Module Descriptors
UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL WORK LAW
SOWK40514
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Stuart O'Donnell
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 60
Independent Study Hours: 240
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ARTEFACT - 15 MINUTES + 750 WORDS weighted at 100% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 1,2,3,4
Module Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Describe and explain current legislative frameworks in England.
Knowledge and Understanding
2. Apply the legislative framework and social policy to social work practice.
Application and Problem-Solving
3. Effectively communicate to diverse audiences how social work practice can uphold human rights and dignity / equality.
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding
4. Evaluate how the law can be used to support ethical practice to resolve dilemmas that may occur in practice.
Application & Problem-Solving
Knowledge and Understanding
2. Apply the legislative framework and social policy to social work practice.
Application and Problem-Solving
3. Effectively communicate to diverse audiences how social work practice can uphold human rights and dignity / equality.
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding
4. Evaluate how the law can be used to support ethical practice to resolve dilemmas that may occur in practice.
Application & Problem-Solving
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Formative assessment:
You will have the opportunity to complete formative tasks throughout the module including whole group and small group discussion / debate. You will also complete formative multiply choice tests mid module to gauge your understanding of the key areas of the law and identify any areas for development for the remainder of the module.
Summative assessment:
You will be required to design and deliver a pre-recorded poster presentation. The suggested word count for the poster is 500-750 words; the presentation will be 15 minutes long during which time you will provide a clear and engaging overview of the knowledge presented in the poster. Students can choose which platform they prefer to design the poster and record the presentation in. This will be marked as a single assessment and one overall mark awarded. Students will be provided with a rubric that takes account of the differing elements of the assessment.
You will have the opportunity to complete formative tasks throughout the module including whole group and small group discussion / debate. You will also complete formative multiply choice tests mid module to gauge your understanding of the key areas of the law and identify any areas for development for the remainder of the module.
Summative assessment:
You will be required to design and deliver a pre-recorded poster presentation. The suggested word count for the poster is 500-750 words; the presentation will be 15 minutes long during which time you will provide a clear and engaging overview of the knowledge presented in the poster. Students can choose which platform they prefer to design the poster and record the presentation in. This will be marked as a single assessment and one overall mark awarded. Students will be provided with a rubric that takes account of the differing elements of the assessment.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module will introduce you to the policy and legal context of social work practice before exploring some elements in more depth.
You will be introduced to the British legal system, roll and function of the judiciary and the way in which legislation is passed into law, and evolves through case law.
There will be a focus on the key pieces of legislation and the social policy that works alongside them that govern social work practice.
You will discover how the above legislative framework that underpins practice across the three core social work disciplines and can be used to uphold and promote human rights and equality.
You will explore the links between the legislative framework, social policy and social work practice. and how the appropriate legislation can be applied in practice to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of people who access social work services.
You will consider the ethical dilemmas that present in practice, and how the legal framework including case law, can support to resolve these, alongside social work values and practice skills.
You will be introduced to the British legal system, roll and function of the judiciary and the way in which legislation is passed into law, and evolves through case law.
There will be a focus on the key pieces of legislation and the social policy that works alongside them that govern social work practice.
You will discover how the above legislative framework that underpins practice across the three core social work disciplines and can be used to uphold and promote human rights and equality.
You will explore the links between the legislative framework, social policy and social work practice. and how the appropriate legislation can be applied in practice to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of people who access social work services.
You will consider the ethical dilemmas that present in practice, and how the legal framework including case law, can support to resolve these, alongside social work values and practice skills.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
Legislation is the foundation for social work practice. It is critical that social workers understand the way in which the contemporary social, political and legal context underpins practice. You will be introduced to the key legislation governing social work practice in a range of context before exploring these more deeply. You will be supported to develop the knowledge required to apply the legislative framework to practice and begin to critically consider the ethical dilemmas this can present.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
You will attend lectures on key topics.
During the classroom sessions there may be -
- Peer learning: Small group discussion to explore some of the key issues in greater depth.
- Case-based learning: Realistic scenarios for critical thinking.
- Simulated practice: Supported by members of our service user and carer group.
- Guest speakers: Experienced practitioners and people with lived experience of social work
Guided Independent study: 240 hours
Independent assignment preparation - you will need to undertake reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning sessions. It is recommended that you dedicate time to planning your assignment including using reviewing library guidance on how to complete an academic poster.
During the classroom sessions there may be -
- Peer learning: Small group discussion to explore some of the key issues in greater depth.
- Case-based learning: Realistic scenarios for critical thinking.
- Simulated practice: Supported by members of our service user and carer group.
- Guest speakers: Experienced practitioners and people with lived experience of social work
Guided Independent study: 240 hours
Independent assignment preparation - you will need to undertake reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning sessions. It is recommended that you dedicate time to planning your assignment including using reviewing library guidance on how to complete an academic poster.
TEXTS
Brammer, A (2024) Social Work Law, 6th ed. Pearson
Carr, H & Goosey, D (2024) Law for Social Workers. 17th ed. OUP Oxford
Johns, R (2023) Using the Law in Social Work. 9th ed. Sage
Sabbagh, M. and Korgaonkar, G. (2022) Social work law, ethics & social policy. 1st edn. Sage.
Carr, H & Goosey, D (2024) Law for Social Workers. 17th ed. OUP Oxford
Johns, R (2023) Using the Law in Social Work. 9th ed. Sage
Sabbagh, M. and Korgaonkar, G. (2022) Social work law, ethics & social policy. 1st edn. Sage.
RESOURCES
Simulation suites
Virti or other digital tools to support with phenomena or simulation-based learning
Virti or other digital tools to support with phenomena or simulation-based learning