1. Identify and describe a range of psychological models, tools and theories which inform social work practice within a multidisciplinary context.

Knowledge and Understanding

Research Skills

2. Apply a range of psychological models, tools and theories to social work practice.

Application and Problem Solving

3. Explain the euro-centric context in which these theories were developed and are subsequently applied.

Knowledge and Understanding

4. Demonstrate how these theories can be used in practice to collaborate with and empower service users, and to address inequality.

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

Formative Assessment:  

You will complete a range of tasks aimed towards defining and explaining psychological theory that can be applied in practice, these will be aligned to the requirements of the summative assessments. For example, you may be asked to complete a genogram of the family in the case study to help you to identify intergenerational patterns and apply theoretical perspectives to help understand/explain these.

Summative assessment:

Using a three-generation case study, you will work on an assignment that will demonstrate and analyse the utility of psychological theories in social work practice. The case study will be designed in partnership with key stakeholders such as people with lived experience of social work or social work practitioners.

This module introduces underpinning core psychological theories that are used in social work practice. Specifically, it seeks to equip you with the necessary knowledge, understanding and insights in preparation for your practice learning and it will form links with the semester one modules and thus reinforce key underpinning social work values.

It seeks to provide you with an introductory understanding of:

The impact of psychological theories used in social work practice.

The need to understand individual, cultural, religious, and spiritual diversity and how this relates to social work.

The different dimensions of professional interpretations and exploring their implications for practice.

The limitations that euro-centric theory may present when applied to a non-European population.

How the time in which theories have been developed shapes the viability to contemporary practice with particular focus on how these can be adapted to meet the requirements of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist social work practice.

This module will help you to view the world differently and allow you to explore the different ways you can understand behaviour and society and providing new insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities which make us human.

You will be given the opportunity to investigate key psychological theories and apply them to a case study.

This is an exciting and challenging module that will provide you with an essential knowledge base to make a difference as a professional social worker.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities:

During the classroom sessions there may be - Lectures on key topics

Peer learning: Small group discussion to explore some of the key issues in greater depth.

Case-based learning: Realistic scenarios to facilitate application of theoretical perspectives to practice

Simulated practice experiences

Guest speakers: Experienced practitioners and people with lived experience of social work

Directed Independent Study:
To consist of

Engaging with online resources

Use of the VLE

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

Formative and summative assessment preparation

Howe, D (2017) An Introduction to Social Work Theory. Aldershot: Ashgate

This book is relevant because it explains the psychological and social theories that underpin social work practice, helping students understand the theoretical foundations behind practitioner decision‑making.

Misca, G and Unwin, P (2017) Psychology and Social Work: Applied Perspectives. Cambridge. Polity Press

This text directly links key psychological concepts to real social work situations, showing students how psychological theories inform assessment, intervention, and effective support.

O’Brien, E (2020) Psychology, Human Growth and Development for Social Work: A comprehensive guide. London. Macmillan

This book is relevant because it provides essential psychological insights into human development across the lifespan, enabling social work students to understand service users’ needs in context.

Payne, M. (2020) How to Use Social Work Theory in Practice: An Essential Guide. Bristol: Policy Press.

This text connects psychological and social theories to practical skills, helping students apply theoretical knowledge confidently in everyday social work practice.

Simulation suites

Virti or other digital tools to support with phenomena or simulation-based learning