1. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of how social factors can impact on the life chances and experiences of service users.
Professional Standards: 3.2; 3.3; 3.14; 4.4
PCF 2, 3, 5
Knowledge and Understanding
Application

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to apply theoretical perspectives to explore intersectional discrimination and inequality.
Professional Standards: 1.1; 1.5; 1.6; 3.7; 5.1
PCF 2, 3, 4
Knowledge and Understanding
Application
Learning

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate critical awareness and evaluation of relevant social policy and research which could be used to inform Social Work practice
Professional Standards: 4.4
PCF 2, 4, 5, 8
Analysis
Enquiry
Problem solving

Formative assessment:
Group Presentation
Group discussion and analysis

Summative assessment:
4000 word assignment to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding, application of theory, and analysis against the learning outcomes for this module. Evidences all learning outcomes.

This module will examine the social and political context of Social Work and the social problems that drive the need for intervention. The module will also introduce sociological explanations of social phenomena such as discrimination, inequality, and poverty. There will be a focus on current research and social policy, as well as on future social and political developments likely to impact on practice. The module will consider how social policies, and the social problems they are designed to address, interact with prevalent attitudes towards those from marginalised groups at an individual, cultural and structural level.

The module will also include consideration of:
The construction of social problems.
Structural inequalities and discrimination regarding individual characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and social class, and how they impact both on life chances and experience.
Theories and policies related to discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion (including welfare reform, access to food, fuel poverty); housing policies and homelessness; families, households and relationships; and communities.

This module provides you with an introduction to the social and political context of Social Work, and the social problems that drive the need for intervention. You will be introduced to theoretical perspectives that explain social phenomena, such as inequality, poverty, and discrimination. As well as social policies that seek to address these, and inform Social Work practice. You will have the opportunity to consider future social and political developments likely to impact on practice.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (36 hours)

You will attend lectures on key topics. There will also be opportunities to work in small groups to discuss and explore some of the key issues raised in lectures in greater depth. You will be asked to take part in debates, and discussions and to design informal presentations to your peers (in small groups).

Guided Independent Study: (164 hours)

100 hours: Independent reading - You will be expected to read the recommended reading before each lecture and prepare thoroughly for these by utilising the materials on Blackboard.

64 hours: Independent assignment preparation - You will need to undertake the necessary research and analysis to respond to the assignment question. You will be expected to have made use of databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed academic journal articles and contemporary research. It is also recommended that you dedicate some of this time to producing a detailed plan to help you to structure your assignment.

Beresford, P. (2016) All Our Welfare: Towards a Participatory Social Policy. Bristol: Policy Press

Cunningham, J. & Cunningham, S. (2014) Sociology for Social Workers. 2nd. Exeter: Learning Matters

Macionis, J., J. & Plummer, K. (2012) Sociology: A Global Introduction. 5th. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.

Horner, N. (2018) What is Social Work? Contexts and Perspectives. 5th. Exeter: Learning Matters

Thompson, N. (2016) Anti-Discriminatory Social Work Practice. 6th. Basingstoke: Palgrave

During this module, you will be encouraged to utilise Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support your learning. You will be invited to collaborate with students and academic staff virtually through Microsoft Teams. 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.

Students need to be enrolled on MA Social Work.