Social Interventions MSc

About the course

There are four different pathways Children and Young People, Adults Services, Practice Educator, and Mental Health - which offers the option of a AHMH route or a non-AHMH route. Students who are registered social workers are eligible for the relevant GSCC PQ awards.

Each pathway has a number of modules reflecting the specialist area. For example: those for the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) Mental Health pathway has two 30 credit specialist modules: Applied Mental Health law and Managing Health Assessments.

The structure of the programme is designed such that there will be sharing of learning across discipline groups as well as specific learning within their own discipline area.

Modules may be taken as single, stand alone, modules up to a maximum of 60 credits after which students must enroll onto the programme in order to continue with their PQ studies.

The Programme offers the following interim awards to allow students maximum flexibility in their studies.

Students on the MSc Social Interventions will be required to take an evaluative approach to their education and training and apply this academically and in their practice learning. The emphasis will be on students taking personal responsibility to develop a critical appreciation of social work and the role of social care within contemporary society. It is expected by the end of the programme students will have a clarity of their aims in social work and social care and have developed the skills needed to achieve them in practice; to not only continue to be fit for purpose but improve overall standards for social work, social care and health practice.

Why choose this course?

• The primary aim is to produce post-graduates who are equipped with the skills, knowledge and competencies required to meet the changing demands in their areas of social work, social care and health specialisms.
• In doing so, the MSc Social Interventions meets the requirements of the revised qualifying framework (2005) for Social Work Education and Training, as set out by the General Social Care Council, which requires universities to plan and deliver the new post qualifying framework.
• The programme also meets the requirements for Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP), Best Interest Assessor, and Practice Educator training.
• The programmes have been developed by, and will be delivered by, lecturers with expert knowledge of their subject areas. The lecturers leading the practice focussed modules and practice specialist modules maintain appropriate clinical links and continue to update their clinical knowledge. A number of these members of staff are active in national and international specialist forums. The theoretical aspects of the programmes are likewise delivered by lecturers with expert knowledge and skills in their respective areas.

Study routes

• Part Time,
• Part Time, 3 Years
• Full Time (Less than 24 weeks),
• Full Time (Less than 24 weeks), 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

There is a strong demand for skilled knowledgeable social workers and other allied professionals that are competent to practice and have the capability to develop and inform practice locally and regionally. This demand is reflected in the contractual arrangements that the University has with the North London Social and Health Authorities to provide Approved Mental Health training and, locally, PQ training for social work staff. The programmes are designed and delivered for social work and health professionals predominantly employed within the regional health and social care economy. Modules reflect contemporary issues within social work and health and social care setting, for example, Personalisation and Safeguarding.

Social work is a regulated profession. As a social work student you will be expected to register with the General Social Care Council (CSCC), the social work profession's regulator, and adhere to the standards set out in the code of Practice for Social Workers.

 

 

Teaching methods

Our aim is to maximise student learning, teaching is based on learner centred and blended learning approaches that encourage active student engagement and provide flexibility in how, when and where students learn. A range of teaching techniques such as lectures, seminars, tutorials and the use of problem based learning all help to ensure flexibility of learning. Blogs, Wikis and group discussion facilities on StudyNet (the University's intranet) helps to supplement an active approach and timely response to learning throughout the programme.

Work Placement

As the course aims to develop professional and work based skills it is important that students have access to the work setting. This is also a major requirement for the completion of module assignments and other assessments, which all reflect the student's professional work setting.

Professional Accreditations

The programme meets the requirements of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) as identified in its Post-qualifying framework for social education and training (GSCC 2005) as well as the 2007 Amendment of the Mental Health Act 1983 with regard to the specific competencies required of Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) and Best Interest Assessor (BIA). It also covers the requirements for the Practice Educator Award (GSCC)

Successful completion of the Postgraduate award will enable registered social worker to gain the the Higher Specialist award in their designated pathway. Successful completion of the full MSc award will enable registered social worker to gain the Advanced Practice Award.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Applied Mental Health Law

  Legislation compelling individuals to undergo assessment, treatment and care differentiates mental disorder from other health conditions. The application of such legislation to individuals are often discriminated against and disadvantaged by virtue of their difficulties gives rise to issues of power and oppression. Mental health legislation deals with competing rights and needs; the need of individuals to be protected and treated and the needs of the community when individuals pose a risk to others. In this difficult area detailed knowledge and correct use of legislation and policy such as the Care Programme Approach are essential. This module aims to provide this while exploring and reflecting on the difficulties and tensions involved in the operation of mental health law.

• Managing Mental Health Assessments

  This second module builds on the first module (Applied Mental Health Policy and Legislation). Alongside their ability to make assessments AMHPs need to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, practising in an anti-oppressive way with people suffering from a mental disorder, their families and significant others. This module introduces the role of the AMHP in the overall provision of mental health services. It examines critically different aspects of practice utilising knowledge of risk assessment, legislation, policy, a range of mental disorders, treatments and interventions, and the organisational and practice contexts within which the AMHP operate. This is complemented by learning and experience from the practice placement and the exploration of the role of the AMHP through 'fronting' assessments and completing two detailed reports reflecting and critically analysing in detail on their own assessment and practice to develop their skills to high level.

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply