23 minute read
Social Sciences
Social Sciences
As part of the SASS Postgraduate academic community, you will be taught by world-leading researchers. Experts will cover topics such as gangs and county lines, youth justice, child sexual exploitation, contextual safeguarding, the human rights agenda, trafficking and migration, refugees and asylum seekers. You will explore how to apply your knowledge in a way that will promote social justice and challenge inequality locally, nationally and globally.
Careers
We encourage you, as a postgraduate student, to become a subject specialist, using the knowledge gained to undertake a dissertation that contributes to the development of understanding, policy and practice in your chosen field. This expertise will make you stand out as a candidate in your chosen professional destination and give you the edge in any interview situation. Our MA students have gone on to become #SASS Graduate Change Makers in a variety of fields in statutory, voluntary, private sectors, as well as establishing their own social enterprises and community interest companies.
Q&A
Dr Patricia Hynes
Postgraduate Portfolio Leader
What opportunities does studying Social Sciences at Bedfordshire offer postgraduate students?
We have an exciting range of professional and academic courses on offer. Our past students now work across the human services as social workers, probation officers, managers in statutory and non-statutory services as well as in prisons, in the police service and for health and social care agencies. Students tell us they are stimulated and challenged by our courses and feel they are prepared for their future careers.
Did you know?
The Social Sciences staff team combines extensive research across social work, youth work, criminal justice, social studies, child and adolescent studies, and health and social care.
Courses
Applied Social Work Practice: Children & Families MA 140 Applied Social Work Practice: Leadership & Management MA 140 Applied Social Work: Practice Education MA 141
Childhood & Youth: Applied Perspectives MA 142
Criminology MA
142 Family & Systemic Psychotherapy MSc 143 Human Rights & Social Enterprise PgCert/PgDip/MA 144 Intermediate Child Focused Systemic Practice PgCert 145 Intermediate Systemic Practice with Families & Couples PgCert 145 International Social Welfare & Social Development MA 146 Preparing for Professional Social Welfare Practice PgCert 147 Professional Social Work Practice PgDip 147 Social Work MSc 148 Social Work Practice – Master of Professional Social Work Practice 149 Research Degrees in the Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR) MA/MSc/MPhil/PhD 150 Professional Doctorate in Children & Young People’s Services PDC & YPS 151 Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice 151
Have You Also Considered...?
Education (Social Justice) MA Public Health MSc 74
127
For more information on any of the courses visit: beds.ac.uk/pg-study For up-to-date information on part-time study options see: beds.ac.uk/part-time
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Putteridge Bury campus, Luton 5 years part-time day UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a related subject from a recognised higher education institution, be registered with the HCPC, and be a practising social worker in a children and families setting.
If you wish to develop your expertise as a social worker for children and families, this course is for you. Developing advanced systematic understanding, knowledge and analytical skills, you will enhance your competence and management of risk, based on the values of contemporary social workers.
Key features
• Meets Social Work Reform Board’s recommendations for CPD for social workers • Aligned with the new Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for social workers
Career opportunities
This Master’s course offers various career opportunities. Once completed, you will be able to specialise within your field, and there is increased demand for advanced practitioners in children and family social work.
Areas of study may include:
• Applied research skills in social work • Applying knowledge to work-based learning • Motivational interviewing for social work • Supervising for quality and performance
To find out more contact: Mrs Susan Gill t: +44 (0)1582 743749 e: susan.gill@beds.ac.uk Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Putteridge Bury campus, Luton 5 years part-time day UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a related subject from a recognised higher education institution, be registered with the HCPC, and be a practising social worker in a children and families setting.
This part-time course prepares you for the challenges of management in organisations where policy and structure are subject to constant change. You will cover key issues in social work leadership and management – developing your ability to critically examine daily management practice.
Key features
• Explore your full potential as a leader and manager in social work through enhancing your knowledge, skills, sense of enterprise and self-awareness • This course conforms with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF)
Career opportunities
You will be able to seek key leadership or management opportunities in social work or social care in the process of the course or upon graduation. On completing leadership and management units, past graduates have been promoted to positions of greater responsibility such as Heads of Service and have used the knowledge gained on the course to secure these positions.
Areas of study may include:
• Applied research skills in social work • Dissertation for social work leaders and managers • Leading and managing • Strategic leadership • Supervising for quality and performance in social work
To find out more contact: Mrs Susan Gill t: +44 (0)1582 743749 e: susan.gill@beds.ac.uk
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Luton campus 5 years part-time evening UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a related subject from a recognised higher education institution, be registered with the HCPC, and be a practising social worker in a children and families setting.
This course fulfils the requirements of the Practice Educator Professional Standards and is made up of six distinct units. Two of these are options that will give you the chance to develop your knowledge and skills in supervision, mentoring, management, assessment and support of learning, and the research that informs practice and practice education.
Key features
• The course is one of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses available for social workers • Study the ways in which you can promote equal opportunities for learners and challenge all forms of oppression and discrimination that affect learners from minority groups
Career opportunities
After successfully completing the course, you will be able to specialise in professional education in social work. As the Practice Educator Framework develops, there will be increased demand for practitioners with advanced skills in work-based learning and assessment.
Areas of study may include:
• Applied research skills • Dissertation • Mentoring and coaching • Supervising for quality and performance in social work
To find out more contact: Mrs Kathryn Jones t: +44 (0)1582 489309 e: kathryn.jones@beds.ac.uk
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Luton campus 1 year full-time (options available: part-time) UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a related subject from a recognised higher education institution.
Your own interests will drive the direction of this course as you identify and address the latest theoretical concepts, evidence and research that are relevant to your individual practice. You will have a rare opportunity to critically appraise and shape new ideas as they emerge, and enhance your understanding of the links between theory, research, evidence and policy development, and its application to the design and delivery of services to children and young people.
Key features
• Study and evaluate relevant research and practice, synthesise information from a range of sources, and work with a high level of autonomy and self-direction • Explore the cultural and social constructions of childhood and youth, and the impact they have on the everyday lives of children and young people
Career opportunities
Careers may include early year’s settings; education; health; social welfare; criminal justice; youth work; community development; local and central government; charitable organisations/NGOs or research posts. Further study can also be undertaken at Professional Doctorate or PhD level.
Areas of study may include:
• Dimensions of childhood and youth • The conceptual framework: Theories shaping public policy for children and young people’s services • Understanding child sexual exploitation and associated forms of harm • Youth Justice: Current issues and critical perspectives • Young people, group offending and violent crime
To find out more contact: Dr Sandra Roper t: +44 (0)1582 743214 e: sandra.roper@beds.ac.uk Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Luton campus 1 year full-time (options available: part-time) UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a related subject from a recognised higher education institution.
Criminal offending and the state’s response to it are constantly evolving, and this course explores the latest ideas, thinking and research into the subject. Benefiting from the practice and practical knowledge of highly experienced tutors and lecturers, you will reflect critically on the latest theories and the many explanations used to explain why crime occurs. The School’s expertise is deep and wide-ranging and covers youth crime and justice; substance abuse; gang related crime; corporate crime and forensic mental health. You will be taught by leading researchers from the Institute of Applied Social Research, whose work on sexual exploitation, trafficking, and disability is internationally renowned and the interface between research, knowledge, policy and practice.
Key features
• Study the social, political and cultural contexts that inform criminology, and develop a critical in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject • Apply advanced criminological knowledge and understanding of criminal justice, crime and offending in a variety of settings
Career opportunities
Typical career paths include: criminal justice; local and central government; charity organisations; or research posts in the private and public sectors. Some students may take up further study at Professional Doctorate or PhD level.
Areas of study may include:
• Complexities of forced migration: human displacement, trafficking and refuge • Corporate crime and corporate management • Forensic mental health • Models and methods of social investigation • Offenders and offending: The experience of end to and management • Theories and perspectives of crime and criminal justice
To find out more contact: Dr Ian Bridgeman t: +44 (0)1582 743062 e: ian.bridgeman@beds.ac.uk
Amanda Davies
Criminology MA
“ I chose the Criminology MA because I’m interested in youth justice. We studied elements of it in my Honours degree but, with the Masters, I can pick specific modules which will steer me in the direction I want to go. I wasn’t sure about taking on a Master's degree but the support and encouragement I had from my tutors at the University gave me the confidence to study at a higher level.”
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October The Institute of Family Therapy, London 2 years part-time day UK/EU/International students Applicants must have a relevant First Professional Qualification or equivalent; successful completion of an accredited Foundation and
Intermediate Level Training or equivalent.
Critical and reflective examination of systemic theory is at the heart of this course, and you will also focus on the application of a systemic framework to practice and research. You will study different approaches to therapeutic work across a range of subjects and client groups, including adult mental health, individuals, couples, children and families. You will also sharpen your own critical responses to discourses relating to power, difference and diversity, and develop the skills needed to address issues of discrimination.
Key features
• This course is delivered in partnership with the Institute of Family
Therapy in London • Accredited by the Association of Family Therapy
Career opportunities
The course is the final stage of training leading to qualification as a family/systemic psychotherapist and eligibility to register with the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy).
Areas of study may include:
• Clinical practice: the developing therapist • Clinical practice: the maturing therapist • Research dissertation • Theory in context
To find out more contact: Institute of Family Therapy t: +44 (0)20 7391 9150
PgCert/Pg Dip/MA
Key Facts
Apply direct to the University
October Luton campus 1 year full-time (options available: part-time day) UK/EU/International students Candidates should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level 2:2 or higher.
Human rights covers topics such as slavery, the treatment of indigenous peoples, partition, the Holocaust, genocide, torture, censorship, political prisoners, apartheid, refugees, colonialism and imperialism, creation of the post-WWII rights architecture, as well as current global initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This course provides a comprehensive and historical overview of key elements of human rights up to the present day.
Key features
• Explores practical measures around social enterprise and its links to human rights and social justice • Draws on world-leading research on child sexual exploitation, associated forms of harm and human trafficking
Career opportunities
You will develop a sound understanding of human rights in practice, together with the practical skills required for working within or establishing a social enterprise either within the UK or internationally. This course also prepares you for employment within the voluntary, charitable or governmental sectors. Skills learned in this course are highly transferrable and applicable to a range of employment options across the social care sector.
Areas of study may include:
• Abuse, exploitation and human trafficking • Democracies of culture • Complexities of forced migration: human displacement, trafficking and refuge • Humanitarian aid, non-governmental organisations and social work in disasters • Human rights and social justice • Social enterprise
To find out more contact: Miss Helen Connolly e: helen.connolly@beds.ac.uk
PgCert
Key Facts
Apply direct to the University
October The Institute of Family Therapy, London 1 year part-time UK/EU students Applicants must have successfully completed a foundation year in systemic practice. A Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route is available for students with substantial prior experiential learning.
Join us on this course and you will develop your systemic knowledge and skills, and increase the effectiveness of your direct work with children and families. Designed as an intermediate year of training for systemic psychotherapy and end-stage training as a systemic practitioner, it is built on the theoretical and practice frameworks established in the foundation year. It aims to deepen your confidence in employing different approaches encompassed by systems theory, and will encourage you to incorporate reflexive thinking in your work.
Key features
• Study the application of systemic ideas and learn how they can help you understand the developmental stages of children • Explore the five major modules of systemic practice • Accredited by the Association of Family Therapy
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to have access to posts that require therapeutic skills in working with families with minors, or in health, education and other contexts.
Areas of study may include:
• Skills: intermediate systemic child focused practice • Theory: intermediate systemic child focused practice
To find out more contact: Institute of Family Therapy t: +44 (0)20 7391 9150
Key Facts
Apply direct to the University
October The Institute of Family Therapy, London 1 year part-time UK/EU students Applicants must have successfully completed a foundation year in systemic practice. A Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route is available for students with substantial prior experiential learning.
This course is designed to help nurses, social workers, teachers, counsellors and other health professionals develop their knowledge and increase the effectiveness of their work with families, couples and individuals. It is built on the theoretical and practice frameworks established in the foundation year, and is both an intermediate year of training for systemic psychotherapy and end-stage training for the systemic practitioner.
Key features
• This course aims to familiarise participants with a systems approach to working with couples and families • Explore issues of difference and the promotion and development of anti-oppressive practice which are central to the course’s philosophy and permeate all aspects of your learning • Accredited by the Association of Family Therapy
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to have access to posts that require therapeutic skills in working with families or work in health, education and other contexts.
Areas of study may include:
• Intermediate systemic skills with families and couples • Intermediate systemic theory with families and couples
To find out more contact: Institute of Family Therapy t: +44 (0)20 7391 9150
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Luton campus 1 year full-time (options available: part-time) UK/EU/International students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a related subject.
Candidates without a degree may be accepted based on work or voluntary experience.
Every country’s approach to social work and social development is different, and this course will help you acquire the skills and knowledge you will need to give your career a global perspective. Your studies will provide a broad level of understanding by exposing you to the variety of ways in which our subjects are approached in diverse contexts, and there will be a particular focus on the Global South and on recognising how responses to social issues have developed. There will also be an emphasis on issues that have an international dimension, such as human rights and social justice, trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Key features
• Study, compare and evaluate different global and indigenous approaches to social welfare and development within a framework of critical thinking, equality and social justice • You will be taught by experienced lecturers with considerable research and practice experience
Career opportunities
A wide range of job opportunities are available including roles in various national and international NGOs, humanitarian organisations and government institutions. Further study options include PhD or the Professional Doctorate.
Areas of study may include:
• Comparative social welfare and cultural competence: approaches, policy and practice • Complexities of forced migration: human displacement, trafficking and refuge • Humanitarian aid, NGOs and social welfare in disasters • Human rights • International social welfare and social development
To find out more contact: Ms Roma Thomas t: +44 (0)1582 743588 e: roma.thomas@beds.ac.uk
Preparing for Professional Social Welfare Practice PgCert
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October, February Luton campus 1 year part-time UK/EU/International students Applicants should have a 2:1 Honours degree in a related subject.
Candidates without a degree may be accepted based on work or voluntary experience.
This course is designed for you if you want to be a social worker but have not met the entry requirement of a 2:1 in your undergraduate degree. There is a significant shortage of qualified social workers across the country, and by joining the profession, you will be assured of lifelong employment and rewarding and challenging work with people needing your help, often during their most vulnerable times. We recognise that just because you did not achieve a 2:1, it does not mean that you do not have the potential to be a superb social worker.
Key features
• You will be able to demonstrate your ability to study for the MSc in Social Work • You will achieve prior recognition of your learning (RPL) of 30 credits towards your MSc • You will become part of the postgraduate community and have access to high-quality teaching and cutting edge research
Career opportunities
This course will enable you to join the MSc in Social Work and upon successful completion, gain the professionally recognised qualification.
Areas of study may include:
• Person-centred and reflective practice in social work • Professionalism, law and ethical practice
To find out more contact: Dr Fiona Factor t: 44+(0)1582 743774 e: fiona.factor@beds.ac.uk Key facts
Apply direct to the University
January Luton campus 14 months full-time (options available: part-time) UK/EU/International students Applicants should have a 2:1 Honours degree in a related subject.
Candidates should also have a minimum of six months work experience of voluntary or paid work with children, young people or families.
This practical, work-based course will give you the chance to achieve a nationally recognised professional qualification in Social Work together with a postgraduate academic award. You will acquire the systematic and independent ability to critically evaluate both current theoretical understanding and practice, and develop skills to apply knowledge-informed and evidence-based practice in your workplace. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a piece of supervised original research.
Key features
• Study and evaluate the power structures in society which create inequalities, and acquire an awareness of the tools and techniques which can be used to counter them • Explore your own and others’ practice and current research in the discipline • Benefit from opportunities to develop the skills of initiative, resourcefulness, critical reflection and emotional literacy
Career opportunities
Graduates achieving the Postgraduate Diploma will be eligible to apply to enter the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) professional register as qualified social workers, and to work in a wide range of statutory, private, voluntary and independent organisations providing services to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, children, families, groups and communities.
Areas of study may include:
• Developing professional social work practice • Ethical perspectives on law and society • Research informed child care practice
To find out more contact: Frontline t: +44 (0)20 7167 2636
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Luton campus 2 years full-time (options available: part-time) UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:1 Honours degree in a related subject.
Candidates with a first degree in other disciplines may be considered if they can demonstrate substantial experience in social work/care during the previous five years. All applicants should demonstrate in their application substantial relevant experience of delivering social care services. DBS check and occupational health check required.
On this practice-based course, your studies will be supervised by experienced practitioners, and you can expect an induction, a protected workload and a study day most weeks while on placement. All placements are under constant development with our employer partners, and you may be eligible for a bursary administered by the NHS Bursaries Unit.
Key features
• Gain skills in critical reflexivity and emotional literacy, which underpin collaborative social work practice and proactive professional development • Nationally and internationally recognised for its research excellence • Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council
Career opportunities
Seek employment with a range of local authorities and many private and voluntary agencies throughout the UK.
Areas of study may include:
• Critical issues in specialist and inter-professional practice • Knowledge for social work: critically reflective and research-informed practice • Social work law, ethics and values • Working with people: theories and methods for social work practice
To find out more contact: Ms Sally Cornish t: +44 (0)1582 743174 e: sally.cornish@beds.ac.uk
Master of Professional Social Work Practice
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
January Luton campus 2 years full-time UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:1 Honours degree in a related subject, plus a current work setting (employed or voluntary).
The Master of Professional Social Work Practice (Step Up to Social Work) course allows graduates holding the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Social Work Practice to progress to a full Master's award by undertaking a work-based research project. This work-based course will enable you to gain the systematic and independent ability to critically evaluate current theoretical understanding and practice. You will develop the skills needed to apply knowledge-informed and evidence-based practice in the workplace and have opportunities to undertake a piece of supervised research.
Key features
• You will design, carry out and evaluate original research in the workplace under the supervision of a member of the academic team • Study in both classroom and practice settings to develop the skills of communication, teamwork and leadership
Career opportunities
By completing the Master of Professional Social Work Practice you will be well placed to progress on to one of the School of Applied Social Studies’ Professional Doctorate (DProf) awards in due course to enhance your own knowledge and career development as well as being able to make a distinctive contribution to your profession.
Areas of study may include:
• Developing professional social work practice • Ethical perspectives on law and society • Research informed child care practice
To find out more contact: Dr Lana Burroughs t: +44 (0)123 793206 e: lana.burroughs@beds.ac.uk
Social Research (IASR) MA/MSc by Research/MPhil/PhD
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
October Luton campus Variable UK/EU/International students Applicants should have a 2:1 Honours degree or a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area. You will also need to demonstrate high levels of potential and motivation for research.
IASR focuses on applied research in social contexts. It offers opportunities to study for research-based degrees alongside nationally and internationally recognised experts and to enhance your career opportunities. IASR also offers access to subject specific seminars hosted by its research centres, as well as affiliation with the relevant research centre or group.
Key features
• Affiliation with the relevant research centre or group, enabling closer working relationships
Career opportunities
A research degree can enhance a range of careers in practice, policy, research or academia.
IASR welcomes applications in the following areas:
• Refugee, asylum and migrant children and young people • Research Centre for applied psychology • Safer Young Lives Research Centre • Tilda Goldberg Centre for social work and social care • Vauxhall Centre for the study of crime
To find out more contact: The Research Graduate School t: +44 (0)1582 489056 e: research@beds.ac.uk
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
February Luton campus Variable UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a relevant subject area.
Typically, applicants will be employed as managers or senior practitioners.
This course has three strands: children’s services, young people’s services, and youth justice. The course recognises the commonalities between these three fields of service delivery, while enabling students to focus their research on the strand that fits most closely with their specialist area of interest. The PDC & YPS is an intensive part-time research degree developed jointly within the University's Institute for Applied Social Research (IASR) in partnership with Barnardos, the Brathay Trust and Nacro Youth Crime Section. The course is an applied alternative to a PhD for senior practitioners and managers.
Key features
• The Professional Doctorate in Children & Young People’s Services (PDC & YPS) is the only course of its kind in Europe • A wide range of leading guest speakers and lecturers contribute to the course
Career opportunities
The PDC & YPS equips students to assume senior professional and practice roles in children’s services, young people’s services, youth justice and allied fields, and can provide a career pathway to work in academia.
IASR welcomes applications in the following areas:
• Models and methods of investigation • Remainder of the curriculum is tailored each year to the particular interests of the student cohort
To find out more contact: Dr Tim Bateman e: tim.bateman@beds.ac.uk Key facts
Apply direct to the University
February Luton campus Variable UK/EU students Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours degree in a relevant subject area, as well as three years of experience of systemic practice.
This Professional Doctorate equivalent is aimed at people wanting to undertake research directly related to their practice. Practitioners coming on to this course will have an experienced systemic appreciation of the use of systemic ideas in leadership, therapy, training, organisational development, supervision and community work. This course encourages new ways of inquiring into systemic practice, into the fluid and shifting connections in the reflexive shaping of systemic theory and practice, and systemic research theory and practice. This course is for advanced practitioners who want to benefit from membership of a systemic research school.
Key features
• The course encourages the use and development of systemic research methodologies and systemic adaptation of traditional research methods
Career opportunities
Graduates have gained more senior positions and have taken on creative and rigorous innovative developments in work and research. Many graduates have published papers or books, presented at national and international conferences or gone on to teach.
Areas of study may include:
• Coaching • Community activism • Community work • Leadership • Organisational development • Social and organisational policy • Social work • Therapy
