Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Arts Social Work, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to the MA Social Work course to our new and returning students. This handbook provides you with information that you will need to succeed on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a module handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. On behalf of our University and the whole course team we would like to wish you well in your studies.
Gill Impey, Course Director
Welcome to your course in the School of Health. I am delighted to be able to welcome our new and returning students and apprentices into the 2023/24 academic year.
The year ahead will contain success, challenge, and personal growth for you, and the School's team of dedicated academics, learning officers and administrators are here to help you to achieve your potential.
Our School has a broad range of disciplines, including Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Nursing and Healthcare, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychological Therapies and Mental Health, Safety and Environmental Health, Social and Community Studies and Sports and Exercise Therapy teams. Our academic teams work collaboratively - drawing on each other's expertise to support learning, undertake professional practice and consultancy, and delivery internationally recognised, societally impactful research.
Throughout the year ahead please do take time to let us know what you are enjoying and what you find valuable - but also please let us know if there are things we could do differently to improve your experience through feedback to your Course Director, at the School Forum or through the module evaluation and surveys.
I wish you every success for this academic year!
Dr Duncan Sharp, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Pastoral Support - academic advisors
During induction week you will be allocated an academic advisor/ personal tutor. Your advisor is your first point of contact and will offer structured tutorials. Your advisor will also be able to see you by appointment. Your advisor can direct you to other sources of advice and support as needed. Tutors are available for academic and personal discussion on both a scheduled and 'drop-in' basis. Tutors also support students through their practice placements. Where there are concerns, for example around health issues, conduct, suitability or attendance, tutors will offer support and advice and, where necessary convene a progress meeting to discuss the issues or concerns.
Other Support
In addition to academic advisors, additional support is offered via a number of routes:
- The Course Director, David Mercer has an overview of the course as a whole and provides support with University processes and regulations. Your Level tutors facilitate the student experience and work with personal tutors to ensure students are supported with their studies. Your Level tutor is the person to contact about any queries or questions about the organisation and delivery of your studies. They will also organise your focus groups and respond to student feedback in the first instance.
- Module tutors are available to discuss issues about the learning and assessment process for the specific module.
- The Academic Lead for Practice, Paula Beesley, provides information and general support for students managing their placement and is supported by the Practice Learning team.
- When undertaking practice placements students are supported by a Practice Educator who has undertaken relevant training and is contracted to provide regular supervision for the student.
Your Course Representatives details will be provided in class or via MyBeckett.
The Academic Librarians for this course can be contacted at: sohlibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online form for help with academic and research skills: Get Help form
Social Work group contacts
Dr Lorraine Agu, Head of Social Work, l.agu@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 4330
Dr David Mercer, Course Director Pre-qualifying courses/ BA Level 5 tutor, d.mercer@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 4310
Gill Impey, Course Director, MA Social Work, g.impey@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 2308
Mark Williams, MA Year 1 tutor, m.p.williams@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 4314
Dr Paula Beesley, BA Level 4 tutor / Academic Lead for Practice, p.h.beesley@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 4405
Max Bell, Course Director, maxine.bell@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 9855
Dr Emma Geddes, Senior Lecturer, e.geddes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 1927
Christian Kerr, Lecturer, c.kerr@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Ged McGurn, Lecturer, g.mcgurn@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 9949
Rebecca O'Keefe, Senior Lecturer, r.okeefe@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 2597
Alice O'Sullivan, Senior Lecturer, a.osullivan@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 7233
Melanie Watts, BA Level 6 tutor, melanie.watts@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 7506
Part-time tutors
Emma Coils
Lisa Hunt
Bronwen Maxwell
Gemma Reilly
See details here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/freedom-to-speak-up/
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations via My Beckett email announcements. For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
Absence reporting
If you are absent from a session, please inform the Course Administrator by email prior to the session and they will inform the relevant module leader and tutor.
Reporting absences for placements
See details in your Placement Handbook. The absence reporting web page is here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/absence-reporting/
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
- Provide a challenging programme of applied learning that enables students to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values to embark on their career with a strong and confident professional identity and a commitment to continued professional development.
- Produce postgraduate, qualifying-level social work students who, at the point of completion of their course, meet the Social Work England Standards and associated PCF domains, enabling students to apply for professional registration as a social worker.
- Enable students to use professional judgement in making decisions in complex situations within legal and ethical boundaries and work in accordance with Social Work England Standards.
- Communicate effectively with a range of people (including children and adult service users, colleagues, other professionals and people in authority) and in a variety of settings and promote a philosophy of partnership working which is effective with other health and social care professionals, service users, carers and their families.
- Develop critically reflective practitioners, with the ability to utilise contemporary knowledge and theory and who can draw upon evidence-based research to monitor and evaluate both the effectiveness of their practice and the delivery of social work in a multi-disciplinary context.
Studying on this course
The MA Social Work is an academic and practice based award over two years. On successful completion, you will receive a postgraduate degree and will also be eligible to qualify and apply to register as a social worker. Throughout the course we will also be training you in the practice based capabilities framework, the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and the Knowledge and Skills Statements.
The Social Work programme at the University has developed strong partnerships with employers and placement providers from the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors. In particular, we have entered into a Teaching Partnership with Leeds City Council, Wakefield MDC and the University of Leeds. This employer-led approach to the curriculum guarantees that Leeds Beckett students will be able to access high quality statutory placements during the course of study. The course has been commended for the involvement of service users and carers in the development and delivery of our courses.
The MA Social Work aims to provide a challenging programme of applied learning that will enable students to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values to embark on their career with a strong and confident professional identity and a commitment to continued professional development.
We expect high standards of professional conduct from all involved in the course and students are required to have Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
On completion of the course, successful students are able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to critically apply evidence based knowledge to inform professional capability at qualifying level.
- Demonstrate the ability to be accountable for the management and development of self as an independent learner and a professional practitioner.
- Critically apply a range of social work skills in order to intervene ethically and effectively and make decisions in challenging situations.
- Critically reflect upon and analyse social work practice within the social and organisational context in order to provide creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Apply global principles of human rights in order to promote social justice and demonstrate best practice in working with a diverse range of service user groups.
- Demonstrate in depth knowledge and a critical understanding of social work practice to meet the professional requirements and standards of the regulator.
- Critically appraise and apply research and evidence based knowledge to inform best social work practice.
Assessment & Feedback
On this course students are assessed mainly through coursework, with examinations (timed online assessments) and practical assessments. Placement experiences are assessed.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You will be required to submit your written work via Turnitin and information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. There is sometimes a perceived delay between submitting an assessment and receiving feedback, as work has to be marked and moderated, before feedback can be given, but this will normally be within the standard four weeks return period. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Formative assessment is integrated throughout the modules on the course. Some modules have Skills Development days based within the clinical skills suite and communication suites allowing tutors and peers to provide students with immediate, constructive feedback on their skills and application of knowledge. Tutor feedback on role plays is recorded and uploaded into the student's e-portfolio. Feedback is also provided by members of the ABEL group and experienced social work practitioners. Formative feedback is provided through class activities, such as presentations, debates and discussions, online discussion boards and through group activities. Students are required to submit regular reflections to their e-portfolios and feedback is provided by the personal tutor and/or Practice Educator to facilitate the development of reflective skills.
Students receive feedback relating to their assignment aligned to the learning outcomes for the modules. Exemplars and model answers are used in some modules to provide generic feedback to students. Therefore, throughout the modules there are many and varied opportunities for formative feedback, particularly peer feedback.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/
Results will appear on Results Online within five working days from the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your module leader or Academic Advisor for any clarification.
If a placement is failed, please see the information in the Additional or Non-Standard Regulations section below.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
The course commences with an intensive week of induction and orientation that aims to introduce the core concepts of the course and to enable the student cohort to develop a cohesive sense of identity. The course promotes an inclusive environment that involves behaving in a non-discriminatory way, being respectful of others and valuing diversity. A group agreement is developed as part of the Induction process with every cohort of students, with the aim of creating a safe space for shared and independent learning. The course encourages students to engage in respectful discussion, debate, collaborative work and research, in order to recognise and learn from different viewpoints and critically examine diverse theoretical perspectives. Students are encouraged to identify and evaluate their learning styles and preferences and to develop action plans and Learning Contracts to support self-directed learning. The course employs a wide variety of teaching styles and assessment methods to promote and enable inclusive learning. Placement providers are offered support and guidance around reasonable adjustment, from tutors and the University Disability Service, to promote appropriate learning opportunities for all students.
Teaching takes place in multi-purpose teaching spaces throughout the University, with additional specialist teaching and learning facilities for interpersonal skills development and experiential learning within the School. Some modules enable the students to work mainly as one year cohort of postgraduate students and others include some joint teaching sessions with student peers from the BA (Hons) Social Work. In such modules it is recognised that there are shared areas of knowledge that are appropriate to be taught jointly to students at the relevant stages of their progress through the BA and MA courses. Module leaders ensure separate sessions and learning materials are offered to MA students to enable assimilation and synthesis of knowledge at a deeper and more challenging level. Students are supported to develop skills of advanced scholarship in undertaking their research to complete assessments for these modules at master's level.
Teaching approaches include staff and/or practitioner led lectures (including podcasts) and workshops for skills development. Some teaching includes working with students from different professional disciplines to promote inter-disciplinary learning and good practice. The Children and Young People module in particular includes teaching and learning opportunities alongside specialist child health students and tutors in order to promote positive inter-professional collaboration in the crucial area of child welfare and safeguarding. The School also co-ordinates inter-professional learning workshops enabling students from a wide range of health and social care disciplines to work together on themes such as multi-disciplinary case management.
Thirty days for skills development are embedded throughout the curriculum. These include opportunities to develop a range of professional skills through experiential learning at appropriate levels highlighted in the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), in particular, readiness for first placement, readiness for final placement and transition to qualified practice. Most of the skills development sessions are undertaken alongside students on the undergraduate course. This is in recognition of the fact that the PCF is common to both BA and MA students and both cohorts of students are seeking to attain the same levels of capability as they progress through their courses. Social work practitioners and service users and carers work alongside academic tutors in developing students' practice skills against the PCF. Examples include activities to develop and assess communication and inter-personal skills, conflict and risk management, court and report writing skills. The role plays and activities involve scripted roles and are recorded. Ground rules are agreed and established early in the course, which emphasise the importance of mutual respect and support.
To develop self-directed learning, students are encouraged to participate in student-led seminars and presentations, as well as group work activities and action learning sets to promote shared learning, peer feedback and team working skills. Analytical skills and critical thinking are developed through reflective learning blogs and critical incident analyses as well as problem-based learning activities. Case study analysis and experiential learning are used to integrate theory and practice and to develop critical application of theory.
Interpersonal skills are central to social work practice and these are taught through the use of dedicated communication skills facilities. Students are enabled to practise and develop their professional communication skills in preparation for practice and throughout the course up to qualifying level. Students are supported to self-evaluate their skills, to provide peer feedback and to respond to the constructive feedback of peers, tutors, service users and carers and Practice Educators. Students are also provided opportunities to develop specialist skills in the presentation of evidence through simulated courtroom and mental health tribunal learning experiences. Electronic portfolios are widely used throughout the curriculum to demonstrate evidence of skills development, critical thinking and reflective learning. Multi-media sources are used to engage and support student learning in the classroom and in the virtual learning environment.
All modules are core and are 20 credits except Social Work Research, which is 40 credits
Level 7 core modules, indicative delivery full-time
Year 1
Semester 1
Practice Placement 1
Preparation for Practice - effective engagement with people
Social Work with Adults
Social Work with Children and Young People
Semester 2
Practice Placement 1 continues
Models of Intervention
Social Work Research
Year 2
Semester 1
Social Work Law for Qualifying Practice
Social Work Research continues
Semester 2 (extended semester)
Practice Placement 2
Level 7 core modules, indicative delivery part-time
Year 1
Semester 1
Preparation for Practice - effective engagement with people
Social Work with Adults or Social Work with Children and Young People
Semester 2
Models of Intervention
Year 2
Semester 1
Practice Placement 1
Social Work with Adults or Social Work with Children and Young People
Semester 2
Practice Placement 1 continues
Social Work Research
Year 3
Semester 1
Social Work Law for Qualifying Practice
Social Work Research continues
Semester 2 (extended semester)
Practice Placement 2
A standard 20 credit module equates to 200 notional learning hours comprising teaching, learning and assessment, embedded placement activities and independent study. The notional hours for the course have been exceeded due to the placement hours requirement.
Overall Workload in hours | Level 7 |
Teaching and Learning | 412 |
Independent Study and Assessment | 1148 |
Placement | 1275 |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Health Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Social Work England
Social Work England's web link for students: https://www.socialworkengland.org.uk/education-training/students-and-graduates/
This course is approved by Social Work England. Successful completion of the course provides eligibility to apply for registration and to practise as a social worker in England.
Conduct
It is important to behave in a professional manner both within and outside University. This includes use of social media, communication to staff and students, behaviour within the classroom or within online activities and in negotiating difficulties or problems while on the course. Tutors will monitor professionalism and address any concerns raised.
'In Year' Work Placement Information
Students undertake two periods of assessed practice that are supported by a qualified practice educator.
Practice placement 2 - 100 days
Placement 2: within a statutory context
Reporting absences for placements
See details in your Placement Handbook. The absence reporting web page is here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/absence-reporting/
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Our strong links with local partner agencies and the emphasis on skills development in the curriculum enables many students to gain employment with a range of local and national statutory and voluntary agencies immediately on completing the course. Students have an extremely good track record of employability and every year a significant number are recruited to work in the team or agency they have been placed in during their final practice placement. The course specifically promotes the employability of students by encouraging commitment to independent learning and career planning from the start. During Induction students are introduced to the professional standards and the principles of professional self-regulation. The use of the e-portfolio in the Preparation for Practice module in year 1 enables students to take responsibility for their own learning and professional development through the course and beyond. There are a number of opportunities in this module for self-evaluation and action planning in order to identify areas for focussed self-directed study.
The two practice placements continue to embed the principles of personal responsibility for professional development through critical reflection, regular recording in a reflective journal and active engagement in supervision with a Practice Educator. In the second year the course allows opportunities for students to develop their skills in order to prepare for job-seeking. We hold a Skills Development Day, supported by colleagues from the Careers Team, specifically around employability in which students are able to practise, evaluate and develop their interview skills through experiential learning opportunities.
The majority of our students progress to employment in social work roles in agencies such as, children's and adults services of local authorities, primary care and health services, voluntary and third sector agencies, and prisons or offending services.
The University also provides post-qualifying training and education. This promotes the continued professional development of our alumni, many of whom return to work with us in partnership as Practice Educators for the new generation of social work students. Graduates may also wish to undertake doctoral research.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
The physical and online resources available for this course include classroom and lecture facilities with PC and smartboard facilities; social learning spaces with individual tutorial rooms; and the online learning repository 'MyBeckett' which contains lectures, notices, assignment submission facilities.
Throughout the course, experiential learning through role play involving practitioners and actors is part of the development of communication skills. Specialist suites are used for this work within the University.
Practice placements are a vital part of the course.
Social work bursaries
You may be eligible for a NHS Social work bursary and a contribution towards placement expenses (UK students only), see: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/social-work-students
Full-time students may receive a bursary for both years 1 and 2 of the course. In accordance with the Department of Health & Social Care guidance, following the selection process, all candidates who accepted the offer at a place at Leeds Beckett are ranked in order of priority for a social work bursary. The rank order is obtained with reference to the scores awarded to each applicant during the interview and selection process and the application form. The names of those candidates are sent in rank order to the NHS Bursaries team. Whilst Leeds Beckett University rank candidates on the basis of their performance through the admissions process, the NHS Bursaries team assess candidates for their eligibility for a bursary. You are advised to consult the NHS Bursaries team for further information.
Part-time students may be eligible to receive the bursary in three instalments over three years. Overall, this is the same amount that full-time students receive over two years. Bursaries are limited each year and bursaries for part-time students are only awarded when sufficient bursaries are available.
Students who suspend their studies or who fail one or more modules may not be eligible for further funding. Serious concerns about a student's course attendance may impact on their eligibility to receive bursary funding in the final year of the course. This means that a student who has been allocated a bursary for one year may not (in accordance with SW/NHS bursary rules) receive continued funding. Students may be removed from the capped nomination list if their attendance and engagement on the course falls below that which is expected. Students should consult with the bursary office if they are considering taking time out from the course for any reason (eg temporary withdrawal or maternity leave) as it is likely to affect the provision of the bursary made by the Social Work bursaries.
We would stress we do not know in advance of each year if and how many bursaries are going to be awarded. The Government is reviewing social work bursaries and we do not know at present the impact this will have on future years.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Postgraduate Diploma Social Work
Non-professional contained awards:
Postgraduate Certificate Social Studies
Postgraduate Diploma Social Studies
Master of Arts Social Studies
Leeds Beckett University
Part-time delivery is over three years.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The course follows the University Academic Regulations except where noted below.
Fitness to Practise
The course is authorised to use the University Fitness to Practise Policy. Students are expected to act in a professional manner at all times in line with the Policy: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/-/media/files/policies/student/ups_fitness_to_practise_policy_procedure.pdf
Achievement of the award
All assessments, components of assessment, modules and placements, must be passed for the conferment of the award. The course does not allow for compensation or condoning of marks by the Progression and Award Board.
In-level stage within the academic level
There is an in-level stage at the end of year one for full-time students and on completion of the Practice Placement 1 module for part-time students. This stage constitutes the group of modules undertaken by these points on completion of which student progress is considered so both reassessment opportunities and subsequently repeat opportunities for any failed modules are undertaken part way through the course and prior to progressing to stage two of the course.
Mitigation
No mitigation is allowed for the practice component.
Contained Awards
Students who fail to achieve the minimum performance required for the target award shall be recommended for the conferment of a lower or the same level award with a different title (not a professional award), in line with the Regulations.
Non-professional contained awards
These contained awards do not provide eligibility to apply for registration as a social worker:
- Postgraduate Certificate Social Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma Social Studies
- MA Social Studies: This option is only available to students who commence the course from 2019-20. Students who do not successfully complete the Practice Placement 2 module only, can opt to undertake the Open Learning module (20 credits) in order to achieve the University's requirements for a Master's award. This module is optional and the student may decide to exit with the Postgraduate Diploma Social Studies contained award instead. See below for details regarding failing placements, readiness for practice and the Practice Assessment Examination Committee's role when placements are failed.
Professional contained award
Postgraduate Diploma Social Work - for students who successfully complete the Practice Placement 1 and 2 modules, but who do not pass the Social Work Research module. This contained awards does provide eligibility to apply for registration as a social worker (this is the MA Social Work exit route as the PG Diploma Social Work is not offered as a target award).
Placement progression for placement 1 and 2
Placement progression is assessed through the practice settings and professional requirements. The Practice Assessment Examination Committee (PAEC) meets twice yearly to discuss practice assessments and makes recommendations concerning the progression of students to the Progression and Award Board.
Failing placement
Students normally have only one opportunity to repeat a placement throughout the course. Students who fail two assessed practice learning placements across the whole course will be deemed to have failed the course and a recommendation made to the Progression and Award Board for the student to be withdrawn from the course and be credited with completed modules with the appropriate contained award. This includes students who withdraw from placement following practice concerns and/or an action plan. Students in this situation will be discussed at PAEC and a fail recommendation will normally be suggested.
The University cannot guarantee that a repeat placement can be sourced but will work with partners in the Teaching Partnership to make every reasonable effort to do so.
Students who fail or withdraw from placement will complete a Readiness for Practice plan with their tutors, prior to any repeat placement, as outlined below.
Readiness for practice
The Professional Capabilities Framework outlines a number of statements relating to Readiness for Practice for student social workers which impact upon student progression as follows:
- Prior to first placement, students are assessed on their communication skills and ability to learn from feedback. The ability of students to apply basic social work knowledge, skills and values will also be assessed through a recorded role play and written reflection.
- Students are also assessed at the end of the first practice placement concerning their readiness to progress to the second practice placement where more complex work will be undertaken.
- Students who have failed or withdrawn from placement must complete a Readiness for Practice Plan as determined by their tutor which will be considered by Practice Assessment Examination Committee (PAEC). Students who fail to undertake or complete a Readiness for Practice Plan will not be offered a further practice placement. All External Examiners are invited to attend the PAEC and it is a requirement that at least one will be available for this meeting.
Attendance
The course follows the University's Academic Engagement Policy and expects attendance at all mandatory sessions on the timetable. All sessions are mandatory unless indicated as voluntary (e.g., drop in sessions). Additionally, the full placement days for the relevant placement level must be completed. Details of how absences are managed are detailed here and in the Placement Handbooks. Attendance is monitored through the academic advisor process and in liaison with the Level Tutor and Course Director. Academic advisors will expect students to discuss any missed sessions and evidence work taken to compensate for absence.
Academic calendar
This course follows a non-standard calendar to accommodate placements.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
Ms Cath Holmström, Keele University
Dr Andrew Mantell, London South Bank University
Mrs Rowena Pyott, University of Lincoln
Appendices
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