Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Level 5 Modules

Level 6 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Collaborate with industry partners to keep up to date with current practice, as well as the delivery of the student Viva Voce in partnership with partner placement organisations/ employers at end of the final year. 

Means of Assessment

The approach to assessment enables students to systematically work towards competencies identified in the SPPA (2022), course aims and learning outcomes and USW Graduate Attributes. The curriculum comprehensively reflects these reference points in terms of students’ acquisition of skills, knowledge and understanding.? 

Most modules are bonded, but some are unbonded to reflect the PSRB requirements as students must evidence the achievement of a min of 420 placement hours and reflect on their practice as part of assessment in all modules. 

Learning, teaching and assessment is authentic, RWE and challenge based as part of a contextualised curriculum. Critical reflection is core to this, and students will explore their lived experiences and expertise by experience through conversation with peers, formative and summative assessment. A diverse range of assessment includes problem-based scenario discussion and case studies, reflections on practice and students own skills, reports, and practice portfolio in addition to practical assignments. We have introduced digital assignments e.g. padlets, poster, and the design of a digital resource. Formative assessment further contributes to challenge-based curricula and permeates all modules. Debate, discussion and reflection in small and large groups as an active learning method is used throughout. 

Students have an element of choice in relation to the focus of all assignments and in assessment mode in some modules (Skills for Communication, Counselling, Engagement and Transitions; Creativity and Social Pedagogy Approaches; Digital Skills and GenAI; Major Project, and Professional Learning Practice, and Social Pedagogy in Professional Practice), and in the module Leadership and Interprofessional Practice students have a student choice assessment. 

The universal, course wide use of digital tools and skills includes facilitating PAC at level 4, tutorials and research supervision online, and the use of digital animations and asynchronous briefs to support assessment briefings. 

In addition, embedding the placement in ALL modules as part of our Assessment Strategy will provide students with a rich, contextual, professional experience that is interwoven with all the modules. This is aligned to the SPPA endorsement which will continue to give our graduates employability advantages. 

For each module placement, students would be given a point of focus that would align with the module content (e.g. safeguarding in the module Supporting Children, Young People and Families Through Crisis). This focus would lead into the module assessment activity. 

Sourcing placement involves teaching and learning with the student to learn more about the students’ identities, their learning journey, lived experiences (funds of wealth), and barriers to learning. Adopting a humanist approach helps to build a relationship with the student and working collaboratively enables discussions around placement options and choices.  Bespoke opportunities are sourced and developed in collaboration with the student and workshops are delivered to meet the student’s interests and goals in line with the course requirements.   

The Placement Co-ordinator establishes relationships with relevant key partners, organisations and stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally for instance Newport City Council’s Preventions Team, LA Youth Offending Services/ Teams, and Barnardo’s in order to support the learning needs of students and widen the opportunities available to them in line with our EIA (see Appendix 1). This includes developing a partnership database, representing key organisations in the field and is used to monitor, measure and record impact.  

Two placement tutorials are arranged with the student and mentor providing ‘active and collaborative’ learning opportunities and scaffolding, in line with USW Curriculum Principles and Enabling Active Learning Principles (USW 2030, 2020). The key focus of the meeting is for students to demonstrate the achievement of competencies aligned to Social Pedagogy Standards and Charter (SPPA, 2022).  Students need to evidence this alignment to practice by critically reflecting in action, on action and for action, through discussion, collaboration and problem-solving as part of active learning.  The placement tutorials assess the development and achievement of competencies and monitor progress as part of formative assessment. Training for the student mentors is delivered face-to-face and online. 

Learning Support

Induction 

During Induction students will get an opportunity to get to know their peers, the teaching team, module leaders and explore support that is available to them at USW. There will also be an opportunity on building relationships across cohorts, and activities and events will complement Freshers Week including teambuilding games. Focus will be on ensuring that all students get a great start to university, particularly understanding the CBC model including assessments points and reflection week. This will enable student to provide students with a sense of belonging, an opportunity to get to know each other, and an overview of the course. 

Learner Analytics 

Learner Analytics is capture at the beginning of each seminar registering students’ attendance. Furthermore, a Student Engagement Active Monitoring report is captured at the end of each week to examine students engagement with the VLE environment. 

Office hours 

The teaching team will display their office hours in individual modules on BlackBoard. 

Tutorials 

Tutorial are offered thoughout the course, with a min of one hour/ student / week, this will be offered in groups or individually. 

Seminars 

During the 7-week modules student will participate in seminars where learning is designed to enable students to explore topics, by taking part in discussion, case studies, formative assessments, and activities to e.g. promote well-being. 

Formative Assessment 

In each module student will be given the opportunity to complete formative assessments, these are deigned during the 7-week module delivery plan and will support students to progress, for instance reading, writing reflections, group work discussions, and research to explore a specific topic. 

Progress meetings 

Students in Level 4/ Year 1 will be invited to a Personal Academic Coach (PAC) meeting, first time after the student have received feedback from their first assignment. Further PACs can be organised when students request these. 

Research Supervision 

Each student will be provided with a supervisor who will support them with the Major Project module (L6B3). Depending on the topic of the project, the best suited supervisor will be allocated from the teaching team. 

Online Resources and Digital Support 

IT Services | IT Support - University of South Wales 

All modules are linked to UniLearn, the USW integrated system, which supports assessment, learning and teaching activities through technology. Video capture, podcasts and short video clips and Panopto sessions and recorded sessions will be used alongside face to face sessions providing context and additional learning to support student’s development. 

All courses embed AI assessments as part of the University’s Academic Blueprint for courses, which encourages students to utilise these tools and upskill in this area. 

Teaching and learning material are made available online through the University’s virtual learning environment (Unilearn). The course team also use additional online learning platforms for case based and instructional videos and the use of the simulation suit within the Faculty. 

Learning materials, assessment briefs, announcements, and student assessment submissions and will be made the VLE – blackboard. 

IT Support 

Most courses require students to make use of essential digital skills, including email communication, the creation and editing of digital documents, and accessing learning materials via the University’s virtual learning environment. Students may arrive with varying levels of confidence in these areas, particularly during the transition into higher education, and the course design anticipates this diversity of prior experience. 

Independent development of digital skills 
A range of self-study materials is available to support students in developing their digital capabilities independently. These materials enable learners to enhance their IT proficiency at their own pace and in ways that complement the formal curriculum. 

The University provides extensive services and facilities to assist with IT, media and technology-related queries, ensuring that students can engage effectively with technology-enhanced learning. 

Learning resources 
Multiple resources are available to help students improve their digital skills, including the Need to Know IT guides, accessible both in physical form across University centres and online, alongside a broader suite of digital-skills support materials. 

Digital Mentors 
During term time, Digital Mentors are based primarily in the USW Treforest Library, offering specialist support in navigating institutional digital systems. They are also available through online drop-in sessions and via email, with support offered both during and outside of term time. Further details regarding availability are provided in the ‘Contact Us’ section. 

Digital Mentors provide guidance across a wide range of digital navigation tasks, such as: 
• Navigating Blackboard and UniLife 
• Assistance with printing and scanning 
• Support for joining online lectures and using Blackboard Collaborate 
• Help with accessing systems, Wi-Fi, logging in, and related issues 

Library Services 

Library - University of South Wales 

Library Services at the University of South Wales provides comprehensive academic and research support for students, academics, and researchers. The service offers access to an extensive range of physical and digital resources across four campus libraries, the University’s online library portal. This includes access to books, journals, databases, and specialist materials to support all areas of study and research. 

Students receive guidance in information literacy and research skills through tailored workshops, tutorials, and online resources, ensuring that they can identify, evaluate, and use information effectively. Faculty librarians provide one-to-one or group support in person and online, assisting with advanced research queries and subject-specific resource use. 

The Library offers detailed guidance on referencing and citation, with support for multiple academic styles (Harvard, APA, MHRA, Numeric, and OSCOLA) and access to online guides and tools. The Learner Development Service complements this provision by delivering referencing workshops and one-to-one tutorials. 

USW Library Services also delivers a programme of events and training sessions throughout the academic year, including author talks, study skills classes, and database training. Dedicated support is available for distance learners and students based at partner institutions, who can access the full suite of online resources and make use of on-campus facilities. 

Library staff play a key role in supporting teaching, learning, and research, ensuring that students develop strong academic and digital literacy skills to enhance both their studies and future professional practice. 

Student Development and Study Skills (SDSS) 

Learner Development Service - University of South Wales 

Learner Development Service 

The Learner Development Service provides academic and study skills support designed to enhance student learning, performance, and employability. The service offers advice, workshops, and one-to-one sessions focused on developing key academic competencies such as critical thinking, academic writing, research, presentation, and referencing skills. These resources help students adapt to the demands of higher-level study and promote independent learning. 

Specialist support is also available for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodiverse profiles (including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism). The Disability Service works in partnership with students to identify and remove barriers to learning, coordinating reasonable adjustments and advising on funding such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). 

The Learner Development team includes qualified tutors who deliver bespoke one-to-one study skills and strategy support for students with Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs). Assistive technologies are available to support a range of learning needs, including tools for alternative formats, audio conversion, and study organisation. 

Students can access a range of self-help materials, webinars, and screening tools via the University website and may self-refer or be signposted by academic or support staff. This integrated approach ensures that all learners—whether or not they have a formal diagnosis—are supported to engage fully with their studies and achieve their academic potential. 

Advice Zone 

Advice Zone Online - University of South Wales 

The Advice Zone is the University of South Wales’ central hub for student enquiries and a key access point for academic and pastoral support. It provides confidential advice and guidance on any matter that may affect a student’s ability to study or progress, working closely with specialist support teams across the University to ensure coordinated and effective assistance. 

Students can access the Advice Zone in person, by phone, or by email, without the need for an appointment. The service is also available through Advice Zone Online, the University’s digital support platform, which enables students to access information, submit enquiries, make appointments, and self-refer to appropriate services. 

The Advice Zone provides guidance on a range of issues, including extenuating circumstances, interruptions or withdrawal from study, student letters, and ID cards, as well as information on University procedures such as complaints or appeals. 

Subject Support Officers are also available within each academic area to provide tailored advice and assist students in accessing relevant support. 

Physical Advice Centres are located across USW campuses, including within the Library and the Learning Resource Building at Glyntaff, ensuring that all students—on campus and online—can readily access support throughout their studies. 

Disability Advice Team 

Disability Advice Team - University of South Wales 

The University of South Wales provides comprehensive support for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health difficulties, and specific learning differences. The Disability Advice Team coordinates provision in line with the Equality Act 2010, working with students and academic staff to identify individual needs and agree reasonable adjustments through Individual Support Plans (ISPs). 

Support may include specialist one-to-one mentoring or study skills tuition, access to assistive technology, adjustments to teaching and assessment, and advice on applying for Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) or alternative funding. The University adopts an anticipatory approach to inclusion, ensuring that accessibility is embedded within teaching and learning design wherever possible. 

Targeted initiatives such as the Thinking Differently programme provide additional transition and community support for neurodivergent students. Collectively, these mechanisms reflect USW’s commitment to an inclusive learning environment that enables all students to engage fully and achieve their potential. 

Mental Wellbeing 

Mental Wellbeing - University of South Wales 

The University of South Wales provides a comprehensive, tiered model of wellbeing and mental health support for all students. The service promotes early engagement through wellbeing advice appointments and drop-in sessions across campuses, enabling students to access timely guidance, self-help resources, and referrals to specialist provision where appropriate. 

Qualified Mental Health Advisers offer practical and ongoing support to students managing mental health conditions, including coordination of reasonable adjustments, liaison with NHS partners, and facilitation of access to external services. USW’s established partnerships with local health boards—such as Cwm Taf Morgannwg and Cardiff & Vale University Health Boards—enable direct referral pathways into community mental health services. 

Students requiring therapeutic support may access the University’s short-term counselling service, which provides structured, goal-focused interventions aimed at enhancing resilience, self-awareness, and engagement with studies. The service operates within an inclusive, confidential, and non-judgemental framework, responsive to the diverse needs of the student body. 

Collectively, these mechanisms reflect USW’s commitment to fostering a supportive and psychologically healthy learning environment, promoting early intervention and ensuring that all students can thrive academically and personally. 

Student Success Officers (SSOs) 

Student Success Officers are the first point of contact for students for day-to-day advice and support. 

The team, which is based in the Student Life department, provide face-to-face guidance via the Advice Zone desks and Faculties across all campuses, as well as drop-in sessions and bookable appointments. 

SSOs work closely with academic teams to ensure students facing barriers are effectively supported. They each have a Subject-specific speciality, so can be contacted by students for academic queries. They are also on hand to for pastoral queries and can help signpost to specialist support where required. 

Careers Service 

Careers - University of South Wales 

The University of South Wales provides comprehensive careers and employability support to all students and graduates through its USW Careers Service, ensuring that career development is embedded throughout the student experience. 

The service offers access to online platforms such as MyCareer and CareersConnect, available 24/7, which provide career planning tools, resources, job listings and employer engagement opportunities. Dedicated advisers support students in exploring career options, developing employability skills, and preparing for applications and interviews. 

A structured Career Mentoring Scheme connects students and graduates with professionals from a range of industries, including law, engineering, business, and the creative sectors. This provides valuable insights into professional practice and supports personal and career development through guided mentorship. 

Students are also supported to gain practical experience through placements, volunteering, and global opportunities, with guidance available on securing relevant roles and enhancing professional readiness. 

Entrepreneurial support is available through USW Enterprise, which assists students and graduates interested in freelancing or starting their own business. The service provides one-to-one guidance, workshops, and events to help individuals develop, test, and launch business ideas. 

Employability is a central priority at USW, and the Careers Service works in partnership with academic teams to ensure that all students are equipped to make informed, confident, and successful transitions into employment or further study. 

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

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