Developing professional competence for non-graduate social workers ('bridging module') (degree level)

A module to help experienced practitioners demonstrate their ability to undertake study at a postgraduate level
Developing professional competence for non-graduate social workers ('bridging module') (degree level)

Key features

This module has been developed especially for experienced practitioners who have not previously studied at degree level, or who have not studied for some time, to enable you to demonstrate the ability to produce reflective and analytical work at an appropriate level for further masters-level study.

This module will enable you to achieve the learning outcomes through guided workshops (focusing upon critical analysis and standards of academic writing), a range of practice activities and the compilation of a portfolio of work with your employer. 

You will also receive tutorial support focusing on your developing abilities to think and write clearly at degree level and use evidence in practice.

The module outcomes are designed to be consistent with the ‘social worker’ level of the Professional Capabilities Framework for social work. 

 You will demonstrate the ability to reflect on and write at degree level about your tasks, roles and interventions, and will create a portfolio which will demonstrate your ability to critically analyse and reflect on your practice making effective use of knowledge and research.

This module can be taken as a standalone professional development short course or as a ‘bridging’ module in preparation for studying one of our MSc Advanced Professional Practice social work pathways.

Course details

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge and theoretical understanding to your area of social work practice, utilising current research, policy, legislation and theoretical frameworks and present it within an appropriately structured piece of academic work
  • demonstrate that you are able to critically analyse the effectiveness of your practice through the use of reflection tools and supervision
  • demonstrate that you have developed a skill and knowledge base consistent with confident, critically reflective and effective social work, and consolidated your initial capabilities from the point of qualification as a social worker to the appropriate level of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment level of the Professional Capabilities Framework
  • demonstrate the ability to apply professional values to complex situations within organisational constraints.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is in two parts:

1. The creation of a portfolio showing evidence that you have achieved the nine domains of the Professional Capabilities Framework.

2. A final reflective written assessment in the form of a 2,500 critical reflection.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit.)

Module dates

The dates for the next delivery are to be confirmed.

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.

Access to: 

  • application forms 
  • change of name forms
  • pre-course information
  • downloadable guides
  • student card.

Visit our admissions homepage for full details.

Entry requirements

Applicants should be in social work employment that would enable the completion of a portfolio of reflective work, with the support of their employer. 

The module lead will consider any evidence of any applicants’ potential ability to study at degree level, but as the module is intended to assist students who wish to study at this level as a bridge to postgraduate study, students are not expected to have attained degree level at the start of the module.

Fees and funding

Fees

Please see our professional development module fees page.

Funding

Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. Please contact your trust’s education coordinator in the first instance. If you work in the private, independent or voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you accordingly.