Undergraduate Course

Applied Social Work with Foundation Year
BA (Hons)

This degree offers you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.
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Course details

Study options

Full-time: 4 years

UK/EU fee

£9,250 per year (2020/21)

UCAS points

80 (September 2021 entry)

UCAS code

L51F

Course level

Undergraduate

Qualification

BA (Hons)

Start date

September

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course description

This applied course paves the way for you to register and practise as a qualified social worker, reaching out to help people from many different backgrounds to assess and tackle their problems. Achieve your ambitions by studying on this four-year course which includes a foundation year.

Please note that it is not possible to apply directly to the following course. For this foundation year course, it is only possible to attain a place if you do not get the grades expected having been provided with an offer for the BSc equivalent.

Beginning with a foundation year

Starting at foundation level is ideal if it has been a while since you were in formal education; are planning a career change; would benefit from a more gradual introduction to university level study; or do not meet the entry requirements to join our three-year honours degree directly.

It gives you an insight into working in health and social care environments, as well as supporting you to develop the skills you need to achieve your goals.

On completion of the Foundation Year you will then commence study on the full Applied Social Work degree.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

What you will study

Foundation YearFoundation YearYear 1Year 1Year 2Year 2Year 3Year 3
Core modules
Communication Skills
Preparation for Professional Practice
Promoting Equality in Human Professions
Study Skills
Optional modules
English
Mathematics
Health, Wellbeing and Creativity
Skills for Interprofessional Practice
Core modules
Attitudes and Values
Communication Skills
Preparation for Practice Learning
Social Work Law and Policy
Applied Sociology
Core modules
Human Growth and Development
Mental Health
Assessing Risk, Need and Vulnerability
Substance Use
Practice Learning 1
Research Methods for Practice
Core modules
Practice Learning 2
Protecting and Safeguarding Children and Young People
Independent Study
Back to Module List

Code: 3HS500

Communication Skills

All health and social care students will be assessed in their ability to communicate with service users, carers and other allied professionals from all sections of the community. Health and social care professionals have to communicate and share information in an open and honest way and; be able to listen actively and to talk to those requiring and using services as well as those caring for service users, with due respect for their age, ethnicity, culture, understanding and needs. This module will help students to understand the principles of, an importance of effective communication.
20 Credits
core
Practical
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 3HS503

Preparation for Professional Practice

This module will introduce students to the economic, political and cultural drivers which have influenced the development and delivery of health and social care in the 21st century. At a time when health and social care delivery is changing, students will consider how their own professional attitude and behaviours will influence their role performance in future practice.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 3HS504

Promoting Equality in Human Professions

Central to health and social care work is making informed responses to inequalities but why do they still exist in the 21st century? What is the balance between the power of social structures and individual responsibility? How much do we choose the life we live? The willingness to understand the experience of inequality, to ‘walk in someone’s shoes’, is at the heart of good practice and this module explores the limits and opportunities facing workers as they try to do this. Whilst experienced as personal, such things as health, well-being, choice, confidence, optimism, are related in complex ways to the social structures and processes of which we are part and which we recreate.

Through discussion, reading and small group tasks, students will be encouraged to think critically about the evidence of inequalities and the connection between social structure, human agency and experience. Evaluating evidence and, through a case study, showing an understanding of others’ experience form the basis of the assessment.

More information
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 3MO500

Study Skills

This module will introduce students to the academic skills needed for study at undergraduate level, and enable them to plan for their future study and career.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 2MO500

English

This is a level 2 module. The module is oriented towards providing students with sufficient English skills to enable them to engage confidently with level 4 modules.
20 Credits
optional
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 2MO501

Mathematics

The course is equivalent to GCSE Maths and covers statistics and probability, number work, geometry, and algebra and graphs.
20 Credits
optional
Exam
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 3HS501

Health, Wellbeing and Creativity

This module aims to introduce students to the potential of the arts for health and wellbeing. They will initially have opportunities to engage with a range of practical process and skills in the arts and creativity. They will then learn to develop and focus their ideas around health and wellbeing in a practical context to produce a collaborative body of work with their peers, whilst maintaining their own individuality. Students will be supported by tutors to begin developing the skills to work with arts-based material and to question how the arts might inform and promote wellbeing. This module supports students to develop a command of selected media; along with skills in self-management, communication and group working.
20 Credits
optional
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 3HS506

Skills for Interprofessional Practice

This module will provide a basis on which all learners will build regardless of their area of practice. Content and assessment will be based on the fifteen standards contained in the Care Certificate. Students will have the opportunity to undertake interprofessional learning activities and simulation as part of this module. They will participate as interprofessional groups in simulated health and social care scenarios, offering opportunities to learn, rehearse and refine skills in a safe environment. This offers excellent opportunities for interprofessional learning, which is key to the future sustainability of health and social care systems. Workplace experience (employed and/or voluntary) will be encouraged but is not mandatory.
20 Credits
optional
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 4SW500

Attitudes and Values

Social Workers work with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. In order to work effectively with people who use services and enable them to regain control in their lives Social Workers must guard against further exploitation of people through unethical practice. It is therefore essential that Social Workers develop a commitment to anti-discriminative and anti-oppressive practice, and to value and respect the rights, responsibilities and dignity of individuals. This module aims to develop your understanding of how personal and societal attitudes and values develop and impact on individuals, groups and Social Work practice.

Throughout the module you will explore issues of power in different relationships, how your own attitudes and values systems have developed and how these might impact on your practice within a diverse society. This journey will be achieved through a series of small group work sessions facilitated by tutors exploring a range of issues using exercises, large group lectures and discussions in the class room and through electronic discussion forums.

More information
20 Credits
core
Practical
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 4SW502

Communication Skills

The BA (Hons) Applied Social Work qualification will assess social worker student’s ability to communicate with service users, carers and other allied professionals from all sections of the community. The recently formulated Professional Capabilities Framework requires students to demonstrate effective communication skills and the capacity to develop those skills further. Additionally, they must be able to inform individuals, families, carers, groups and communities about their rights and entitlements. Social workers have to communicate and share information in an open and honest way and; be able to listen actively and to talk to those requiring and using services as well as those caring for service users, with due respect for their age, ethnicity, culture, understanding and needs. Individuals, families, carers, groups and communities also need to be involved in decision making and to be given choices and options.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 4SW504

Preparation for Practice Learning

This module prepares the student for entering practice, linking closely with the practice learning module and providing a pre-requisite for their first practice learning experience by assessing suitability and readiness for practice.
40 Credits
core
Practical
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 4SW505

Social Work Law and Policy

Social Work is a constantly developing and changing profession and frequently works with some of the most vulnerable individuals and groups in society. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of Social Policy in Britain and how developments in Social Policy impact on Social Work and lead to changes in practice. As a profession, Social Work is regulated by legislation. This module will help you to understand the general legal context and key legislation relevant to Social Work in England and Wales. The module will focus on service user and professional practitioner perspectives and the impact of the law and social policy upon those two stakeholders. There will be a theme of anti-oppressive practice throughout the module. You will be encouraged to explore ethical dilemmas in using the law.

The module will be delivered utilising a blended learning approach. This will include face to face whole group lectures, small group work either in the class or using electronic discussion boards. In order to succeed you will be directed to reading to allow you to gain a depth of understanding.

More information
20 Credits
core
Exam
Back to Module List

Code: 4SW507

Applied Sociology

This module aims to provide the student with the opportunity to review and explore how applied sociological perspectives might inform social work critical decision making at an individual and organisational level. The concepts such as ‘Family and Identity’ are used as tools for exploring the landscape of contemporary sociology, linking to and utilising learning from across the programme.

The module introduces range of sociological approaches, and examines the sociological theories on family and identity, particularly the insights each offers into the way the family and society work and the part that identity and culture play within it. It explores how these concepts when applied to family and identity can be shaped by the conscious and unconscious behaviour of people as they interact with others and themselves, before making connections with the social construction of reality, difference, culture and modernity. Students will be required to link the concepts and theories to social work practice.

More information
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 5SW501

Human Growth and Development

It is essential that Social Work practitioners understand human growth and development. Understanding the needs and developmental process of human beings is the foundation to an awareness of the life cycle from childhood to old age. This module aims to further enhance students understanding of theories relating to human development by building on knowledge gained in year one. Students will examine how theories of human development can be applied to Social Work practice. The module will enable students to develop the ability to appraise the strengths and limitations of a range of development theories with regard to their relevance to practice in a multi-racial and diverse society.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 5SW502

Mental Health

The Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work highlights that professional knowledge including theory and legislation must underpin intervention with individuals, families and communities. The module critically considers the current context of mental health policy and practice including the promotion of mental health and wellbeing and the improvement of mental ill-health. Central to this is an understanding of the shared priority for health and social care in commissioning and integrating services and the module enables students to explore a variety of roles and responsibilities for social work assessment and intervention with mental health service users. The module will be firmly underpinned by a philosophy of service user empowerment, inclusion and rights.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 5SW503

Assessing Risk, Need and Vulnerability

The ability to assess and manage risk is a core requirement for Social Work. Social work professionals are required to understand the concepts of risk, vulnerability and need. Understanding of legal and procedural duties to assess and protect is necessary for safe and effective practice with vulnerable service users. Tragedies in the field of child and adult protection highlight the consequences of professionals lacking skills in identifying, assessing and managing risk.

The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) requires students to demonstrate knowledge of theories and methods relating to a range of service user groups and demonstrate their ability to assess and manage risk. Specific Social Work Subject Benchmark Statements also require demonstrable understanding of models and methods of assessment; processes of risk assessment; theoretical perspectives underpinning behaviour and development; interprofessional roles and responsibilities and conflicts and dilemmas arising from duties to provide care and control. This module builds on learning from level 4 modules and is designed to underpin students’ engagement in level 5 practice learning.

More information
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 5SW505

Substance Use

In taking this module as part of your Social Work qualifying degree you will be able to explore this area of specialist practice in relation to substance misuse. You will explore the attitudes and values in relation to users of substances and apply current research and reading to gain an understanding of the impact on the individual as well as on others who are/become involved.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 5SW506

Practice Learning 1

This module aims to give you a clear understanding of the 9 domains of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work and how it underpins The College of Social Work guidelines for assessing practice in the first placement. An 80 day placement will enable you to critically reflect and analyse approaches, communication, skills and knowledge in a practice setting providing an opportunity to gain a wider understanding of the roles and responsibilities in a social care setting.
20 Credits
core
Practical
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 5SW507

Research Methods for Practice

This module allows the concept of evidence based practice to be developed, including the exploration of predominant research methods within health and social care. This will include the critical understanding of different sources of evidence locally, nationally and internationally. The module will also examine in greater depth the ethical issues relating to research, along with key areas relating to the use of data and information in health and social care.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 6SW504

Practice Learning 2

The module aims to give you a clear understanding of the 9 domains of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work and how it underpins The College of Social Work guidelines for assessing practice in the final placement. A 90-day placement will enable you to critically reflect and analyse approaches, communication, legislation, skills and knowledge in a practice setting providing an opportunity to gain a wider understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional Social Worker.
40 Credits
core
Practical
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 6SW505

Protecting and Safeguarding Children and Young People

This module is intended to extend the student’s existing theoretical and practical knowledge and their understanding of their role and responsibility in protecting children and young people from abuse and harm. The module examines the current laws and legal procedures and policies which underpin and drive child protection in this country. Students will consider recent and current papers and reports to understand developments which will prepare them for practice considering practice models in an interprofessional environment.
20 Credits
core
Coursework
Back to Module List

Code: 6SW997

Independent Study

The Independent Study forms an essential component of the undergraduate honours award. It provides the major opportunity for the student to demonstrate an ability to work independently. This module aims to enable the student to demonstrate critical analysis, problem-solving, objective evaluation and reflection on an area of Social Work practice. In addition to the application of subject-specific skills and general skills such as critical analysis, reasoning and the development of an argument, students will also be expected to display initiative, creative thinking, familiarity with the literature and organisational skills.

Students are required to select an area of study and to explore fully its relevance to their professional field reflecting their in-depth study of a chosen topic area of practice.

Key considerations of this individual study will include the application of theory to practice and the critical analysis of sources of evidence within a field of social work practice.

More information
40 Credits
core
Coursework

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

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Entry requirements

September 2021 typical entry requirements

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points80
Specific requirements at A-level

No specific subject requirements

Specific requirements at GCSE

GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study.

IELTS6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area)
Interview / AuditionYes - see interview details
PortfolioN/A

Alternative entry qualifications

We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.

Additional requirements

An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this when required.

An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this once you have applied. More information.

Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.

Fees and funding

2020/21 Fees

 Full-timePart-time
UK/EU

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

N/A

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

This course is only available to students who have applied for the equivalent three-year degree and have been offered this as a more suitable alternative by our Admissions team.

We are not currently accepting direct applications.

Careers

There is a growing demand for qualified social workers who can excel in a variety of fields, so this course opens doors to an exciting and diverse range of career opportunities.

Our graduates from BA (hons) Applied Social Work have gone into child protection, mental health, disability and youth justice or working with vulnerable or older adults. You could work in settings such as hospitals, day centres, social services, residential centres, schools and the voluntary sector.

Once you are a qualified social worker, you'll be expected to continue your professional development so you can keep up to date with current trends in the sector. You could also choose to specialise in particular areas of practice once you have qualified.

Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with help, guidance and support from day one of your course – and for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

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Additional information about your studies

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.

Included in your fees

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.

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Full-time

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