Programme structure
The Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship programme reflects the multiprofessional nature of social work practice through joint learning sessions with students of nursing, occupational therapy, midwifery, medicine, education and physiotherapy. There is also a focus on the social science knowledge base of social work, with contributions from criminology, psychology, sociology and social policy.
With support from their employer, apprentices are required to spend a minimum of 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of their role or that further apprentices development into new areas.
Importantly, on the social work programme, students will spend on average two days per week during term time within the university, so employers will need to be able to support this commitment.
Modules and core skills
Year 1
- Introduction to Social Work Practice
- Contemporary Social Inequalities
- Human Growth and Development
- Preparing for Social Work Practice
- Law for Social Workers
- Experts by Experience: Lived Experience, Needs and Resources
Year 2
- Social Work Practice with Children and Families
- Social Work Practice with Adults
- Practice Learning 1
- Critical Social Work Practice
Year 3
- Social Work Dissertation
- Contemporary Social Work
- Practice Learning 2
- Social Work End Point Assessment
Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will:
- be equipped to analyse and evaluate complex knowledge, theory and research critically, reflectively and conceptually, drawing conclusions from it on a self-managed and systematic basis
- be able to apply complex knowledge from a variety of academic disciplines to uncertain practice situations, including those involving risk
- have a systematic understanding of research approaches, methods and evidence
- show a detailed understanding of the tasks, responsibilities and accountability of social workers
- demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of applied social policy and law, including relevant practice guidance
- have well-developed skills in engaging, building, maintaining, sustaining and ending effective and compassionate relationships with service users and carers.
Lab facilities
Mithras House has a series of lab rooms which can be used for teaching on your course or in your independent research work.
Life lab
A skills-based lab for practice-based teaching, social work, psychotherapy and counselling, and employability. The Life lab is fitted with lounge furniture to provide a comfortable space for conducting qualitative research with larger groups. The lab can be used to conduct research activities with children of all ages and can be used for meetings and events. The room also contains a dedicated space to conduct assessed role play or interviews with children.
City lab
This is a qualitative research methods and creative methods resource for all students, staff and researchers, as well as research participants, including children, community groups and the general public. It can also be used for meetings and events. The City lab contains a kitchen, a teaching/meeting room with enhanced acoustic isolation and two meeting spaces that can be separated with a screen or combined to accommodate larger groups.
Design lab
Housing our extensive collection of historic dress and textiles, which are used in some teaching on our