Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
School of Society, Community and Health
Begin@Beds
STUDYING BSc (Hons) SOCIAL WORK APPRENTICESHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE
2 CONTENTS Welcome to BSc (Hons) Social Work Apprenticeship 3 What to expect in induction week 4 What you will be studying in your first year 5 Professional Courses and Placement Experience 6 Assessment 7 Preparation for your first week 8 Indicative Teaching timetable 9 Frequently asked questions 10 Final Thoughts 11
WELCOME
Welcome, my name is Joan Bailey and I am the Course Lead for BSc (Hons) Social Work (integrated) at the University of Bedfordshire. I am delighted that you have chosen to study with us.
This is an Apprenticeship work-based course and is delivered in conjunction with our Employer Partners.
Social Work is located within the School of Society Community and Health.
Dr Lana Burroughs is our Head of School and Dr Alberto Poletti is the Portfolio Lead for Social Work.
ESSENTIAL CONTACTS
Course Lead
Dr Joan Bailey
joan.bailey@beds.ac.uk
Your personal academic tutor is Email
BSc (Hons) SOCIAL WORK APPRENTICESHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE TO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
During the time you are on the course you will be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who will support you throughout your studies. You will also be allocated a Mentor to support you in the workplace.
Dr Lana Burroughs Head of School Joan Bailey Course Lead
Dr Alberto Poletti Portfolio Lead
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
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WHAT TO EXPECT IN INDUCTION WEEK
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/apprentices
We will introduce you to the support services offered at UoB
Current apprentices 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 an apprentice on a professional programme
Induction will also include an appointment for your ID and document checks
ESSENTIAL LINKS
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.
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WHAT YOU WILL BE STUDYING IN YOUR FIRST YEAR
YEAR 1 STUDENTS WILL BE STUDYING
Foundations for Understanding Social Work
Practice Developing Academic Skills and Professional Capability
Social Work Theory and Methods
ESSENTIAL LINKS
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
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PROFESSIONAL COURSES AND PLACEMENT EXPERIENCE
Our Course is approved by Social Work England, the regulatory body for social work profession. You will be sponsored to be on the course by your Employer. In addition to adhering to your Employment Terms and Conditions, you will be asked to provide a copy of your 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 your Employer. All programmes require 2 placement experiences, one 70-day placement and one 100 day placement. You will undertake your first placement in your second year of study and your second placement in your final year of study.
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ASSESSMENT
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.
RANGE OF ASSESSMENTS
Types of assessment for these units include: Essays
Presentations
Case studies
Placement workbooks
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PREPARATION FOR YOUR FIRST WEEK
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
• You should also familiarise yourself with the Apprenticeship Standards
SOMETHING TO EAT
• Eating and drinking on-campus – University of Bedfordshire
SOMEWHERE TO PARK
• Parking – University of Bedfordshire
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INDICATIVE TEACHING TIMETABLE
As you begin your journey as a social work apprentice your first year 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 in your second year.
Sample timetable – Semester 1 BSc (Hons) Social Work Apprenticeship
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
10am Foundations for Understanding
Social Work Practice
Lectures and Practical Workshops
Topics:
• Human Development
• Working with Diversity and Difference
• Social Work Law and Social Policy
Work Based Learning in your work place 11am 12pm 1pm LUNCH
2pm Developing Academic and Professional Capability Lectures and Practical Workshops
Topics:
• Shadowing Opportunities 3pm 4pm 5pm
• Academic Skills
• Professional Conduct
• Preparing for Assessed Practice
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many hours do students have to study in Uni each week?
On the BSc (Integrated) apprentices will attend University for 1 day a week and remain in employment for the rest of the week and for duration of the course.
Am I able to chose my placement?
No, your employer will allocate your 70-day and 100-day placements.
When does the course start?
Induction/Welcome week is generally the third week in 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
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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!
THIS IS WHAT OUR APPRENTICES SAY
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.
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!
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.
TOP REASONS TO LOVE THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION
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 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 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.
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