Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
School of Applied Social Sciences
Begin@Beds
Welcome to the School of Applied Social Sciences (SASS). At SASS, we combine teaching and research to provide students with a rich and supportive learning environment. Our School ethos is to deliver an accessible and relevant curriculum that equips our students to positively contribute to society and have the skills to work in a global and diverse environment.
The MA International Social Welfare and Social Development (ISW) course takes a global perspective to understanding and addressing social issues. It offers you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in international social welfare and social development. The course includes learning about humanitarian aid, human rights, ethics and social justice. You will also acquire practical skills like advocacy, group work and intercultural competence - skills which are needed to work effectively with communities and individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Your studies allow you to explore a variety of case studies and approaches to social welfare and development across various international contexts and to reflect on your own experience and practice. This will allow you to build the knowledge, skills and confidence to enhance your career and give it a global perspective.
I am Dr Lena Opfermann, course coordinator of the MA International Social Welfare and Social Development (ISW) degree. I, and the whole teaching team, are looking forward to meeting you and to getting to know you over the course of your studies.
Lena Opfermann Course Coordinator
Course Coordinator
Lena Opfermann
lena.opfermann@beds.ac.uk
Your personal academic tutor is Email
Student Information Desk (SiD)
beds.ac.uk/sid sid@beds.ac.uk
Treehouse Community & Faith Centre
Mental Health Services
beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
BedsSU (student union) help@bedssu.co.uk
For us, your university experience is closely tied up with being part of the PG community. This means that we see induction as an opportunity to begin to build a sense of community and team. We will, of course, talk you through relevant aspects of studying with us and what to expect over the coming weeks but our focus will be on getting to know one another.
Here are some of the activities that we typically cover during Welcome Week:
Hopes, fears and expectations
Becoming part of the PG community: Our vision and some resources
Overview of your course structure
Getting to know each other – social activity (and cake)
Question time with thoughts from current students
ESSENTIAL LINKS
For more information on joining your course, visit Begin MA International Social Welfare and Social Development @Beds where you will find updated info, tips and dates of your course induction week etc.
FULL TIME STUDENTS WILL BE STUDYING
International Social Welfare and Social Development
Humanitarian Aid, NGOs and Social Welfare in Disasters
Research Methods 1: Setting Deep Foundations
How to find your Timetable
Information about your learning with BREO
Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub
Visit the Library
Begin@Beds Start your student journey Thrive@Beds My Beds Life Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service
We use a wide range of assessments. These may include essays, case studies (e.g. on humanitarian crises), podcasts, oral and poster presentations or project proposals. For your final dissertation you will have the opportunity to conduct an empirical research project (e.g. interviews), if you choose to do so.
Discover more about studying an MA in International Social Welfare & Social Development at the University of Bedfordshire, hear about a range of key topics, and how the course can help with a range of possible career paths.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdDVuaOygvY
Hear from some of our lecturers about what it’s like to study a postgraduate degree in the School of Applied Social Sciences, and what they feel are the best things about being part of the school.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_sdv-Qj5Q0
• About the course
• https://twitter.com/UoB_SASS
• Eating and drinking on-campus – University of Bedfordshire ABOUT THE CAMPUS
• Luton
How can I get the best grades during my time at university?
Attend as many of your lectures and seminars as possible by managing your multiple responsibilities and the time available for your studies. Ask for support if there is something you don’t understand or are struggling with; we will help you get the support you need.
Is there someone who can help me with my assessments?
Details are in your assessment handbook, so check out the guidance there. Your course team are always available to guide you with curriculum content and you might want to book a 1:1 tutorial with your Unit Lead. If you need more time to complete an assignment, please contact Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM) who deal with extensions for assessments. Their email is mitigation@beds.ac.uk
Is there somewhere for me to get support if I have a learning difference such as Dyslexia?
Yes! There is plenty of help available and some students may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, stating any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations.
What happens if I miss class due to being unwell or having difficulties with childcare or travel?
We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible and supportive. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your Personal Academic Tutor or Unit Lead.
What can I do to supplement my degree to help me in the future?
Take up the opportunities offered by the Careers and Employability Service, (careers@beds.ac.uk); Beds Student Union, (beds.su@beds.ac.uk), and other organisations within the university to develop your networks and gain skills relevant for your future graduate destination and personal development.
Are there student societies and activities I can get involved with?
Yes! Here in SASS we run a number of #SASS Change Maker events, Student Inclusivity Network Groups (SING) and also have our own Social Learning Space up on the fourth floor of C block that you can book for extra curricular activities with your classmates. The Student Union also have information about the sporting clubs and events available for all students beds.su@beds.ac.uk
What if I’m struggling with my mental health at university?
We will support you and have a range of services who can offer specialist help. mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk – new or on-going mental health support and counselling@beds.ac.uk – access to counselling support.
Can I talk to someone about my money worries?
Yes. We recognise the cost of living crisis is impacting significantly on students. Our financial advisors can help you. Contact studentmoney@beds.ac.uk
There is a lot to take in when you begin studying. The teaching team have been working within the social welfare sector for many years and here are our top 10 reasons to study this course:
This MA prepares you to work with communities and individuals from diverse cultural or social backgrounds such as migrants, refugees or trafficked persons, both in the UK and abroad.
The course applies a global perspective, focuses on case studies from around the world and allows you to develop expertise in topics you are passionate about.
This course combines academic learning with practical skills development, equipping you with transferrable employability skills.
We’ll take care of you; mental health is important for all of us, staff and students alike.
We’ll make sure you feel that you belong to your academic community and are confident about your ability to succeed; everyone is helpful and supportive.
We value everyone and recognize how diversity and lived experience contribute to our vibrant, inclusive, academic community.
Learning is student-centred and highly interactive with regular in-class debates, roleplays and poster presentations.
You will have the opportunity to volunteer with the university’s Refugee Legal Assistance Project (RLAP) to gain valuable practice-based knowledge and skills by supporting refugees in applying for family reunification.
The course prepares you to work for national and international government and non-governmental organisations in the humanitarian, development and social sector.
Teaching staff are passionate about their topics and you will benefit from their extensive research and international practice experience.