1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives that can inform social work intervention across the lifespan.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Demonstrate originality in the application of a range of theoretical perspectives knowledge, together with a practical understanding of their application in explaining human behaviour.

Application and Problem solving

3. Critically analyse ethical dilemmas that may occur in the application of theoretical perspectives.

Application and Problem solving

4. Critically reflect on your own personal values and discuss where / how these can impact on your own social work practice.

Reflection

Formative assessment:

Produce a genogram of a 3-generation case study

Group discussion to share knowledge and expertise regarding the application of theory to the case study.

The purpose of these is to support and develop your ability to apply theoretical perspectives to individuals at different points of life, with different experiences. The summative assessment will be linked to the same case study, the formative tasks will therefore support you in identifying which family member/s you want to focus on in your summative assessment, and to think critically about the application of theoretical perspectives to that individual/s.

Summative assessment:

A 35-minute presentation including 10 mins for questions analysing the application of theory to a case study. You will be required to select one or two members of the family and discuss how theoretical perspectives would aid in understanding behaviour and informing practice. You will be expected to consider the impact of your own personal and professional values on practice, including from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspective, with the chosen family member/s.

This module will examine the various theoretical perspectives and approaches that inform social work intervention across the lifespan. Taking a critically reflective and analytical approach to the application of theories of human growth and development, the module will explore how experiences of abuse, trauma and neglect can affect human behaviour. There will be a focus on current research and analysis of contemporary models of social work intervention. With anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice at the centre, the module will consider how social workers must synthesise theoretical perspectives, social work values and the legislative framework for practice to resolve ethical and value dilemmas, and to empower individuals in a range of complex situations.

The module will also include consideration of;

A historical perspective on the development of social work theory

International perspectives on social work theory

Cultural competence in the application of theoretical perspectives in practice

The Critical Theory for Social Work will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and skills required to critically apply a range of theoretical approaches in practice. In considering the way in which theory intersects with the application of social values and law in day-to-day practice, you will be supported to critically analyse and explore contemporary models for social work intervention and the strategies to resolve complex value or ethical dilemmas in practice.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities: 60 hours total

To consist of;

60 hours Whole group sessions - consisting of participatory lectures and presentations by the module tutor and the Service User and Carer Group (SUCG) and visiting speakers in order to disseminate core knowledge and theoretical perspectives, including those arising from the experience of service users. Formative assessments will also take place during these hours.

Directed Independent Study: 240 hours total

To consist of;

Accessing online resources such as Webinars, podcasts etc relevant to the module

Independent reading consolidating knowledge explored and developed in the direct teaching and learning sessions, researching how Social Work values, ethics and theoretical approaches are applied in social work practice.

Use of VLE to support learning by reading core reading texts and independent activities are utilized.

Assignment preparation and writing. 

Healy, K. (2022) Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice. 3rd edn. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Howe, D. and Hill, D. (2024) A brief introduction to social work theory. 2nd edn. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Payne, M. (2021) An A–Z of social work theory. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Whelan, J. (2025) Critical theory for social work: A simple introduction. Bristol: Policy Press.

Payne, M. (2024) Modern social work theory. 5th edn. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Simulation Suites

Virti or other digital tools to aid in the delivery of phenomena or simulation-based learning