Social Work

Practice learning opportunities in social work/social care settings form an integral part of the programme and provide you with a wealth of experience to allow you to develop essential links between theory and practice.

Subjects may include:

• Role and context of social work
• Introduction to assessment
• Communication and empowerment
• Legislation and social work practice
• Introduction to research
• Personal and professional development – becoming a social worker
• Working in organisations
• Social policy
• Risk assessment and decision making
• Evaluation and research methods
• Social work theory
• Communication and development across the lifespan
• Evidence-based practice

Assessment of individual areas of study will include a combination of different approaches: practice simulation exercise; essays; reports; individual presentations; group presentations and examinations.

Practice learning opportunities in social work/social care settings form an integral part of the programme and provide you with a wealth of experience to allow you to develop essential links between theory and practice.

You are required to undertake 200 days of assessed practice in practice learning settings throughout the course. As a substantial part of the course is spent in practice settings within agencies in South Wales, the ability to undertake travelling to and within practice agencies is an expectation.

It is also a requirement of the Social Work Degree programme that you are competent in Information and Communications Technology.

You should hold Key Skills Level 2 Numeracy/Application of Number and Communication or GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English Language or Welsh (Grade C or above). You must be able to demonstrate an ability to study at higher education normally through a recognised qualification:

• 96 points from at least 2 A Levels/Scottish Advanced Highers to include grades CC
• BTEC Certificate/Diploma (96 points)
• A relevant NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Welfare Studies
• Access with 96 points
• 96 points from the Welsh Baccalaureate to include grades CC at A Level, core counted as third subject
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate or other recognised qualification that provides evidence of ability to study at higher education level

Note, if your qualification is not listed above, please refer to the UCAS website. Further information on appropriate qualifications can be found at www.qca.org.uk

Please also note, you are also expected to hold a minimum of 12 weeks (full-time equivalent equating to 455 hours) supervised (paid or unpaid) work experience in a social care setting prior to application, but will usually have more extensive experience than this. This requirement will have to be demonstrated on your UCAS application form and have been completed at the point of application.

Entry onto this course is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check (Disclosure and Barring Service Check). More details about criminal records procedures can be found at cardiffmet.ac.uk

Students who successfully complete the course will be entitled to practice as a professionally qualified social worker.