UNIVERSITY OF YORK POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION This document applies to students who commence the programme(s) in: Awarding institution University of York Department(s) SPSW Award(s) and programme title(s) Title: Postgraduate Programme in Social Work Award: MA in Social Work October 2011 Teaching institution University of York Level of qualification Level 7 (Masters) Award(s) available only as interim awards Postgraduate Certificate in Social Welfare* Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work [*Note that only the PG Dip and the MA are validated by the GSCC] Admissions criteria All applicants must demonstrate that they have an understanding of the social work role and that they have the potential to become a social worker. Applicants will normally have an upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) or higher grade. They must have GCSE Maths and English at grade C or equivalent, such as adult numeracy and literacy skills at Level 2. Candidates will usually have the equivalent of one year s full time work experience in social care, health care or in related voluntary settings. Having undertaken a caring role in a personal capacity may also be accepted as relevant experience. Applicants who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the academic criteria. In all cases the offer of a place is subject to a satisfactory disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and a satisfactory health declaration. Having either a criminal conviction or a health condition is not an automatic bar to entry, but failure to disclose relevant information may result subsequently in termination of training. 1
Length and status of the programme(s) and mode(s) of study Programme Language of study Length (years) and status (full-time/parttime) 2 years full time English Start dates/months (if applicable for programmes that have multiple intakes or start dates that differ from the usual academic year) October Face-to-face, campus-based Yes, but with additional practice learning placements in social work agencies. Mode Distance learning Other Programme accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (if applicable) The PG Dip and the MA are validated by the GSCC. On registering for the programme students are also registered by the GSCC as student social workers, and they may move to full registration as social workers on obtaining either of these 2 awards. Educational aims of the programme(s) For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: To equip students with the knowledge, skills, values, critical ability as well as general transferable skills to make a high quality contribution to social care and welfare agencies in the UK or to employers in other fields. Additionally for the Diploma (if applicable): To provide an environment in which students can reach their potential in the development of academic ability, professional knowledge and competence to practise. To enable students to achieve the learning outcomes associated with the benchmark statement, the national occupational standards for social work and the Department of Health requirements. To ensure that qualifying students at MA and PG Diploma meet the requirements to apply to the GSCC for registration as social workers. To ensure that from the commencement of the programme, all students are acting in accordance with the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers and are personally and professionally suitable to work with vulnerable people. 2
Additionally for the Masters: To equip students with the skills for independent study To further develop a critical understanding of the development of the knowledge base in social work Intended learning outcomes for the programme and how the programme enables students to achieve and demonstrate the intended learning outcomes This programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas: The following teaching, learning and assessment methods enable students to achieve and to demonstrate the programme learning outcomes: 3
A: Knowledge and understanding Knowledge and understanding of: Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: numbered outcomes): 1. the social processes which lead lectures (all) to social exclusion, and group work, including online groups (all) contrasting explanations for workshops and presentations (6) these individual study, sometimes including online 2. the legislation and policy which study tasks (all) guides and governs social work tutorial support (all) practice 3. the location of social work services within historical and comparative perspectives 4. research-based theory and alternative perspectives 5. issues and trends in social policy 6. the moral nature of social work as an activity, and of the ethics and values which underpin social work practice 7. the statutory basis for social work and the duties and responsibilities invested in social workers, including the legal principles underlying them 8. sociological, psychological and physiological perspectives concerning human development 9. the impact of social inequalities 10. modern information systems Additionally for the Diploma: 11. the evidence base for social work practice and the critiques of evidence-based practice 12. the nature of social work practice with a variety of service users, in different organisational, including interdisciplinary, contexts 13. models for social work processes, including assessment, planning, 4
intervention and evaluation 14. the needs and issues that confront clients in the areas of mental health, physical health, disability, youth justice, learning difficulties and child care 15. the range of social work services and their location within the contemporary arena 16. accountability within complex organisations Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) open essays (all) a workbook (12) a literature review (17) a multiple-choice examination (2) a dissertation (17) Additionally for the Masters: 17. knowledge and understanding of social work research Able to: Additionally for the Diploma: 1. work respectfully, transparently, effectively and responsibly with a range of service users, colleagues and organisations, including interdisciplinary team working 2. communicate with a wide range of people, including children, adults and those with communication difficulties, orally, in writing, and taking account of non-verbal behaviour 3. assess, planning, intervening, monitoring and evaluation, and in bringing working relationships to a close 4. analyse and synthesising information, and weighing competing evidence, theories and explanations 5. exercise authority in complex social situations 6. manage risk to self, service users and colleagues 7. enable people to develop support networks and advocate for themselves B: (i) Skills discipline related Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): practice learning (all) case-based exercises (1) communication skills training groups (2) 5
8. challenge unacceptable practice 9. personal and professional development Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) a portfolio/placement report (all) Additionally for the Masters: 10. undertake a research project leading to a dissertation at M level Able to: For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: 1. effective use of ICT to access and disseminate relevant information Additionally for the Diploma: 2. reflect critically, self-evaluation, and consultation 3. managing problem-solving activities 4. working co-operatively with others 5. handling conflict Additionally for the Masters: 6. undertake a research project leading to a dissertation at M level B: (ii) Skills - transferable Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): practice learning (all) Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) a portfolio/placement report (all) Able to: Additionally for the Diploma: 1. A minimum of 200 days of practice learning in social care, under the supervision of an accredited practice teacher. 2. Two periods of practice learning C: Experience and other attributes Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): practice learning (all) communication skills training groups (all) 6
during which each student will undertake work in at least two different settings, engaging in work with at least two different service user groups 3. Experience of statutory tasks involving legal interventions. Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) a portfolio/placement report (all) Relevant Quality Assurance Agency benchmark statement(s) and other relevant external reference points (e.g. National Occupational Standards, or the requirements of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies) The benchmark statement for Social Work as an academic subject is at honours degree level. We have ensured that the modularised postgraduate programme continues to meet the criteria of the revised benchmark statements, 2008. The programme also incorporates learning outcomes and assessment commensurate with the Department of Health requirements, the National Occupational Standards for Social Work and the General Social Care Council's (GSCC) Code of Practice for Social Care Workers. University award regulations To be eligible for an award of the University of York a student must undertake an approved programme of study, obtain a specified number of credits (at a specified level(s)), and meet any other requirements of the award as specified in the award requirements and programme regulations, and other University regulations (e.g. payment of fees). Credit will be awarded upon passing a module s assessment(s) but some credit may be awarded where failure has been compensated by achievement in other modules. The University s award and assessment regulations specify the University s marking scheme, and rules governing progression (including rules for compensation), reassessment and award requirements. The award and assessment regulations apply to all programmes: any exceptions that relate to this programme are approved by University Teaching Committee and are recorded at the end of this document. Departmental policies on assessment and feedback Detailed information on assessment (including grade descriptors, marking procedures, word counts etc.) is available in the written statement of assessment which applies to this programme and the relevant module descriptions. These are available in the student handbook and on the Department s website: http://www.york.ac.uk/spsw/ Information on formative and summative feedback to students on their work is available in the written statement on feedback to students which applies to this programmes and the relevant module descriptions. These are available in the student handbook and on the Department s website: http://www.york.ac.uk/spsw/ 7
Diagrammatic representation of the programme structure, showing the distribution and credit value of core and option modules Postgraduate Certificate year 1 Autumn term Spring term Summer term Theories & Models for Social Work Practice 10M Human Development 10M Law & Social Policy 20M Preparation for Practice 10H Social work and ICT 10M Postgraduate Diploma year 1 Autumn term Spring term Summer term Communication Skills 10M Practice Learning 1 30H Reflective Practice 10M Social Work Research 1 10M Postgraduate Diploma year 2 Final 3 weeks of Autumn term Spring term Summer term summer vacation Practice Learning 2 60H One of: Health & Disability Social Work 10M Social Work with Children & Families 10M Social Work & Mental Health 10M Youth Social Work 10M Current Debates in Social Work 10M Masters year 2 Autumn term Spring term Summer term Social Work Research 2 60M 8
Diagrammatic representation of the timing of module assessments and reassessments, and the timing of departmental examination/progression boards Year 1 Autumn term Spring term Summer term Summer vacation Date of final award board Preparation for Practice (workbook) Theories & Models for Social Work Practice (essay) Human Development (essay) Law & Social Policy (closed exam) Communication Skill (case analysis) Law & Social Policy (social policy essay) Practice learning 1 (placement report) June year 1 (not a formal progression board) Year 2 Autumn term Spring term Summer term Summer vacation Social Work and ICT (essay) One of: Health & Disability Social Work Social Work with Children & Families Social Work & Mental Health Youth Social Work (all essays) Current Debates in Social Work Practice (essay) Date of final award board June year 2 Reflective Practice (case analysis) Social Work Research 1 (analysis of research) Practice Learning 2 (placement report) 9
Core module table Module title Module code Credit level 1 Credit Overview of modules value 2 Prereq uisites Assessmen t rules 3 Timing (term and week) and format of main assessment 4 Independent Study Module? 5 Theories & Models for Social SPY00038M 7/Masters 10 NC SpT yr1 w1 essay No Work Practice Human Development SPY00040M 7/Masters 10 NC SpT yr1 w1 essay No Law & Social Policy SPY00039M 7/Masters 20 NC SpT yr1 w6 law exam No SuT yr1 w1 soc pol essay Social Work & ICT SPY00041M 7/Masters 10 NC AuT yr2 w1 essay No Preparation for Practice SPY00043M 6/Honours 10 P/F, NC AuT yr1 w6 workbook No Practice Learning 1 SPY00045M 6/Honours 30 P/F, NC SuT yr1 w10 report No Reflective Practice SPY00044M 7/Masters 10 NC AuT yr2 w1 essay No Communication Skills SPY00042M 7/Masters 10 NC SuT yr1 w10 No Social Work Research 1 SPY00047M 7/Masters 10 NC AuT yr2 w1 res analysis No Practice Learning 2 SPY00061M 6/Honours 60 P/F, NC SuT yr2 w1 report No Current Debates Social Work SPY00060M 7/Masters 10 NC SuT yr2 w7 essay No Practice Social Work Research 2 SPY00051M 7/Masters 60 NC SuT yr2 w3 dissertation Yes 1 The credit level is an indication of the module s relative intellectual demand, complexity and depth of learning and of learner autonomy. Most modules in postgraduate programmes will be at Level 7/Masters. Some modules are permitted to be at Level 6/Honours but must be marked on a pass/fail basis. See University Teaching Committee guidance for the limits on Level 6/Honours credit. 2 The credit value gives the notional workload for the module, where 1 credit corresponds to a notional workload of 10 hours (including contact hours, private study and assessment) 3 Special assessment rules (requiring University Teaching Committee approval) P/F the module is marked on a pass/fail basis (NB pass/fail modules cannot be compensated) NC the module cannot be compensated NR there is no reassessment opportunity for this module. It must be passed at the first attempt 4 AuT Autumn Term, SpT Spring Term, SuT Summer Term, SuVac Summer vacation 5 Independent Study Modules (ISMs) are assessed by a dissertation or substantial project report. They cannot be compensated (NC) and are subject to reassessment rules which differ from taught modules. Masters programmes should include an ISM(s) of between 60 and 100 credits. This is usually one module but may be more. 11
Option modules Module title Module code Credit level Credit value Prerequisites Assessment rules Timing and format of main assessment Social Work with Children & SPY00058M 7/Masters 10 NC SpT yr2 w7 essay No Families Health & Disability Social SPY00059M 7/Masters 10 NC SpT yr2 w7 essay No Work Social Work & Mental Health SPY00054M 7/Masters 10 NC SpT yr2 w7 essay No Youth Social Work SPY00055M 7/Masters 10 NC SpT yr2 w7 essay No Independent Study Module? 12
Transfers out of or into the programme The need to cover all the GSCC requirements for social work means that transfers in from other programmes are not possible. Exceptions to University Award Regulations approved by University Teaching Committee Exception No compensation allowed for failed modules Credits required for awards as follows: PG Dip Social Work 100M and 100H where this is all modules except Social Work Research 2 MA Social Work 160M and 100H (PG Cert in Social Welfare is not exceptional) The 'Law and Social Policy' exam takes place in week 6 of the Spring term, year 1. Date approved 2009 2009 2009 (amended 2011) Sept 2011 Quality and Standards The University has a framework in place to ensure that the standards of its programmes are maintained, and the quality of the learning experience is enhanced. Quality assurance and enhancement processes include: The academic oversight of programmes within departments by a Board of Studies, which includes student representation The oversight of programmes by external examiners, who ensure that standards at the University of York are comparable with those elsewhere in the sector Annual monitoring and periodic review of programmes The acquisition of feedback from students by departments. More information can be obtained from the Academic Support Office: http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/academic-support/ Departmental Statements on Audit and Review Procedures are available at: http://cms.york.ac.uk/terminalfour/sitemanager?ctfn=publish&fnno=30&sid=32825 Date on which this programme information was updated: Departmental web page: March 2012 http://www.york.ac.uk/spsw/ 13
Please note The information above provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and learning outcomes that a typical students might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the leaning opportunities that are provided. Detailed information on learning outcomes, content, delivery and assessment of modules can be found in module descriptions. The University reserves the right to modify this overview in unforeseen circumstances, or where processes of academic development, based on feedback from staff, students, external examiners or professional bodies, requires a change to be made. Students will be notified of any substantive changes at the first available opportunity. 14