module specification

SW5052 - Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work (2025/26)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2025/26
Module title Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 300
 
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
200 hours Guided independent study
55 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Academic Poster
Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Afternoon

Module summary

This module provides opportunities for students to understand and apply theoretical perspectives that support and structure social work intervention and direct work with children and adults. By the end of this module:

  • You will be able to understand and analyse the contested nature of social work explanations of the circumstances of service users and the interventions implied by these explanations.
  • You will be able to identify and analyse theoretical perspectives relevant to social work taking into account the practical and ethical impact these perspectives have upon different individuals, groups and communities.
  • You will be able to evaluate different theoretical perspectives with regard to relations of power and anti-oppressive practice relevant to social work

 

Prior learning requirements

None

Syllabus

• Social work theories, methods and applications to practice 1,4
• Psychodynamic and psychosocial approaches 1,2,3
• Cognitive-Behavioural Approaches 1,2,3,4
• Systems theory 3,4
• Humanism and Person-Centered work 2,4
• Radical, critical, and Postmodern approaches 3,4
• Task-Centred intervention 1,3
• Crisis intervention  Indicate LO addressed 2,4






 

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students’ learning will be developed through their engagement with a range of individual and group-based learning and teaching methods including small group learning, exploring case-study analysis, debates and interactive workshops, problem based learning, personal reflection and reflective writing, use of Weblearn, service user reflections, video materials and other online educational content. Students will be expected to access educational resources independently and also to work with peers outside of the formal teaching contact hours.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module:

  1. You will be able to discuss relevant theoretical perspectives and how these contribute to the knowledge base of social work
  2. You will be able to analyse social work theories, demonstrating an awareness of their implications for service users, while taking into account existing power dynamics and the practical and ethical impact on individuals, groups and communities 
  3. You can apply appropriate theory to practice with diverse client groups and communities
  4. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of social work theory, research and evidence, and evaluate how they inform interventions with service users including practice responses to the contexts of poverty and social exclusion

Bibliography

Core Text:

Lindsay, T. (2013) Social work intervention. London, SAGE/Learning Matters.

Other Texts:

Harms, L. (2015) Understanding trauma and resilience. United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan.
Payne, M (2014) Modern social work theories (4rd ed.) Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan
Journals:
British Journal of Social Work
Practice:  social work in action

Websites: British Association of Social Workers: BASW https://www.basw.co.uk/
Electronic Databases: