Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Social Work University of Winchester, UK

Social Work at Winchester aims to ensure you understand the impact of the wider social context in which people live. It seeks to challenge inequality and to intervene, support and empower people to make positive decisions.

The focus of the programme is on working with people of all ages who may be vulnerable and at risk. Fundamental to good social work is your ability to develop critically reflective practice where you are able to deal with complex dilemmas in a confident and competent manner.

The programme works closely with service users, carers and a wide range of professionals to ensure you gain a deep level of understanding of issues across the social care arena. You gain professional knowledge of human behaviour and social processes in a legal context. You critically explore different forms of oppression and inequality in society and develop key skills to challenge disadvantage and marginalisation.

In Year 1, you start to explore key social work concepts and theory, and develop basic professional skills in preparation for your first practice placement at Year 2. By the end of the first year you demonstrate 'readiness for direct practice' evidenced through your progress.

As part of the first year, students are required to undertake a number of days shadowing in a social care environment in order to prepare them for their forthcoming practice placements in years 2 and 3.

Year 2 includes a practice experience of 70 days. You are placed in a social care agency which has been screened by members of staff and you are supervised by a qualified social work practice educator. On completion of this practice learning, your performance is assessed.

Year 3 is more complex and prepares you for practice. The final 100-day practice experience is supported by teaching in the University. You continue to work under the supervision of a qualified social work practice assessor but are expected to demonstrate increasing skill in your practice, greater ability to integrate theory and practice, assumption of more responsibility and more initiative in the role of student social worker.