Introduction to Social Work

Overview

This module will provide: an introduction to social work knowledge, skills and values; provide the opportunity to explore the context of social work practice in Northern Ireland and internationally; and outline the relevance of sociology, psychology and social policy to social work.

It is envisaged that this module will be integrated with SWK1003/2007 Theory, Skills and Preparation for Practice Learning and SWK1004/2003 Law for social workers in Semester 1 of UGR1 and RGR2.

It is planned that the teaching will include inputs from service users, carers and social work practitioners.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

Describe and critically discuss the definition, scope and nature of social work

Summarise the range of knowledge, skills and values relevant to social work

Recognise the importance of the individual, community, societal and international context of social work practice

Critically analyse the impact of social work practice on service users and carers

Explain the relevance of sociology, psychology and social policy to social work law, policy and practice

Apply a range of theories to social work practice

Skills

Students will further develop their ability:

Critically reflect on the complexity and context of social work practice

Apply a range of theoretical ideas to policy and practice

Identify and analyse information from a range of sources

Communicate and discuss theoretical and practice issues

Relate international perspectives to the NI context

Assessment

None