Social Work

Year 1

You will study the foundations of social work and will engage in sociology and psychology modules to look at internal and external factors impacting on the lives of service users. You will be encouraged to start using research to support academic writing, and will also be introduced to law.

Year 2

You’ll build upon what you learn in year 1 before you commence your first placement. When you return for Term2 the focus turns to service user specific modules and we explore the skills and knowledge base required for each area.

Year3

You will commence your second practical placement which takes place in Term1. Upon return in Term2, the modules will again focus on service user specific areas and will also start to prepare you for writing your dissertation.

Year 4

Term 1 will see you commence your final placement and in term2 you can select an elective module to study, alongside interdisciplinary practice and your dissertation study.

Graduate Stories

Learning Methods

We use a variety of teaching and assessment methods including; small group teaching, seminars, lectures, role-plays, simulations, laboratory experiments, workshops and projects. In addition, a Tutor will be allocated to you, who will provide you with advice and guidance on academic and non-academic matters. We believe that learning should be applied to practice so you are encouraged to become reflective, independent learners, identifying and working towards your own learning objectives.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 60 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Seminars - 20 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Tutorial - group supervision and one-to-one support throughout terms
• Placement / Work Based Learning - group supervision and one-to-one support weekly on placement

How long is a BA (Hons) Social Work course?

The duration of a Social Work degree is 4 years.

Independent Study

There is a strong emphasis on independent study where you are encouraged to research material in preparation for tutorials, prepare group work exercises, and conduct a research project. All modules will direct you to indicative and recommended reading. On average, you are encouraged to engage in 20 hours of independent study per module.

Staff Delivering on This Course

All staff members delivering teaching on the course are qualified Social Workers and hold a variety of academic qualifications. We also have external experts who will provide teaching, as well as colleagues from across other RGU schools in the health professions who add valuable contribution and insight into the issues you will face as a Social Worker.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed eachyear:

Year 1

• 3 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 5 written assignments, including essays
• 2 oral assessments

Year 2

• 8 written assignments, including essays

Year 3

• 6 written assignments, including essays
• 1 oral assessment

Year 4

• 4 written assignments, including essays
• 1 dissertation
• 1 oral assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

A major strength of the course is the practice placement opportunities which are an integral part of study. You will undertake three practice placements: one lasting two months, one lasting three months and one lasting four months (in years 2, 3 and 4). There is also the opportunity to undertake one placement in a European country other than the UK. The rewards from undertaking these placements are enormous, both in terms of initial professional development and in applying theoretical principles to real-life situations. Practice is assessed according to the competence requirements of Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Placements abroad may also be available.

Job Prospects

Graduates find employment across the social work sector. Our students have been in great demand throughout the UK, and 95% are in work or study six months after finishing the course (Unistats, 2018). The international focus of the course also provides employment possibilities in a range of European countries, the USA and Australia.

Is Social Work a good career choice?

Previous BA Social Work graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Child and Family Social Worker
• Team Leader
• Care Manager
• Criminal Justice Social Worker