What is studying Social Work at Salford really like?

What is studying

Social Work at Salford really like?

What modules will I study?

How will I be assessed?

What does my timetable look like?

Going to university involves making some tough decisions and we know that you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to make the best choice for you.

This booklet aims to help you with your decision by providing a snapshot of what being a Social Work student at the University of Salford could look like. Find out more about your modules, see what your timetable could look like and hear from a current student.

Please note that the information in this booklet is intended to give an example of course information and some of it may change before September 2020.

Visit us!

We also offer an exclusive day for offer holders which aims to arm you with all the information you need to make your decision. You can visit us on campus and experience first-hand what studying Social Work at the University of Salford will be like.

If you haven’t already, you can book onto an upcoming Applicant Visit Day here

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We’ve pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions we have received from applicants to your course.

Let’s get straight into answering them for you…

Who will I meet?

You can expect to be on your course with around 50 other students – this means that you’ll get to know your course mates really well! You’ll likely have lectures with all of your course mates, but some classes, such as tutorials and seminars, will be in smaller groups.

You’ll meet four or five different tutors in your first year, who will teach your different modules. You’ll also have a personal tutor who is there to support you.

They will have weekly office hours so you can always book an appointment if you need to chat to them!

How will I learn?

In your first year, you will be taught through a mix of Lectures, Seminars and Tutorials. You will also be expected to undertake some independent study, or ‘directed study’. Your tutors will advise on how much independent study you will be expected to undertake.

Lectures Formal lectures are used as a way of providing knowledge and information on a topic to a large group of students at the same time. They are sessions where, in the main, the flow of information is from the lecturer, or a guest speaker, to the student. However, some lecturers encourage or welcome comments or queries from students during the lecture. If you have any further queries you may be able to raise these with the lecturer at the end of the lecture, or, more realistically, in the setting of your seminar group.

Lecturers may supplement their lecture with handouts which may be made available at the end of the lecture or via ‘Blackboard’. You may be asked to undertake preparatory reading in advance of the lecture. Where this is the case, it is vital that you do this to assist in your understanding of the material being delivered.

Seminars Seminars are used as a way of consolidating information given in lectures and are often used as a means of developing your understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. Seminars consist of groups of approximately 25 students where you are encouraged to discuss issues raised directly or indirectly by the lecture. A seminar tutor will facilitate your seminar and the emphasis will be on your participation and a sharing of your experiences, ideas and opinions.

Tutorials Tutorials are used as a means of supporting your learning. You will be allocated a Personal Tutor. In Year 1 this is usually your Seminar Group Tutor.

Issues discussed may include academic guidance or your personal and professional development. Students will be offered 1 hour of tutorial support each semester.

Directed Study Directed study is used to promote the skill of independent learning. During each module, you will be given work to complete outside of the teaching sessions. This may be a specific task; recommended reading; a piece of research; or be connected to the assessment for the module.

The expectation is that you will take responsibility for your own learning and involves the key skill of time management.

What will I study in my first year?

You’ll have six modules, usually three in each semester.

We’ve outlined below the sort of content that will be covered in each module, but this is the sort of thing you can ask your future tutors about at our Applicant Visit Days!

Introduction to Social Work This module will give you an introduction into the role of the social worker and the context you will practice in. You will be introduced to social work from the service user perspective and gain knowledge of social work values, ethics and conduct including the impact of personal values and ethics on practice Assessment: Written Assessment and Presentation

Contemporary Issues in Social Work This module will provide an understanding of key social problems that impact on society today and help you consider how these problems reflect and contribute to wider inequalities in society. You will identify and understand the role of social work and social policy initiatives in working with these challenges.

Assessment: Assignment

Law and Policy for Social Work This module will give you knowledge and understanding of the law and policy that is relevant to social work practice. The module will ensure you understand the roles and responsibilities of the social worker in relation to the legal context.

You will cover topics such as Homelessness and Housing legislation, Mental Health and the Law, and Responsibilities Toward Children.

Assessment: Open Book Examination

Skills for Social Work This module will provide an opportunity to learn core social work skills for working directly with service users and to have an opportunity to practice those skills in a safe environment. The module will help develop your skills in preparation for your practice placements.

You will cover topics such as Counselling Skills, Coaching & Communication Skills and Managing Conflict.

Assessment: Portfolio, including recorded role play, case notes and critical reflection

Human Growth and Development An understanding of human growth and development is essential for social work practice. Social workers work with people at all life stages and this module will provide students with a knowledge base about human development from conception to death.

Assessment: Written Assignment and Poster Presentation

Theories and Interventions This module will provide students with an introduction to some of the major theories used in social work practice. You will learn and understand key concepts underpinning theories and interventions and how to apply theory to interventions used in social work practice.

Assessment: Examination Please note that module information is subject to change, but the above gives you detail about the Social Work modules currently running and example methods of assessment.

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MORNING 11

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Mon

Library Tue

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Gym time!

Wed

Study day Thu Skills for Social Work 9-11 LECTURE

Fri Skills for Social Work 9-11 SEMINAR

Sat Sun

Meet friends for Lunch

Year 1, semester 1 2

AFTERNOON 3

4

5

Introduc tio

n to Soc ial Work

2-4

LECTURE

Contemp

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1-3

LECTURE

Society team meet up

Contemporary Issues in Social Work 2-4 SEMINAR

Hockey team social 5.30

Bandioke night!

Comedy night at the New Adelphi Theatre “)

e of a f i l e h t A day in ent d u t s k r o Social W A social work degree is different from some degrees as it leads to a professional qualification. The course is really varied with lots of different teaching styles including lectures, group work, presentations, visiting professionals and agencies.

I usually get to University around 8.30am and meet with friends for a coffee and catch up before lectures.

Today, the lecture starts at 9am. It’s a Theories and Interventions lecture so we learn about relevant theories in social work and how we can apply them to our practice.

The lecture takes us up until lunch time, then we head for the chill out area at Allerton. There’s a good selection of places to get your lunch from or you can bring your own as there are microwaves, fridges etc which is great!

After lunch we have arranged via our Whats App group to meet for a study session. The group is encouraged by course tutors and is really active.

Everyone in the cohort is welcome to join, we use it for supporting each other, sharing information, articles and other information. We also use it for general chit chat and of course some banter!

We meet in one of the study spaces in Allerton Building to talk about the morning’s The course lecture and Coming to university was one of the content is prepare for really varied. best decisions I ever made, yes it’s been the seminar Salford have hard at times but I have made some the next day. amazing friends and learnt so much great links There is a about myself and what I can achieve. with lots large study of guest space in the Allerton building which speakers from different organisations has small rooms and open spaces to and fields which has been really useful. chat and study or do group work. You The lecturers all have experience as can also hire a laptop or use desktops working as social workers which helps in the learning space – great if you are to prepare us for the real world. commuting or don’t want to carry your

catching up in Al lerton “) laptop across campus! The hive is also a good space to work in groups or just have a catch up with comfy seating and the cafeteria, coffee shop and shop nearby.

The library is also open 24/7 and is a great place to study alone or with friends. Library staff have a wealth of knowledge and are a great resource in helping you to find the right books and reading materials for your course!

Later that day I head to a session on presentations provided by the university which helps me to prepare for an upcoming presentation I am giving as part of the assessment for one of my modules. Salford has a great study skills programme which is very accessible. There are both online and bookable sessions on a wide variety of subjects from academic writing, to presentations, referencing and other subjects.

Coming to university was one of the best decisions I ever made, yes it’s been hard at times but I have made some amazing friends and learnt so much about myself and what I can achieve. The tutors are so supportive and have lots of time for you – everyone wants you to succeed!

Come to an open day and applicant day to get a feel of the university and see if its right for you – ask any questions you have; everyone is there to help you!

Top tips: Plan your time and be prepared to do lots of reading and research - it really does pay off. Be organised and plan your time. Start assignments in good time and give yourself time to re-draft and edit them.

Next steps…

Hopefully that’s answered some of your burning questions. If you can, attending an Applicant Visit Day is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed. You’ll have the opportunity to speak to your tutors, current students and support staff about any more questions you have before you make your decision.

Book your place here Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly team by emailing enquiries@salford.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)161 295 4545.