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MSc Advanced Social Work Practice

Key information

Level: 7

Start date: Semester A & B

Mode of delivery: blended learning

School: Health & Social Work

If you are interested in applying for this programme, please contact the programme leader Carole Galloway c.galloway4@herts.ac.uk in the first instance to discuss before you submit an application.

Course Overview

This Master’s degree is designed for social workers who want to advance their professional practice and obtain an academic qualification. The programme is designed to enhance your current knowledge and understanding and give you opportunities to challenge and critically evaluate your professional practice.

The Programme is normally over 6 years. It offers fantastic flexibility in that if your circumstances were to change during your studies, you can choose to study fewer modules, gain less credits, and graduate with a diploma or postgraduate certificate.

Please note that entry to the programme can only be in semester A or B. You can study semester C modules individually.

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

Applicants are registered with Social Work England
Candidates hold a first degree in Social Work – those who do not have a first degree or equivalent are expected to evidence successful completion of at least 30 credits of Level 6 study.
Applicants meet any pre-requisites identified in the individual DMDs of each module studied.
Employed within a Social Work environment with appropriate qualifying experience.

Course Structure

The programme is offered in part-time (normally up to 6 years) mode and leads to the award of a MSc Advanced Social Work Practice.

The award of MSc Advanced Social Work Practice requires 180 credit points, including at least 150 at level 7 and successful completion of:

30 credits from the core modules;

90 credits from either the core or optional modules, accredited short courses from the AMS post graduate framework.

30 credits can come from other relevant HSK modules, short courses or modules from another School and 60 credits from the research modules.

Please see the download to the right hand side of this page for more details of the structure.

Where Will I Study

Most of the taught sessions take place on the College lane Campus and/online. However, some sessions may take place on other University sites.

Teaching Methods

Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers from the University as well as external expert speakers.
The mode of delivery varies and in the light of the Covid pandemic, previously taught modules may be delivered by a digitally enabled learning method in reflective and innovative ways to enhance your learning experience.
You will need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection.

Modules

Best Interest Assessor
This module is designed for social workers and health professionals who want to gain the qualification of Best Interest Assessor.

The module's aim is to enable students to obtain the knowledge of relevant legislation and policies that are specific to the role of Best Interest Assessor.

This Level 7 short course will give students the opportunity to develop a detailed 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. Students 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. Learners 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
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.
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 2014 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 Jerry Evans via j.c.evans@herts.ac.uk
Shared Decision Making
Shared Decision Making (SDM) is an innovative emerging practice in both health and social care, which has become even more necessary during the Covid-19 context.

This course is designed for social workers and other health and social care professionals, who want to gain an in depth understanding of the process and outcomes of decision making, and the skills for implanting it in their own practice. It is a part-time course offering online teaching.

Course Aim

To enable learners to become:

- knowledgeable about SDM in health and social care, nationally and internationally,

- process and likely outcomes of SDM, as well as decision making aids,

- focus on implementing SDM in the learners’ own practice.

- familiar with evaluating key approaches to shared decision making across different Health and Social Care services, age groups, and wellbeing issues.

Content

This course introduces the student to a relatively new way of approaching shared decision making in health and social care internationally, which focuses on shared exchange of scientific and experiential knowledge between service users and service providers. In doing so, the module follows the coproduction approach which has originated in social work, alongside the strengths- based approach, aimed at optimising motivation and collaboration. Students will acquire 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. Throughout, students will develop their critical thinking skills, learn to use relevant shared decision-making aids, look at videos with service users and providers, 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 module enables you to study an emerging area of personal interest within a professional context. You will develop an individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study with guidance from an academic tutor. Videos The topic chosen is relevant to a wide range of professional practice. The choice of topic and learning outcomes will be the subject of negotiation between you and your practice supervisor.

Assessment

A written case study focused on the student’s application of the Shared Decision Making approach.

Who teaches this course?

The module course is facilitated by Prof. Shulamit Ramon, a registered social worker and a chartered clinical psychologist with considerable experience in introducing shared decision making to both practitioners and people with lived experience in health and social care, as well as in researching this innovative practice method. Experts by Experience and senior practitioners from UK and other countries will contribute to the teaching too. You will be supported throughout the period of study.
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.

Level

Credits

180

Start date

Semester A & B

Mode of delivery

blended learning

Faculty

Health & Social Work

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