1.¿On completion of this module, you will be to demonstrate the skills required to communicate to the required academic standard.

Professional standards 3.10, 3.11, 4.7

Professional Capabilities Framework 1, 5 7

Communication Application

2.¿ On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate the professional skills required to engage with service users and carers underpinned by the ability to identify and discuss the centrality of relationship-based practice.

Professional standards: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1,7, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2,7, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 6.3,
Professional Capabilities Framework 2, 5, 7

Knowledge and Understanding, Application

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to define the requirements of Social Work England in terms of conduct, values and ethics for student Social Workers and in upholding the reputation of the Social Work profession.

Professional standards: 1.7, 2.1, 2.6, 2.7, 3.7, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7,
Professional Capabilities Framework 1, 5, 8

Knowledge and Understanding, Application

4.On completion of this module, you will be able to reflect on teaching and learning to identify your own learning needs.

Professional standards:
4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8
(PCF 1,5,6)

Application, Reflection

Formative assessment:

You will submit a 1000-word assignment element of the portfolio to the academic mentor or module lead for review.

Summative assessment:

1. 15-minute role play involving a member of the service user and carer group, weighted at 50%, evidencing learning outcome 2.

2. A Professional Portfolio, weighted at 50%, which must include the following elements:

Student profile

Academic & service user feedback on the role play

Academic feedback on the formative assessment

1000-word, academically supported, reflective assignment updated in line with feedback

300-word reflective log evidencing understanding of the practice super domain (BASW, 2018)

300-word reflective log evidencing understanding of the practice super domain (BASW, 2018)

300-word reflective log evidencing understanding of the practice super domain (BASW, 2018)

A chronology of a case study to be provided by academic staff.

Case notes related to a case study to be provided by academic staff.

Academic skills focused tutorial record signed by academic mentor/module lead.

Log of skills days attended

Learning matrix mapped against the PCF


You must include all written elements of the portfolio to evidence learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4.



All assessment elements must be passed at a grade of 40 or above to successfully complete the module

Academic knowledge and skills:


Study skills and academic writing - including skills required for formal writing, structuring assignments, meeting learning outcomes successfully, choosing and citing evidence to support your answers.

An introduction to reflective practice - including reflective practice models and links to the Professional Capability Framework (PCF).

Locating and utilising information from academic sources - including using libraries and technology to enhance learning. You will be introduced to the use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as this will form a key part of your learning on any undergraduate programme.


Practice knowledge and skills:


An introduction to Social Work England (SWE) and the British Association for Social Workers (BASW) guidance for students and practicing sSocial wWorkers.

Professionalism - personal conduct in your private and work life and issues which lead to Fitness to Practise panels, and professional boundaries.

Introduction to the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).

An introduction to social work values.

An introduction to SWOT analysis and lLearning sStyles theories in relation to identifying individual need and best methods for learning.

Relationship-based practice in social work and the core elements of relationship-based practice:; understanding, collaboration, commitment, communication.

The various aspects of communication in a range of contexts for example, using interpreters, or with people with sensory impairments.

Skills for interpreting, responding and effectively dealing with a range of situations, . iIncluding our own reflection and how supervisions and knowledge of emotional intelligence may be used to build resilience in our practice.

The Preparation for Practice module is specifically designed to equip you with the foundations for professional knowledge and skills necessary to the develop, progress and succeed in both the practice and academic elements of the course. Core topics will include, the role and function of the regulatory body and Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), Academic writing, referencing and reflective skills and, Relationship- Based Practice.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities: 162 hours total

To consist of:

Whole group sessions, which include participatory lectures and presentations by the module tutor and where appropriate, people with lived experience of social work and visiting speakers.

This module contains a 24 mandatory skills days of focused learning. In addition, you will undertake 3 days shadowing experience in a local social care sector employer.


Directed Independent Study: 238 hours total

To consist of:

Accessing online resources

Use of the VLE

Independent reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning sessions

Formative and summative assessment preparation

Bottomley, J et al (2018) Academic Writing and Referencing for your Social Work Degree. St Albans: Critical Publishing

Mantell, A & Scragg, T (2019) Reflective Practice in Social Work. London: Sage

Rogers, M et al (2020) Developing Skills & Knowledge for Social Work Practice. 2nd ed. London: Sage

Koproswska, J (2020) Communication & Interpersonal Skills in Social Work (5th ed). London: Sage

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, lecture slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.



Other resources include:


Computer facilities to access online materials
Access to specialist online database
Access to appropriate core texts and journals via the library.
Community House & appropriate IT facilities