BSc (Hons) Social Work

01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2028

Course Leader Michelle Culwick
Course Team Bernard Dacey, Owain Jones, Kate Neil-Taylor
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time

Document Version

Version 5
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

QAA Benchmarks

The course currently meets the QAA Social Work subject benchmark statements for October 2016. Please refer to the course handbook for detailed evidence on what modules meet each benchmark statement.

Educational Aim

The programme aims and learning outcomes are focused upon students acquiring the knowledge and employability skills required to achieve the USW Graduate Attributes as strong, competent, value based Social Workers. The intention is to deliver a robust social work curriculum that is responsive to the reality of workforce demands and reflects USW as a HEI confident in its reputation of delivering professional courses with high regard of subsequent professional standards. A major focus of the course is on the teaching and learning outcomes that are evidence based and embedded in a research informed curriculum.

At a national level the programme draws upon current policies pertinent to social care and social work e.g. Sustainable Social Services (2011), Social Services and Well- Being (Wales) Act (2014) and the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015). The drivers to improve standards are embedded within the programme curriculum.
The main aims of course are to:
• Enable students to practice as a social worker within the National Occupational Standards (2011) and the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care (2017) and contribute to the development of the social work profession.
• Enable students to become critically reflective practitioners demonstrating values inherent in social work practice, including anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant theoretical frameworks and their application to social work practice.
• Provide knowledge of national and local policy and legislative frameworks.
• Work effectively as an autonomous accountable social work professional within a multi-professional context.
• Have an understanding of social work services and allied services in order to work effectively in partnership with individuals, families and carers.
• Apply research mindedness and critical analysis to practice.
• Apply an outcome focussed approach to social work intervention

Learning Outcomes

A1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social work theory and practice
A2 Evidence an understanding of social work values and ethics
A3 Identify characteristics and circumstances of individuals who are in need of care and support
A4 Examine the principles of Social Policy and legislative framework, nationally and internationally.
A5 Recognise the role of leadership, organisation and delivery of social work services
B1 Utilise social work knowledge and understanding in an integrated way
B2 Evaluate and use a range of appropriate research techniques to collect, analyse and interpret information and make professional judgements
B3 Apply social work values and ethics
B4 Evidence self-appraise and evaluate own learning and practice
B5 Critically reflect on performance and continuing professional development
C1 Integrate the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care Workers and National Occupational Standards for Social Work into practice
C2 Communicate and work effectively with individuals, carers and families and other professionals
C3 Demonstrate effective decision making and problem-solving skills
C4 Apply an appropriate level of autonomy and initiative in a range of professional contexts

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
SW1D003 MOD011644 Foundations of reflective and applied practice Running 40 core
SW1S004 MOD001874 Law and Social Policy Running 20 core
SW1S041 MOD008263 Communication Skills in Social Work Running 20 core
SW1S047 MOD011642 Social Sciences for Social Work Running 20 core
SW1S048 MOD011643 Introduction to Social Work Assessment Running 20 core

Level 5 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
SW2D006 MOD011645 Outcome Focused Practice in Social Work Running 40 core
SW2D007 MOD011647 Development of Critically Reflective and Applied Practice Running 40 core
SW2S034 MOD011646 Research Skills in Social Work Running 20 core
SW2S035 MOD011836 Application of Legislation and Social Policy in Social Work Practice Running 20 core

Level 6 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
SW3D030 MOD011875 Social work with Individuals, Families and Communities Running 40 core
SW3D031 MOD011876 Competence in Social Work Practice Running 40 core
SW3S030 MOD011873 Inter-professional working and co-production Running 20 core
SW3S031 MOD011874 Integrating Research and Enquiry in Social Work Running 20 core

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Active/simulation basedSocial Services Well-Being Act Wales (2014) ‘What Matters’ Conversations. This is case scenario based on training materials from Social Care Wales.MOOT CourtMulti-agency Safeguarding Day at Glyntaff CampusLecturesLectures will be utilised to deliver key underpinning theoretical knowledge in relation to contemporary social work. However, it is recognised that traditional lectures are not conducive for all modules. Via interactive teaching methods and with tutor directed learning, students will be encouraged to discuss ideas throughout the programme. This will encourage the opportunity to develop a forward-thinking approach to learning. Students will be afforded the chance to question, explain and explore topics amongst their cohort group to further their learning experience. As such, tutor led learning will introduce and develop key module content. SeminarsGuided by the tutor, students will explore and discuss relevant social work topics in detail. This will include in-depth discussions of key research articles and debates. Active student participation will be a required.TutorialsPAC tutorials will be utilised across all three years. These run alongside module delivery and are designed to support students’ academic and professional progress.GroupworkGroup work is integrated throughout the programme and a feature of all modules.Project SupervisionStudents will receive direct supervision of their extended essay at level 6 (Working with Individuals, Families and Communities)Directed Study (including Online Learning)The nature of directed study varies from module to module. Learning resources will be provided on Blackboard to support students’ work on lectures, seminars and workshops. These resources will contain directed tasks to complete and/or papers to review to support the enhancement of knowledge and understanding in key areas.PlacementA total of 200 days on Practice Learning Opportunity. The accumulative practice component of the modules over the three years provide the required 200 days within a Practice Learning Opportunity (PLO). This equates to 40 weeks of 5 days per week, 7 hours a day over the duration of the programme.Formative assessment-scheduledFormative assessments are incorporated into each of the modules. The timing and nature of the assessment have been designed to enable feedback on knowledge skills and values and assist the student in their development. Methods include diagnostic assignments, debates and presentations.Whilst in practice formative assessment methods will include preparation for direct observations, verbal and written feedback on direct observations, critical reflective accounts based on the direct observation, service user and carer feedback, preparation for and participation within supervision.Formative assessment-independentAt each level students are required to complete personal development plans. This is a formative tool designed to identify and record student learning needs relating to the knowledge, skills and values that the student will need to acquire.

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

The course will be completely designed around producing practitioners who possess the knowledge and practical skills required for employment within the field of social work. As well as the work-based learning element discussed below, students will be given opportunities to listen to visiting speakers in taught sessions. This will facilitate their understanding of the workplace as well as focussing on particular pertinent issues which affect social workers.

Volunteering

Students may opt to volunteer to support further events in their allocated placement.

Work-based Learning

The BSc Social Work course is 50% academic based learning and 50% practice-based learning. The programme involves formal partnerships with 4 Local Authorities: Rhondda-Cynon-Taff CBC; Newport CC; Blaenau-Gwent CBC and Monmouthshire CC. Students undertake placement during each year of the course.

Employer Forums

The representatives from the 4 Local Authorities: Rhondda-Cynon-Taff CBC; Newport CC; Blaenau-Gwent CBC and Monmouthshire CC attend the programme management committee three times a year. Training managers and practice assessors also contribute to the Practice Assessment panels where they meet with social work tutors to review the portfolios for their standards and quality of evidence in relation to the National Occupational Standards (2011) and the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care (2017).

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

Induction

On commencement of the programme, students have an induction week to introduce the aims and the philosophy of the programme. This also includes the following:
• the roles of the personal tutor and key personnel within practice,
• the timetable and course structure,
• introduction to the university and the faculty
• an introduction to the support systems within the university.

Personal tutor

The Personal Academic Coaching Model (PAC) (USW Student Experience Plan, 2016) is applied and students are allocated a personal tutor during induction. The tutor is responsible for general support and pastoral care. Students are invited to attend personal tutorials regularly throughout the year. Employer partners provide support during periods of practice.

Office hours

All academic staff make students aware of their availability throughout the academic year.

Tutorials

Students undertaking taught modules within the subject area receive academic support from the module leader who liaises with individual staff on the module to ensure consistency of delivery and assessment. This is overseen by the Course Leader.

Seminars

Seminars are integrated into the teaching programme for each module.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments are integrated into the teaching programme for each module.

Progress meetings

See personal tutorial section above

Research Supervision

Students undertaking project modules which are largely self-directed receive academic support from a project supervisor who meets with the student on a regular basis to ensure the projects are progressing satisfactorily. A member of academic staff is also appointed to manage the allocation and overall running of projects within the module and produces a module handbook to aid the students in the delivery of the project.

Online Resources

Student have access to resources online including the induction programme, learning and assessment schedules, key procedures and regulations. This documentation is made available to students via Blackboard. Students also have access to an online database defining all modules, course and module handbooks. Learning materials for all modules are available through Blackboard. Social Care Wales have an online information and learning hub with up to date materials in relation to the Social Services and Well-being Act Wales (2014).

Advice Centres

The Advice Zone is located on B floor.

DDS Service

The Disability Service is located in the Advice Zone on B floor. It provides information, advice and guidance to and co-ordinates support for USW students who have disabilities, including physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities, specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) and autism.
They provide a confidential service where students can discuss their individual requirements and can advise on what support is available. The Disability Service also has a key role in ensuring the University meets its commitment to providing an inclusive environment for disabled students.

IT/Library

The Library offer a wide range of information resources in print and online, as well as access to photocopying and IT facilities. There has been a significant investment of a £6 million remodelling and refurbishment project for the Treforest Library which was completed in February 2014 and although students will be predominantly based at City campus, they are able to access all university library facilities. Glyntaff library is well stocked for health and social care related materials and research resources. Students can request inter-library loans from Glyntaff. Online resources are available through the Library website http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/. Students on the BSc Social Work programme are introduced to the library facilities during induction and regular input is provided by the subject librarian throughout the course. The Librarian for the subject area continues to have responsibility for liaising with academic staff to ensure that the Library supports the teaching, learning and research for the subject area.

The Library provides:

• Opening hours adjusted in response to student feedback:” early bird” 8am opening and 24-hour access in designated areas
• Self-service has been introduced in response to student feedback
• Number of loans increased to 15 items in response to student feedback
• Virtual chat “Ask a Librarian” service
• Online journals: access to over 32,000
• Online databases: access to over 250
• E-books: purchased in addition to hard copies whenever available
• New Library Catalogue, including book images, QR codes and Google books preview
• Revamped and simplified Library web pages via Library Channel
• New FINDit portal, including managed links to full text journals and personalisation
• Online reading lists: now available for most modules
• A Library Induction is offered to all students at the beginning of their course
• 1:1 Information Literacy consultations undertaken by request (automated online booking)
• Study Skills support and workshop programme maintained, including referencing support
• Bookstock continues to be regularly updated
• Subscriptions continue to be reviewed annually
• Guide to e-Books

The main library area is a social learning space and there is a silent study room in the library. There are also spaces for group work throughout the library. There are PCs throughout the library. There are also PC/MAC rooms branching off the library which students can use as long as there are no lectures taking place (room timetables are on the doors).
IT Services
At the University, IT facilities are provided in a number of locations across the five campuses with onsite support staff, to support students’ needs better. There are currently over 3,000 PCs and Macs available in purpose-built computer laboratories (‘labs’) or via loan services.
The University provides campus-wide internet and wireless network services free to students offering a flexible way to access online resources across the University campuses.
Across the University, we are working towards achieving a Cashless Campus, so that you can pay for selected services online or in advance. To access the online payment area, go to the Self-service Account Administration (SSAA) website.

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Certificate of Higher Education 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 Intermediate
Diploma of Higher Education 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 credits at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 credits at Level 3. Intermediate
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 Final

Progression Route

Students need to in practice to access Assessment and Supervision of Social Work and Consolidation of Practice, which are delivered at USW.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

• 112 UCAS tariff points e.g., BBC at A-levels (excluding General Studies) and Five GCSEs at grade C or above, to include Mathematics and English Language or Level 3 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.
• A relevant QCF Level 3 or 4 Access Diploma to Higher Education at the required grades which will include relevant numeracy and literacy.
• If candidates have completed the equivalent of year 1 of the Social Work degree, they can apply for entry into year 2. They will still be subject to selection processes and criteria.
Students are also required to provide evidence of relevant work experience, 455 hours in a supervised social care setting/agency prior to interview.

Will students be required to undergo a DBS check? YES

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A

Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A

Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A