Placements
Placements are usually students' favourite part of the course as you get to put into practice what you've learned.
You'll have two placements, one in year two and one in year three. These are 170 days in total.
Where do they take place?
Placements are usually in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and can cover different settings working with various individuals. Examples include:
- Community based teams, working with families where children are at risk of harm, or with adults who need care and support
- Hospital teams, working with patients on wards who are ready to be discharged
- Street outreach, supporting people experiencing homelessness
We have excellent links with statutory and voluntary agencies in the region, who provide practice learning opportunities for our students.
Tailoring to your interests
For the third-year placement, we try to match your placement to the area of social work you're interested in once you qualify. For example, if you're keen to work with adults we'll aim to give you an adult placement. This is so you have experience you can talk about when applying for jobs.
Support
Placements are enjoyable but can be challenging. That's why we make sure you have lots of contact in place to celebrate the wins and support you through the difficulties.
On each placement, you will be assigned a practice educator who will meet with you weekly. Your personal tutor will also visit you at least twice and is available for you to contact. And don't forget your classmates who can be great support as they experience similar situations.
Communication Skills for Practice
About the module
Social work involves working with people with lived experience, from all walks of life, each with different communication needs. Your ability to communicate effectively and advocate on their behalf is crucial to ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
Module aims
This first-year module focuses on developing effective communication skills. It gives you the knowledge of theories and skills which are essential for working with people with lived experience.
How you'll learn
You’ll participate in small group simulations that are recorded to provide valuable feedback. These sessions will help you develop your skills and build confidence as you progress through your studies.
I love teaching students how to communicate effectively with children and adults. I encourage you to embrace this module fully - it will help you develop your existing skills and leave you feeling more prepared for your practice placements in years two and three.
Lynsey Chisango
Module convenor
Undergraduate students practicing counselling techniques
Human Growth and Development across the Life Course
About the module
We all go through key phases of development that can be described as the life course. We have childhood, adolescence, middle and older age, and the end of life.
As social workers, we work with people at all stages of their life as they face challenges along the way. To do this best, we need a good understanding about humans: what shapes us into who we are, what helps us face adversity and how we can grow strong again when life has been hard.
Module aims
Key themes in the module are trauma-informed social work, human rights, social justice and professional integrity.
Beginning with the developing child, we explore some of the main conceptual debates about human growth and development, with a focus on social work values and principles.
You will be invited to critically consider the impact on individuals’ life course trajectories of social, political, cultural, economic and environmental factors. Real case examples from the lecturer’s own social work practice are used throughout the module to bring information to life and support your understanding of how this looks in a real-world scenario.
How you'll learn
You will develop a good baseline knowledge of developmental milestones for the purpose of assessment and intervention, with an awareness of how this may differ for some individuals.
You will develop an understanding of:
- cultural ‘norms’
- stigmatising attitudes and experiences of oppression
- disability
- mental distress
- abuse and trauma
Crucially, you will be supported to understand why theories, models and critical debates relating to the life course are integral to effective and compassionate social work practice.
The module leader is Associate Professor Kirsten Morley, a registered social worker who is still in practice. She has worked in social care since 1996 and uses her extensive social work experience to anchor students’ learning.
Want to find out more?
