance in social care practice.Understand complex social roles and aspirations and their importance in contributing to approaches that facilitate independence and challenge oppressive attitudes.
A 5. Communicating and Engaging
Critical appreciation of the complexities of the lives of adult service users, including mental health, drugs issues, disability and family relationships. Making use of appropriate resources, skills, and knowledge to facilitate communication.
A6. Multi – professional working.
Familiarity with complexities of information relevant to service user needs across diverse health and social care sectors, contributing to co-ordination of multi-agency services, commissioning and management of individual budgets.
A7. Application of Research to Social Work.
Making use of range of research based knowledge to support critical practice. Reflective and critical skills development in knowledge based practice. Critical awareness of methodological concepts and appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students will initially focus their learning in the work place through supervision and one day a week university attendance for formal teaching associated with their consolidation module. Further learning will involve small groups, one a day a week formal teaching, e learning, group work and directed study.
Learning will be supported through recommended / supplied learning materials and monitored attendance to formal taught sessions. Each student will have a professionally qualified tutor for supervision and regular contact.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be by means of a practice (work) based portfolio, written assignments, and presentations. An extended critical practice analysis will also be required towards the end of the first year.
B.Subject-specific skills
Critically evaluate and challenge performance and models of practice, critically reflecting on competence as outlined in the NOS using current research.
B1. The National Occupational Standards.
Key Role 1:Prepare for, and work with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities to assess their needs and circumstances
Key Role 2:Plan, carry out, review and evaluate social work practice, with individuals, families, carers, groups, communities and other professionals
Key Role 3:Support individuals to represent their needs, views and circumstances
Key Role 4:Manage risk to individuals, families, carers, groups, communities, self and colleagues
Key Role 5: Manage and be accountable, with supervision and support, for your own social work practice within your organisation
Key Role 6: Demonstrate professional competence in social work practice
Identify and critically apply the six key roles of social work. Include critical evaluation of social care practice in relation to their specialist area.B2. Embed Values
Evaluate and challenge factors that prevent and obstruct service users’ full participation in their own service provision.
a. access services and make choices to remain socially and (where appropriate) economically active with opportunities to participate in and make a positive contribution to communities and society;
b. remain or become as independent and healthy as possible, live in the place of their choice, and stay safe;
c. enjoy life, realise their potential and achieve life goals, quality of life and wellbeing.
d. providing and developing flexible services responsive toindividual needs, with an emphasis on both the use of theseservices to prevent problems and difficulties, and on the continuity and integration of these services;
e. overcoming barriers to inclusion by reaching out to marginalisedgroups and challenging poor service delivery;
f. promoting anti-oppressive practices within a comprehensiveequalities and diversity framework.
(GSCC 2005 Specialist Standards and Requirements for post qualifying education and Training : Social Work with adults 18-24)
Teaching and Learning Methods
Practice based learning from supervision in the work place, and specialist teaching that supports the development of skills associated with specific professional responsibilities. Structured tutorials focussing on reflection of evidence and experience from practice. Student’s own reflection and exploration of complex values issues.
Assessment methods
Portfolio based assessment including observed practice, and service user feedback of practice. Reflective critical case analysis.
C.Thinking Skills
C1. Interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of theories, concepts, evidence and experience in relation to practice
C2. Critical analysis and presentation of balanced evidence based and reasoned arguments
C3. Critically evaluate and Reflect upon knowledge base and guiding principles
C4. Debate and apply ethical principles and practices in social care settings
.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Discussion and group work to enhance reasoned argument and debate. Taught sessions and directed reading linked to experiences in practice. Induction period , introducing methods of gathering of material in a critical way. Tutorial support for critical practice analysis using research sources.
Assessment methods
Completion of critically based assignments, reflective writing and presentations. Completion of research based critical practice analysis exploring ethics and values issues linked to current practice.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Identify and select information sources; Use information and other resources competently, and manage time effectively
D2. Analyse ideas and communicate ideas effectively, verbally and in the written word
D3. Reflection and personal development
D4. Skills in working and learning in practice settings
D5.Helping others learn to learn and Assessing others
Teaching and Learning Methods
Reflective log element of practice evidence; completion of LLRS based induction; participate in class debate ; tutorial support for dissertation writing.Assessing others learning through practice observation and supervision.
Assessment methods
Portfolio , critical practice analysis element demonstrating clear use of appropriate sources within set deadlines, completion of directed study tasks; completion of reflective log; class presentations
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 7 / SW4500
SW4501
SW4200
SW 4502
*SW4503
SW4504
*EZ4015
HS3001
SP3133 / Consolidation of Social Work Practice Core
Enabling others Core
Practice Related Professional Study
Valuing People: New Agendas and Approaches
Developing Positive Approaches to Working with older Adults
Safeguarding and Adult Protection
Principles of Integrated Commissioning of health and Social Care
Leadership and Change in Health
Housing and Urban Problems / 20
20
40
20
20
40
20
20 / Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Practice (Adults)
(120 credits 100 at level 7)
One level 6 module maximum allowed within this programme and 5 level 7 (0ne module = 20 credits)
Exit Award Post Graduate Certificate in Social Care Practice (Adults) (60 credits at level 7)
15.Personal Development Planning
Regular tutorial support will encourage discussion of personal development. Personal tutors will offer individual and group guidance on personal development planning. This is linked to professional development through the reflective log element of practice learning together with the completion of a portfolio. Emphasis will be on developing independent learning styles and embedding reflection as key part of ongoing personal and professional development. . A formal agreement between employer (line manager) , student and tutor will underpin developmental learning opportunities.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Applicants must be registered social workers with a BA or BSC (Hons) in social work to embark on this post graduate PQ Award in Specialist Social Work (Adults) They must also have the support of their employer and alearning contract; and be currently working in a suitable practice setting relevant to programme learning outcomes in adult social care practice. Admission will be on the basis of a signed agreement with employers and participants and interview with course team.
Accreditation of prior learning will be available – all applicants will be advised regarding their ability to claim elements of this award through either certificated or experiential learning which demonstrates either direct equivalence to programme outcomes and / or specific modules offered.
In order to meet General Social Care Council regulations for PQ specialist awards, recognition of other regional PQ Programmes validated by other HEIswill facilitate the accreditation of current and previous awards such as other Consolidationmodules.Previous achievement of GSCC recognisedPQ1 maps against UCLan Consolidation Module SW4500. Similarly GSCC approved PQ 6 or the Practice Teacher’s Award will be recognised as suitable for APL against the core module Enabling Others SW4501.
CPD for staff working in adult social care settings :
Modules within this pathway are available for those working in social care settings to gain the specific outcomes for their CPD, individuals who access these modules are not required to be social workers but are required to have completed a BA/BSC and work in an adult social care setting and have a learning contract with their employer to support meeting of professional developmental needs and those of the service provision for adults.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
- PQ Social Work fact sheet
- UCLAN course prospectus
- Departmental website
18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
level 6/7 / A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / A6 / A7 / B1 / B2 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
SW4500 / Consolidation of social work practice / core / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
SW4501 / Enabling others / core / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
SW4200 / Practice Related Professional Study / core / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
SW4504 / Safeguarding and Adult Protection / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
SW4502 / Valuing People: New Agendas and Approaches / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
SW3105 / Disability Studies / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
SW4503 / Developing Positive Approaches to Working with older Adults / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
SP3133 / Housing and Urban Problems / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
NU3311 / Caring for people with a dementing Illness / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
EZ4015 / Principals of Integrated Commissioning of health and Social Care / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
HS3001 / Leadership and Change in Health / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
NU3324 / Prom
Promoting Healthy Ageing / Option / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √ / √
Post Qualifying Award in Specialist Social Work (Adults)
CORE MODULES / SW4500 / SW4501 / SW4200 / OPTION MODULES / SW4502 / SW4503 / SW4504 / SW3105 / HS3001 / NU3311 / SP3133 / NU3324GSCC Learning Outcomes: Generic requirements (1)
49 i / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
ii / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
iii / x
iv / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
v / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
vi / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
vii / x / x
viii / x / x
ix / x / x / x
x / x / x
xi / x / x / x / x
Work based Learning / x / x / x / x / x / x
GSCC Learning outcomes: Specialist requirements
Values (2) 41-42 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Knowledge & Skills (2)
5.1 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
5.2 / x / x / x / x / x / x
5.3 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
5.4 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
5.5 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Inter-professional Learning (1)
63 -64 / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Course summary – mapping of GSCC requirements across all modules
CORE MODULES / SW4500 / SW4501 / SW4200 / OPTIONMODULES / SW4502 / SW4503 / SW4504 / SW4105 / HS3001 / NU3311 / SP3133 / NU3324 / EZ4015
Accreditation of Prior Learning (examples)
PQ1 / x
PQ6 / x
Opportunities for Relevant evidenced & negotiated Prior learning accreditation
x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
National Occupational
Standards (3)
Key Roles
1 -6 / x
Assessing Practice: Domains (4)
A / x
B / x
C / x
Sources
1.GSCC (2005) Post qualifying Framework for social work education and training
2 GSCC (2005) Specialist Standards and requirements for post-qualifying social work education and training. Social Work with Adults
3.TOPSS (2002) National Occupational Standards for Social Work
4. GSCC (2002) Guidance on the Assessing of practice in the Workplace
Domain A Organise opportunities for the demonstration of
assessed competence in practice
Domain B:Enable learning and professional development in practice
Domain C:Manage the assessment of learners in practice