THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
School of Society, Community and Health
Begin@Beds
We are delighted that you have chosen to join our BSc (Hons) Social Work course at the University of Bedfordshire.
Here at UoB social work is located within the School of Society Community and Health, where you will have opportunities to study alongside students undertaking degrees within Allied or Public Health.
Dr Lana Burroughs is our Head of School and Dr Alberto Poletti is the Portfolio Lead for Social Work. The Course lead for BSc Social Work is Kirsten Warren.
During the time you are on the course you will be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who will support you throughout your studies.
Course Lead
Kirsten Warren kirsten.warren@beds.ac.uk
Your personal academic tutor is Email
Student Information Desk (SiD) beds.ac.uk/sid sid@beds.ac.uk
Treehouse Community & Faith Centre
Mental Health Services beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
BedsSU (student union) help@bedssu.co.uk
Here are some of the activities that we typically cover during Welcome Week:
During your induction we will welcome you to Belong@Beds
You will meet the staff team and your fellow students
We will introduce you to the support services offered at UoB
Current students and alumni will talk to you about their experiences of studying at UoB and answer any questions you may have
You will be provided detailed information about what to expect within your programme of study and what we expect from you as students on a professional programme
Induction will also include an appointment for your ID and document checks
For more information on joining your course, visit Begin BSc Social Work @Beds where you will find updated info, tips and dates of your course induction week etc.
Your first year of study will combine a mix of seminars and skills days to equip you with the foundational knowledge base of principles, theories and legislation and the practical skills to develop your readiness for practice before commencing your first 70-day placement.
How to find your Timetable
Information about your learning with BREO
Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub
Visit the Library
Begin@Beds Start your student journey
Thrive@Beds My Beds Life
Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service
Our Course is approved by Social Work England, the regulatory body for social work profession.
As you enrol on your professional course you will need to complete an enhanced DBS along with ID checks and an occupational health assessment. You will also be asked to read and sign your professional studies contract which is in line with Social Work England’s Professional Standards which will guide you through your degree course.
Your placement experience will be provided by local employer partners within and beyond the university’s dedicated teaching partnership; offering a variety of learning within voluntary, private and statutory sectors of social work practice.
All programmes require two placement experiences, one 70-day placement and one 100-day placement; this will commence in your second year of study. Learning does not stop once you are qualified as UoB offers a range of post-qualified units to support your continuous professional development.
Assessments are creative and designed to be inclusive of our diverse range of students. They are also designed to reflect the key social work skills you will need within your social work career, in accordance with Social Work England’s Standards and the Professional Capabilities Framework.
During your practice placement you will be supported and assessed by a Practice Educator, who is a qualified social worker.
Types of assessment for these units include:
Essays
Presentations
Case studies
Placement workbooks
Viva Voce – an oral exam, no writing
Open book online assessments
Law Exam
Research Project
SOMETHING TO READ
• What do social workers do? includes video feedback from service users about their social workers
• BASW – Code of Ethics
Download BASW Code of Ethics for Social Work as a PDF
SOMETHING TO EAT
• Eating and drinking on-campus – University of Bedfordshire
SOMEWHERE TO PARK
• Parking – University of Bedfordshire
In your first year, you will be in University, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. In your second and final year, you will be in University on Tuesday. You will be on Placement Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Monday will be your study day.
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
10am Academic Skills:
• Lectures
11am
• Practical Tasks
• Library Sessions
12pm
Human Development:
• Lectures
• Child Observations
Practical Skills Day to develop social work skills
LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH
1pm Tutorials Library
2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm
Working with People:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Group Work
• Role Plays
Practical Skills Day to develop social work skills
Study Day Study Day
How many hours do students have to study in Uni each week?
You will have up to two days a week in university in year one, and then one day university and 3/4 days on placement once this commences –allowing for one study day per week.
Where will placements be?
Placements are provided within Luton and the broader Bedfordshire County, within voluntary, private and statutory sectors.
Am I able to chose my placement?
No, however you are able to state any preferences in your placement profile; although this cannot be guaranteed.
When does the course start?
Your course introduction ‘Begin@Beds’ week, will be in mid-September with teaching starting the following week.
Is there someone who can help me with my assessments?
The lecturing team are always available to guide you with the theory based content and you might want to book a 1:1 tutorial with your Unit Lead. If you need more time to complete an assignment, please contact Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM) who deal with extensions for assessments. Their email is mitigation@beds.ac.uk
Is there somewhere for me to get support if I have a learning difference such as Dyslexia?
Yes! There is plenty of help available and students may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, stating any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations. There is also help available for practice based learning.
Are there clubs and activities I can get involved with?
Yes! The Student Union will provide lots of information about the sporting clubs, activities and events available for all students at UoB. For more information visit bedssu.co.uk
ESSENTIAL LINKS
Simulation suite beds.ac.uk/simulation
Learning Difference support information beds.ac.uk/student-support/disabilities2
Seeing our students grow, thrive and develop through to graduation is one of the joys of our job. Hearing of their success in practice once they have qualified and are employed is the icing on the cake.
The University of Bedfordshire Social Work Team are passionate about Social Work and believe that Social Workers make a huge difference to the lives of the people they support, as well as to society as a whole. Every year we are proud to see our newly qualified Social Work students from across the various courses graduate and enter the profession.
We now look forward to joining you on your journey!
Social work is an opportunity to walk with people through the darkest times in their lives, and support them to make purposeful change.
Nothing beats that!
Because when things can sometimes feel so unjust, you can be a force for good. Social workers work with some of the most vulnerable people in society, challenging racism, disablism and other forms of oppression and discrimination.
The Placement and University pattern provides a good balance for learning.
Tutors are accessible and supportive. All staff very helpful and responded quickly.
I was matched with an excellent placement that really supported my learning needs – really boosted my confidence for the final placement and work in general.
I felt supported throughout the course and would like to say a huge thank you to all parties for making this journey a success!
Lectures provide a safe place to learn and we are encouraged to express our opinions. We are well supported by the teaching team and are well prepared to enter the profession. I feel understood and I can develop at my own pace.
Because social work is all about people. It is an exciting and varied role in which you have the privilege of working with adults and children in their homes and other settings so you can try to understand the world through their eyes.
Because you learn so much about yourself. Social workers need to practise reflectively, and you will learn to deeply analyse your assumptions and your practice.
Because in social work you draw from a broad knowledge base. The theories that underpin social work come from diverse subjects such as sociology, psychology, social policy, organisational behaviour theory, law and education.