PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Master of Arts in Social Work Awarding institution Teaching institution UCAS Code JACS Code Programme Duration Language of Programme Liverpool John Moores University LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY L508 L500 All LJMU programmes are delivered and assessed in English Subject benchmark statement QAA Subject Benchmark for Social Work (2008) Standards of Proficiency Social Workers in England (Health and Care Professions Council 2012) Professional Capabilities Framework (The College of Social Work 2012) Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (Health and Care Professions Council 2012) Programme accredited by Description of accreditation Validated target and alternative exit awards Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council Master of Arts in Social Work Programme Leader Melanie Hills Educational aims of the programme The course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values to practice as professional social workers in the full range of social work settings with all service user groups. The course recognises that social issues become social problems when social processes and institutions fail to meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities - personal experience cannot be separated from the social, political and economic context in which social work is practiced. The programme by providing students with an initial knowledge base, as defined by the QAA benchmarking statement for social work, and in adherence to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), Standards of Proficiency (SOPs), Standards of Education and Training (SETs), Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and The College of Social Work (TCSW) Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers (PCF) aims to stimulate within students an enquiring, analytical and creative approach to working with a range of people. By building upon existing graduate knowledge and skills to study systematically and independently at postgraduate level the programme also aims to help students to develop their theoretical understanding and ability to critically evaluate research evidence. It is anticipated that those students who successfully complete the MA programme in Social Work will be confident, autonomous, competent, critically reflective, reflexive and research-minded social work practitioners who are committed to engaging in ethical and politically aware practice which contribute to the difficult process of changing systems which preserve inequality, oppression and social exclusion. Target award Learning Outcomes - Master of Arts A student successfully completing the programme of study will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding as well as skills and other attributes. Knowledge and understanding A1. critically discuss the nature and links between social processes leading to exclusion, marginalisation and inequality and their impact on needs of service users and demand for social work services. A2. analyse critically the nature of social work services in a diverse society; A3. critically analyse current approaches to and perspectives on defining and evaluating service user situations and characteristics; A4. focus on outcomes in social work with young people and their families, and with adults and their carers.
critically analyse the relationship between agency policies, legal requirements and professional / disciplinary boundaries; A5. analyse the historical and comparative context of Social work and its relationship to contemporary practice; A6. discuss critically the complexity of social work organisation and practice and its contested nature; A7. analyse critically the current approaches to public and social policy and their relationship to social work practice and delivery; A8. understand legislation and legal frameworks and the tensions between these and policy and practice; A9. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development of personalised services and individual budgets within social care. A10. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range of agencies and sectors for the delivery of services, their systems and appropriateness as well as the interrelationships with other social, health and public services; A11. critically evaluate different approaches to management, leadership and quality in social work practice; A12. understand how Information and Communication Technology is used for service delivery and critically apply professional practices to ensure its correct use; A13. evaluate critically the nature and historical basis of social work values; A14. critically discuss and analyse the values of social work including an inter-professional context; A15. critically analyse the commonalities and conflicts within and across regulatory standards of proficiency, ethical practice and conduct in social work and other professions. A16. analyse critically key ethical debates and evaluate their usefullness in practice dilemmas; A17. evaluate critically key research and evidence based concepts and their relationship to developing professional practice; A18. analyse critically key sociological, psychological and physiological perspectives as they underpin social work theory and practice; A19. apply critically theories and concepts relating to group and organisational behaviour; A20. evaluate the importance of Inter-professional practice in the provision of services to a range of service users; A21. evaluate critically models and methods of assessment used with a range of service users; A22. analyse critically current approaches and methods of intervention used with a range of service users; A23. understand the importance of the integration of theory and research in practice. Teaching and learning strategies include interactive lectures with a range of student centred learning methods, such as small group work, role play, discussion, case study and blended learning. Specialist lt and internet resources are used. Postgraduate students will be expected to engage in a wide range of appropriate reading throughout the course to supplement and consolidate what is being taught, and actively participate in their own learning and that of others. They are expected to make maximum use of library and internet facilities to access recent research. Intellectual skills are developed through group discussions and debates within small and large group settings, and through practical project work, tutorial work and coursework assignments. Application of cognitive skills to practice is developed through case study work and via reflection upon the student's own professional practice, including postgraduate assignment and research based activities focused on ethical and methodological issues, professional practice and research. The teaching and learning strategy includes input from service users and practitioners with an emphasis on inter-professional and multi-professional practice. methods are specified in each module handbook and may include essays, case studies, self assessment tasks, group presentations, exams and practice observations. Additionally, knowledge is assessed via work based upon the student's practice placement. This requires students to demonstrate their ability to link theory to practice. Postgraduate students will engage in a research based task which will demonstrate their knowledge of the subject area, its relation to social work practice, and recent relevant research. Additionally students will be assessed on their practice skills via the analysis of case scenarios and direct practice with service users on placement. This evidence will be presented in their practice reports. Postgraduate students will be assessed on their ability to theorise their practice at the required level for a Masters programme.
Skills and other attributes Intellectual Skills B1. Analyse, synthesise and evaluate concepts, theories and experience B2. Think logically and systematically in problem solving B3. Critically reflect upon knowledge base and practice B4. Apply ethical principles in a context of practicing critically, including research ethics. B5. Structure and plan logically an analysis of a significant topic area within social work Teaching and learning will include interactive lectures which include a range of student centred learning methods, such as small group work, role play, discussion, case study and blended learning activities. Specialist lt and internet resources are used. Postgraduate students will be expected to engage in a range of independent, relevant reading throughout the course, actively participate in their own learning and that of others, and develop their ability to independently research and analyse a significant topic within social work. methods are specified in each module handbook, and may include essays, case scenarios and group presentations. Cognitive ability is assessed via a Master's level research task. This requires students to demonstrate their ability to link theory to practice, and to analyse a specific topic area relevant to social work. Professional practical skills C1. Be able to practice safely and effectively within their scope of practice C2. Be able to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of their profession C3. Be able to maintain fitness to practice C4. Be able to practice as an autonomous professional, exercising their own professional judgement C5. Be aware of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice C6. Be able to practice in a non-discriminatory manner C7. Be able to maintain confidentiality C8. Be able to communicate effectively C9. Be able to work appropriately with others C10. Be able to maintain records appropriately C11. Be able to reflect on and review practice C12. Be able to assure the quality of their practice C13. Be able to understand the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to their profession C14. Be able to draw on appropriate knowledge and skills to inform practice C15. Be able to establish and maintain a safe practice envirionment C16. Be able to understand and make links between the Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers in England (HCPC 2012), the Domains within the Professional Capabilities Framework (TCSW 2012), Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (HCPC 2012) Students are expected to apply the knowledge gained in the University to their placements. Each student has a Practice Educator who, through professional supervision, consolidates the development of knowledge, skills and values as guided by the Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers in England (HCPC, 2012), Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (HCPC, 2012) and the domains within the Professional Capabilities Framework (College of Social Work 2012). The assessment of the Standards of Proficiency is undertaken by a suitably qualified Practice Educator. The student is responsible for compiling evidence upon which the assessment is based. There is a written report by
the student's Practice Educator, which makes a judgement on whether the Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers in England (HCPC,2012) and the domains within the Professional Capabilities Framework (College of Social work, 2012), Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (HCPC 2012) have been met. In addition the report must detail the specified number of observed practices carried out by the student with a service user(s). Students must produce a Practice Report signed off by the Practice Educator. of postgraduate research and evaluation skills will be through the research task. Transferable / key skills D1. Analytical Thinking including problem solving. D2. Relationship building, team working, multi-professional working and interpersonal skills. D3. Working in organisations including personal planning and organising D4. Effective communication both verbal and wriiten. D5. Information literacy and ICT and numerical reasoning. D6. Reflection and independent learning including the use of initiative. D7., planning, intervention and evaluation. D8. Additionally, postgraduates are required to demonstrate their ability to apply research and evaluation skills through comparative literary and theoretical analysis to social work practice, and/or through empirical research. They must independently plan and carry out a small project which may include a variety of skills relevant to a chosen method of investigation and analysis. Teaching and learning strategies to promote analytical thinking, relationship building, working in organisations, effective communication, use of IT, critical reflection, assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation are incorporated in academic and practice based learning activities. Teaching methods will include, essays, group work, seminars, tutorials, presentations, observations of practice, blended learning tasks and service user and practitioner led activities. of modules is designed to ensure that a range of key skills are utilised. Essays and case studies require students to access material from a range of sources, to analyse and communicate ideas effectively. All modules require students to work co-operatively with others as well as work independently. Students are required to manage their time so as to meet academic and practice deadlines. Programme structure - programme rules and modules Programme rules Students who gain 180 credits and pass all placements will be eligible for the award of MA Social Work and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. Students who gain 180 credits but fail to pass their placements will be eligible for the award of MA in Applied Social Sciences, but will not be eligible for registration as a social worker. Students who gain 120 credits but fail to pass their placements will be eligible for the award of Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Social Sciences, but will not be eligible for registration as a Social Worker. Students who gain 60 credits will be eligible for the award of Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Social Sciences only and will not be eligible for registration as a Social Worker. Modules 7025SWMAP (placement1) and 7028SWMAP (placement 2) are non-credit bearing but must be passed. Level 7 Potential Awards on completion Master of Arts Core Option Award Requirements 7020SWMAP Contemporary Social Work Practice (20 credits) 7021SWMAP Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills (20 credits) 7022SWMAP Law and Social Policy for Practice (20 credits) 7023SWMAP Poverty, Inequality and 180 core credits at level 7 0 option credits at level 7
Social Justice (20 credits) 7024SWMAP Introduction to Research Methods (10 credits) 7026SWMAP Dissertation (60 credits) 7027SWMAP Social Work: Specialist Module (30 credits) Information about assessment regulations All programmes leading to LJMU awards operate within the University's Academic Framework. https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academic-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework Opportunities for work-related learning ( location and nature of activities) Students will undertake in total 170 days of assessed practice. There will be a 70 day placement in the first year and a 100 day placement in the final year of the programme. Students cannot proceed to the final placement without successful completion of the first placement. There is an expectation that students should develop generic social work skills and should have different practice experience in their first and last placement (Social Work Reform Board). Placements should provide students with the opportunity to experience practice in different settings and service user groups. The final placement should provide opportunities for the student to develop skills to undertake statutory interventions. Preparation for statutory aspects of the social work role should be defined by tasks undertaken by the student rather than the setting e.g. local authority or the type of placement e.g. statutory ( Social Work Reform Board, The College of Social Work). Finally, student conduct during placement will be governed by the Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (HCPC, 2012). Criteria for admission Other Application is via UCAS. Normally a first degree at a recognised institute of higher education at 2:2 level with a substantial proportion of the degree being in the social sciences. Applicants are required to produce a extended personal statement as part of their application. A minimum of 500 hours of relevant experience working in a social work / care related post in either a paid or voluntary capacity is also required. In addition all students (in accordance with the professional requirements) must have: Key Skills level in Mathematics and English normally equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above: Demonstrate that they can understand and make use of written material and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English: demonstrate appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be social workers: All candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to an Day. All candidates will be required to provide information for an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and Health Declaration. An additional reference is required which provides evidence of applicant's ability to work with others. Candidates selected for interview will complete a written exercise, an assessed group work activity and an interview by a panel of two which will include a social work academic and either a service user or social work practitioner. External Quality Benchmarks All programmes leading to LJMU awards have been designed and approved in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, including the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK (FHEQ) and subject benchmark statements where applicable. The University is subject to periodic review of its quality and standards by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Published review reports are available on the QAA website at www.qaa.ac.uk Programmes which are professionally accredited are reviewed by professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) and such programmes must meet the competencies/standards of those PSRBs.
Support for students and their learning The University aims to provide students with access to appropriate and timely information, support and guidance to ensure that they are able to benefit fully from their time at LJMU. All students are assigned a Personal Tutor to provide academic support and when necessary signpost students to the appropriate University support services. Students are able to access a range of professional services including: Advice on practical aspects of study and how to use these opportunities to support and enhance their personal and academic development. This includes support for placements and careers guidance from the World of Work Careers Service. Student Advice and Wellbeing Services provide students with advice, support and information, particularly in the areas of: student funding and financial matters, disability, advice and support to international students, study support, accommodation, health, wellbeing and counselling. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning Student Feedback and Evaluation The University use the results of student feedback from internal and external student surveys (such as the National Student Survey), module evaluation questionnaires and meetings with student representatives to improve the quality of programmes. Staff development The quality of teaching is assured through staff review and staff development in learning, teaching and assessment. Internal Review All programmes are reviewed annually and periodically, informed by a range of data and feedback, to ensure quality and standards of programmes and to make improvements to programmes. External Examining External examiners are appointed to programmes to assess whether: the University is maintaining the threshold academic standards set for awards in accordance with the FHEQ and applicable subject benchmark statements the assessment process measures student achievement rigorously and fairly against the intended outcomes of the programme(s) and is conducted in line with University policies and regulations the academic standards are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which external examiners have experience the achievement of students are comparable with those in other UK higher education institutions of which the external examiners have experience and to provide informative comment and recommendations on: good practice and innovation relating to learning, teaching and assessment observed by external examiners opportunities to enhance the quality of the learning opportunities provided to students Please note: This 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. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in module and programme guides.