MSc Advanced Social Work Practice

Modules

Advanced Decision Making
This module is aimed at all registered and practicing nurses or midwives, and allied health and social care professionals.

This module evaluates and applies established theories and models relevant to decision making in the context of health and social care. These are drawn from a wide variety of disciplines including clinical reasoning, philosophy and ethics, legal frameworks, Service User involvement, Inter-professional and Values Based Decision Making. Throughout, students will develop their critical thinking skills, with an emphasis on applying their learning to decision making in the students’ own health and social care context.
Coaching Skills for Leading
The module will comprise of theoretical lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminar sessions to facilitate the development of the fundamental knowledge, understanding and skills underpinning the roles and responsibilities of coaching and its application within leadership.

A key learning activity for this module is practical trio work in which students practise their coaching skills and through peer group learning develop a functional, supportive community of coaching practice.

This activity requires the whole student group to participate in a collaborative, facilitative and supportive manner at each study day
Leading Service Change

In these challenging times Health and Care services need to be developed to meet growing demands but with decreasing resources. This course explores models, theories and the evidence base to enable you to identify how to lead change within your service. 

Content 

The course covers three main themes: the external context and health policy influencing change; service development and redesign; working with change and leadership. The course explores questions such as: How do you involve service users and other stakeholders in service development? How to identify what to change? How do you prepare for the future? How can you facilitate change through people and process, creating a sense of urgency and commitment? What is leadership and how do you lead? What types of leaders are required in challenging times? How can leadership styles influence team motivation and outcomes?

Attendance dates and times:

15/01/24: 10:00 – 16:00 in person at UH

29/01/24: 09:30 – 12:00 online

12/02/24: 09:30 – 12:00 online

26/02/24: 10:00 – 16:00 in person at UH

11/03/24: 09:30 – 12:00 online

25/03/24: 09:30 – 12:00 online
Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study 1

This module is designed for AHP health professionals who want to gain an in depth understanding of a particular subject area in which they have a specific interest and that is not provided through taught modules. There are no specific days when you are required to attend the University. Communication is with your supervisor and arranged to suit your needs. 

 

You must submit the topic of choice form in the downloads section on this page with your application.

 

The modules can be studied with any module within the framework and particularly complement the following courses to provide a bespoke area of study: 

  

1. Evidencing Professional Practice 1 or 2 

2. Developing Professional Practice: Work based skills 1 and 3 

If you are not sure which is the most suitable option, we will be happy to advise you. The flow chart below will help in informing your selection. 

 

Which independent study module do I need?  A decision-making algorithm 

  

The algorithm below may help in determining which of the independent study modules is the most appropriate for you.  You can select all of these modules to study in succession or just select one that is of particular interest.  There is no predetermined set order, however if you intend to study all then the DPPIS is often a useful starting point.
Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study 2

This module is designed for AHP health professionals who want to gain an in depth understanding of a particular subject area in which they have a specific interest and that is not provided through taught modules. There are no specific days when you are required to attend the University. Communication is with your supervisor and arranged to suit your needs. 

 

You must submit the topic of choice form in the downloads section on this page with your application.

 

The modules can be studied with any module within the framework and particularly complement the following courses to provide a bespoke area of study: 

  

1. Evidencing Professional Practice 1 or 2 

2. Developing Professional Practice: Work based skills 1 and 3 

If you are not sure which is the most suitable option, we will be happy to advise you. The flow chart below will help in informing your selection. 

 

Which independent study module do I need?  A decision-making algorithm 

  

The algorithm below may help in determining which of the independent study modules is the most appropriate for you.  You can select all of these modules to study in succession or just select one that is of particular interest.  There is no predetermined set order, however if you intend to study all then the DPPIS is often a useful starting point. 
Preparation for Research Project

This module builds on Research Methods fostering a “research-tutored” approach where students critically appraise the evidence in relation to their own discipline in order to identify a feasible research question and an appropriate means to answer it.

The term “research” is used in its broadest sense to denote any form of inquiry focussed on an area of the student’s professional practice. This may include quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods, systematic reviews, literature reviews, retrospective data analysis, audit and evaluation of a healthcare innovation. The student will choose the focus of their project, develop the necessary academic skills and understand, critique and apply relevant theoretical approaches to formulate a research question and proposal in keeping with their chosen method of inquiry.

Teaching and learning will comprise of compulsory components to equip students with key skills, including identification, critique, synthesis and organisation of a relevant body of evidence, critical use of theoretical approaches, and Masters’ level academic writing, to enable them to prepare, plan and carry out their Research Project module.

Methods of inquiry and profession specific workshops will provide students with guidance relevant to their topic, and their chosen data collection method and data analysis, including processes of governance and ethical review where relevant. Students will also learn about the role of the research supervisor.
Research Project

This course is for paramedics, physiotherapists, radiographers, radiotherapists, nurses and midwives who have successfully completed master’s level research methods and preparation for research project modules and who wish to undertake a piece of original research in order to complete their Master’s award.  

 

 Students will have been provided with support to refine their research question and developed their methodology in the Preparation for Research Project module. They will be advised not to deviate significantly from the work developed in this prior module. Students must produce an individual written piece of work.

Support for ethical approval will be provided if necessary. You will receive support with statistical analysis including access and support to SPSS if required. You will also receive assistance with publication and presentation of completed work where appropriate. 

Course enquires are to your programme lead:

Sarah Jardine for Paramedic Sciences: mscadvpara@herts.ac.uk

Mindy Cairns/Andrea Moulson for Physiotherapy: mscadvphysio@herts.ac.uk

Dr. Naomi Brown for Medical imaging: n.2.brown@herts.ac.uk

Debbie Sharp for Midwifery: d.sharp@herts.ac.uk

Aileen Wilson for Nursing: a.wilson27@herts.ac.uk

Carole Galloway for Social Work : c.galloway4@herts.ac.uk
Research Methods

This module is designed for any health professional who wishes to develop an understanding of research paradigms, and research methodologies and methods commonly encountered within healthcare. You should be a qualified health care professional currently working in an appropriate area of practice.  

 

The aim of the course is to enable you to understand different research methodologies and the application of a range of research techniques. It also aims to develop your knowledge and skills required to plan, design, conduct and present research. 

 

You will participate in examination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and critical analysis and evaluation of published literature, in order to develop your knowledge and diversify skills.  

 

Key strands of research methods that will be explored in depth include:

 • The aims, processes and terminologies associated with research approaches. 

 • Research paradigms and their relevance. 

 • Information retrieval, literature searches and challenges.  

• Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research methodologies and methods. 

 • The role of ethics and governance approval committees. 

 • Systematic critiquing of research publications and their relevance for clinical practice. 
Developing Professional Practice: Work-based Skills 1

This module is for all healthcare professionals interested in undertaking independent study that develops evaluative and practical skills within a defined area of their professional practice. A clinical placement within the area appropriate to your practice and with agreement from your line manager (where relevant) is required to undertake the module. 

 

Content 

 

This is a module that is tailored to your own area of interest that will enable you to explore, reflect upon and develop your learning and skills associated with an aspect of your professional practice. Guidance is provided throughout the module by an academic supervisor who will enable you to shape the module to your individual needs. 

 

This module can be studied with any module within the framework and particularly complement the following courses to provide a bespoke area of study: 

 

1. Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study 1 or 2 

2. Evidencing Professional Practice 1 or 2 

If you are not sure which is the most suitable option, we will be happy to advise you. The flow chart below will help in informing your selection. 

Which independent study module do I need?  A decision-making algorithm 

  

The algorithm below may help in determining which of the independent study modules is the most appropriate for you.  You can select all of these modules to study in succession or just select one that is of particular interest.  There is no predetermined set order, however if you intend to study all then the DPPIS is often a useful starting point.
Developing Professional Practice: Work-based Skills 3

This module is for all healthcare professionals interested in undertaking independent study that develops evaluative and practical skills within a defined area of their professional practice. A clinical placement within the area appropriate to your practice and with agreement from your line manager (where relevant) is required to undertake the module. 

 

Content 

 

This is a module that is tailored to your own area of interest that will enable you to explore, reflect upon and develop your learning and skills associated with an aspect of your professional practice. Guidance is provided throughout the module by an academic supervisor who will enable you to shape the module to your individual needs. 

 

This module can be studied with any module within the framework and particularly complement the following courses to provide a bespoke area of study: 

  

1. Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study 1 or 2 

2. Evidencing Professional Practice 1 or 2 

If you are not sure which is the most suitable option, we will be happy to advise you. The flow chart below will help in informing your selection. 

Which independent study module do I need?  A decision-making algorithm 

  

The algorithm below may help in determining which of the independent study modules is the most appropriate for you.  You can select all of these modules to study in succession or just select one that is of particular interest.  There is no predetermined set order, however if you intend to study all then the DPPIS is often a useful starting point.
Evidencing Professional Practice 1
The aim of the course is to consolidate clinical effectiveness and personal and professional development through the analysis of learning and appropriate supporting evidence on an area of professional practice. 

 

There are no specific days when you are required to attend the University. Communication is with your supervisor and arranged to suit your needs. 

 

The content for this module is independently negotiated, providing the opportunity for you to demonstrate previous learning accrued through personal and professional activities that are individual to you. You are expected to provide and justify a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates and includes critical analysis on, personal and professional learning and development, achievement of personal and professional practice goals and the impact of your learning on professional practice with reference to the appropriate evidence-base. 

 

The module can be studied with any module within the framework and particularly complement the following courses to provide a bespoke area of study: 

  
1. Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study 1 or 2 
2. Developing Professional Practice: Work based skills 1 and 3 
If you are not sure which is the most suitable option, we will be happy to advise you. The flow chart below will help in informing your selection. 

Which independent study module do I need?  A decision-making algorithm 

  

The algorithm below may help in determining which of the independent study modules is the most appropriate for you.  You can select all of these modules to study in succession or just select one that is of particular interest.  There is no predetermined set order, however if you intend to study all then the DPPIS is often a useful starting point.
Evidencing Professional Practice 2
The aim of the course is to consolidate clinical effectiveness and personal and professional development through the analysis of learning and appropriate supporting evidence on an area of professional practice. 

 

There are no specific days when you are required to attend the University. Communication is with your supervisor and arranged to suit your needs. 

 

The content for this module is independently negotiated, providing the opportunity for you to demonstrate previous learning accrued through personal and professional activities that are individual to you. You are expected to provide and justify a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates and includes critical analysis on, personal and professional learning and development, achievement of personal and professional practice goals and the impact of your learning on professional practice with reference to the appropriate evidence-base. 

 

The module can be studied with any module within the framework and particularly complement the following courses to provide a bespoke area of study: 

  
1. Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study 1 or 2 
2. Developing Professional Practice: Work based skills 1 and 3 
If you are not sure which is the most suitable option, we will be happy to advise you. The flow chart below will help in informing your selection. 

Which independent study module do I need?  A decision-making algorithm 

  

The algorithm below may help in determining which of the independent study modules is the most appropriate for you.  You can select all of these modules to study in succession or just select one that is of particular interest.  There is no predetermined set order, however if you intend to study all then the DPPIS is often a useful starting point. 
Best Interest Assessor
This course is designed for experienced practitioners in health and social care who wish to become a Best Interest Assessor.

The course is taught by experienced lecturers and practitioners in BIA, using a variety of learning and assessment methods, and innovative resources. The course is delivered fully online, spanning over five consecutive weeks, one day per week, plus a recall day.

The course's aim is to enable experienced practitioners to obtain the skills and knowledge to undertake Best Interest Assessment. By successful completion of this course, participants will be eligible to apply for approval of their regulatory body (e.g. Social Work England for social workers) to be registered as Best Interest Assessor.

 

Participants will have the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA), its Code of Practice, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and interfacing legislation and policies relating to Adult Safeguarding and Whistleblowing policies.

Participants will build upon their professional experience exploring the practicalities of working with people, their carers and advocates in a non-oppressive and empowering way, as well as working with Mental Health Assessors and Interpreters. Participants will also be updated on future changes such as the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) and the Approved Mental Capacity Professional (AMCP). 

If you have any queries about the module, please contact the module leader Jerry Evans via j.c.evans@herts.ac.uk
Leading Service Change
This course page is currently being updated for the 2024/25 intake

Applications will open soon

In these challenging times Health and Care services need to be developed to meet growing demands but with decreasing resources. This course explores models, theories and the evidence base to enable you to identify how to lead change within your service. 

Content

 

The course covers three main themes: the external context and health policy influencing change; service development and redesign; working with change and leadership.

The course explores questions such as: How do you involve service users and other stakeholders in service development? How to identify what to change? How do you prepare for the future? How can you facilitate change through people and process, creating a sense of urgency and commitment? What is leadership and how do you lead? What types of leaders are required in challenging times? How can leadership styles influence team motivation and outcomes?

Attendance dates and times

20/01/2025 - 10am-4pm - on campus UH

03/02/2025 - 9.30am-12 noon - online via Zoom

17/02/2025 - 9.30am-12 noon - online via Zoom

03/03/2025 - 10am-4pm - on campus UH

17/03/2025 - 9.30am-1pm - online via Zoom

31/03/2025 - 10.30am-11.30am - online via Zoom

07/04/2025 - 9.30am-1pm - online via Zoom
Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study 1

This module is designed for AHP health professionals who want to gain an in depth understanding of a particular subject area in which they have a specific interest and that is not provided through taught modules. There are no specific days when you are required to attend the University. Communication is with your supervisor and arranged to suit your needs. 

 

You must submit the topic of choice form in the downloads section on this page with your application.

 

The modules can be studied with any module within the framework and particularly complement the following courses to provide a bespoke area of study: 

  

1. Evidencing Professional Practice 1 or 2 

2. Developing Professional Practice: Work based skills 1 and 3 

If you are not sure which is the most suitable option, we will be happy to advise you. The flow chart below will help in informing your selection. 

 

Which independent study module do I need?  A decision-making algorithm 

  

The algorithm below may help in determining which of the independent study modules is the most appropriate for you.  You can select all of these modules to study in succession or just select one that is of particular interest.  There is no predetermined set order, however if you intend to study all then the DPPIS is often a useful starting point.
Preparation for Research Project

This module builds on Research Methods fostering a “research-tutored” approach where students critically appraise the evidence in relation to their own discipline in order to identify a feasible research question and an appropriate means to answer it.

The term “research” is used in its broadest sense to denote any form of inquiry focussed on an area of the student’s professional practice. This may include quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods, systematic reviews, literature reviews, retrospective data analysis, audit and evaluation of a healthcare innovation. The student will choose the focus of their project, develop the necessary academic skills and understand, critique and apply relevant theoretical approaches to formulate a research question and proposal in keeping with their chosen method of inquiry.

Teaching and learning will comprise of compulsory components to equip students with key skills, including identification, critique, synthesis and organisation of a relevant body of evidence, critical use of theoretical approaches, and Masters’ level academic writing, to enable them to prepare, plan and carry out their Research Project module.

Methods of inquiry and profession specific workshops will provide students with guidance relevant to their topic, and their chosen data collection method and data analysis, including processes of governance and ethical review where relevant. Students will also learn about the role of the research supervisor.
Research Project
This course is for paramedics, physiotherapists, radiographers, radiotherapists, nurses and midwives who have successfully completed master’s level research methods and preparation for research project modules and who wish to undertake a piece of original research in order to complete their Master’s award.  

 

 Students will have been provided with support to refine their research question and developed their methodology in the Preparation for Research Project module. They will be advised not to deviate significantly from the work developed in this prior module. Students must produce an individual written piece of work.

Support for ethical approval will be provided if necessary. You will receive support with statistical analysis including access and support to SPSS if required. You will also receive assistance with publication and presentation of completed work where appropriate. 
Course enquires are to your programme lead:
- Sarah Jardine for Paramedic Sciences: mscadvpara@herts.ac.uk
- Mindy Cairns/Andrea Moulson for Physiotherapy: mscadvphysio@herts.ac.uk
- Dr.Naomi Brown for Medical imaging: n.2.brown@herts.ac.uk
- Lesley Kay for Midwifery: l.kay4@herts.ac.uk
- Aileen Wilson for Nursing: a.wilson27@herts.ac.uk
- Kim Tran for Social Work: k.tran@herts.ac.uk
Research Methods
In this module students develop their skills and understanding of different methodologies and methods that can be used in healthcare research. Application of these skills will be invaluable to those looking to undertake MSc projects.

The term "research" is used in its broadest sense to denote any form of inquiry including quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods, systematic reviews, literature reviews, audit and service evaluation.

The module aims to develop the student's knowledge and understanding of research approaches applicable to Health and Social Care. It is designed to advance students' knowledge of research design and data interpretation. There is a focus on the critical appraisal of published evidence, enabling students to appraise research literature and evaluate the relevance to their own clinical practice and in a wider healthcare context.
Safeguarding: Working with Risk and Opportunity
This course provides social workers and healthcare professionals with understanding and skills of the role of a Best Interest or the Approved mental capacity professional. It is particularly relevant to, Social Workers Occupational Therapists, and Nurses. You should be currently working in an appropriate area of practice prior to applying. Delivery of the module will embody the Herts learning principles – using a blended and flexible learning approach. Please note that the online learning days may include a range of synchronous and asynchronous teaching sessions, and you will need to attend and engage with these on the days specified. This course is for social work and other health care professionals with a working interest in this area. The course can be taken as a standalone course or as part of a postgraduate award. If you take this course as part of a postgraduate award you need to be a qualified social worker with a degree or equivalent. 

 

Course aims 

Enhance their skills in critical reflection, decision making and to increase awareness of evidence-based practice when undertaking safeguarding. Students will be able to critically analyze and develop their  professional role relating to safeguarding issues and processes and to recognize and work with the risks and opportunities that are created by safeguarding situations. 

 

Content 

Students will explore the definition of abuse and the development of protection and preventative services, to include international definitions and policies. They will explore causes and forms of abuse and the ethical issues that arise from this. It will examine current legislation and guidance by applying this knowledge to their own area of work, e.g., Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguarding Children (HM Government, 2018), Care Act 2012 and statutory guidance on the Act (Department of Health and Social Care 2018), and address issues for carers & information sharing. The module will enable students to critically analyse the impact of professional interventions and develop awareness of their own impact on others and the aetiology of their own judgements. Critical examination of diversity issues and safeguarding, e.g., Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME), sexuality, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+) status

If you have any queries about the module, please contact the module leader Brian Littlechild via b.littlechild@herts.ac.uk
Shared Decision Making
This course introduces a relatively new way of approaching shared decision making in health and social care internationally. This approach focuses on shared exchange of scientific and experiential knowledge between service users and service providers.  In doing so, the course follows the coproduction approach which has originated in social work, as well as the strengths- based approach, aimed at optimising motivation and collaboration.

Students will:
1. 1) Acquire in-depth knowledge of conceptual and practice approaches relevant to shared decision making in the context of health and social care, which are drawn from a wide variety of disciplines including philosophy and ethics, risk avoidance and risk taking considerations, service user involvement,  clinical reasoning, and values based decision making.
1. 2) Develop their critical thinking skills, learn to use relevant shared decision-making aids.
1. 3)Evaluate existing research, with an emphasis on developing the skills necessary for implementing their learning to shared decision making in their own health and social care practice.
This course is aimed to enable students to:
1. 1) to study an emerging area of personal interest within a professional context.
1. 2) Develop an individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study with guidance from an academic tutor/supervisor.
1. 3)Choose a topic that will be relevant to your professional practice. The choice of topic and learning outcomes will be the subject of negotiation between you and your supervisor.
If you have any queries about the module, please contact the module leader Shulamit Ramon via s.ramon@herts.ac.uk
Concepts and Theories on Well-being
This module is designed for social workers and other health and social care professionals, who want to gain an in depth understanding of theories and concepts associated with the well-being of individuals, communities and professionals. It is a part-time module offering both online and face to face teaching in normal circumstances.

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake study to better prepare professionals to integrate the notion of well-being into their practice and personal well-being.

Wellbeing has become a much-vaunted term in contemporary society and particularly in health and social care practice. But what do we mean when we use this term? This module invites students to engage in critical enquiry to enhance their understanding of wellbeing in a variety of contexts. Students will engage in discussion and debate on the various theoretical perspectives on wellbeing and its place within contemporary health and social policy. The module will equip students with a theoretical perspective as well as an understanding of the emerging research evidence surrounding wellbeing in practice. Students will be encouraged to engage in a wider discourse of wellbeing and to explore how these notions may lead to reconfiguration of how we see ourselves as practitioners as well as the how and why we seek to work with individuals, families and communities nationally and globally.