SOCIAL WORKMedway

The UK’s European university

Undergraduatestudy

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SOCIAL WORK AT KENTSocial work is about changing lives for thebetter. Our degree has been designed withprofessional practice in mind, helping youto develop the knowledge and practical skillsyou need to become a confident, competentsocial work practitioner.

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InspirationalteachingMost teachers on the SocialWork degree are qualifiedsocial workers. Their wide-ranging experience of practiceand academic research bringsthe subject to life, as they sharetheir insights and challengeyour perceptions.

World-leadingresearchWe are home to world expertsin specialist areas across thesocial sciences, with one ofthe most dynamic researchcultures in Europe. The booksand articles we write and thedebates we are involved in helpto shape your course and thetopics you are studying.

ExcellentresourcesAccess more than 1 millionbooks, ebooks, databases andjournals at the University’s DrillHall and Templeman Libraries.Our expert subject librariansare on hand to help you findyour way around and get themost from our collections.

Academic supportUniversity is different fromschool. You need to be self-motivated and well organisedto succeed. We help you byassigning you an academicadviser, running a peermentoring programme andoffering help with academicskills, such as essay writing.

StudentcommunityYou benefit from access to theservices and facilities run byboth Kent Union and theMedway campus union, GKUnions. Societies and socialevents are run by students,for students, to help you makethe most of life at Kent.

User-focusedprogrammeWe draw on the experiencesand insights of service usersand carers to make ourprogramme current andrelevant. Users and carersare involved in designingand reviewing our modules,as well as teaching on themand contributing to research.

ProfessionalrecognitionOur Social Work degree isregulated by the Health andCare Professions Council(HCPC) and meets the nationalstandards for professionalsocial workers. On graduation,you can apply to the HCPC forprofessional registration.

Friendly campusOur Medway campus reinventsa former naval base as a21st-century study space,with exceptional facilities andsupport. Close to the townsof Rochester and Chatham,with their fascinating histories,there is plenty to do both onand off campus.

Career successEmployability is a priority atKent. By studying, you sharpenskills that are useful in workinglife, such as time managementand developing an argument.Our programme also includesmany opportunities to gainpractical experience ofsocial work.

WHY STUDY SOCIAL WORK AT KENT?

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Linking theory topracticeOur Social Work degree focuses on linking theory to practice,equipping you to approach challenging and sensitive situationsthoughtfully and effectively. You learn about communication, humandevelopment and different theoretical approaches to social work.You explore issues relating to different user groups, such as familiesand children. You put your knowledge into practice on extendedplacements, developing the skills and professional judgement thatwill help you to succeed in social work.

The Complete UniversityGuide 2019• Social Work at Kent ranked14th overall• Social Work at Kent scored92 out of 100 for graduateprospects

Research ExcellenceFramework• Based on the most recentResearch ExcellenceFramework, Kent was rankedin the top 20 for researchintensity by the Times HigherEducation, outperforming11 of the 24 Russell Groupuniversities

Destination of Leavers fromHigher Education (DLHE)• Over 95% of Kent graduateswho graduated in 2017 andresponded to a nationalsurvey were in work or furtherstudy within six months

Teaching ExcellenceFramework• Kent was awarded gold,the highest rating, in the UKgovernment’s TeachingExcellence Framework*

Independent rankings

*The University of Kent’s Statement of Findings can be found at www.kent.ac.uk/tef-statement

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understanding of the ProfessionalCapability Framework, which is keyto social work practice. I have beenable to shadow social workersengaged in assessments and be part of debriefing sessions.My on-site supervisor has beenconsistently supportive andencouraged me to take onchallenges to stretch my depth ofknowledge and build resilience asI approach my third year of training.

What are the facilities likeon campus? The library is amazing. I feel like an overgrown child in a sweet shopwhen I start looking for readingmaterial. The online access isinvaluable, as it means I can accessresources 24 hours a day. The staffhave been extremely helpful overall sorts of issues, everything fromfinding a stapler to finding obscureinternational journals. The Venuein the Pilkington Building is greatfor an early breakfast and is valuefor money. Parking has been finefor me during my studies too.

What are your plans forafter graduation?I aim to work with children andfamilies. My experience has beenin counselling and psychotherapywith children for over 23 years,and my aim has been to developmy knowledge of statutoryrequirements to bolster my previousexperience and qualifications.

Willis Atherley-Bourne isin the second year of hisdegree in Social Work.This is what he told usabout his course.

What attracted you to studyingat Kent?I liked the fact that my lecturers allhave experience of practice in avariety of social work settings.I hope to work in Medway oncequalified, so having placementswithin the area appealed to me,too. I was also drawn to Kent’sstanding in the league tables andI was encouraged by feedbackfrom previous students.

Which modules have youenjoyed the most, and why? All the modules have beenenjoyable and challenging in avariety of ways. If I were to choose,I would say my favourite module so far has been Social Policy. Myseminar lead was enthusiastic andknowledgeable in her subject area,which in turn encouraged me topush myself further. I achieved oneof my highest grades in this subjectand now realise just how much Ienjoy analysing policy documents in their relationship to social change,particularly for children and families.

How would you describe yourlecturers?All the lecturers are extremelyapproachable and supportive.I feel they offer opportunities forus to develop the skills we need,such as reflection, professionalismand critical thinking.

What do you think about thesupport you have received foryour studies? As a mature student with previousuniversity experience, I have beenimpressed with the level of supportreadily available to students acrossthe board. We have dedicatedstudent support staff, who arefamiliar with our programme ofstudy, so they appreciate therange of challenges we face onan emotional and intellectual leveldue to the rigorous training regime.

How would you describe yourfellow students? There is a diverse range ofstudents on my programme, withages ranging from early 20s to late50s. The first year was a dynamicprocess of learning how we bridgethe gaps between our cultural,ethnic and gender differencesas a group.

You’re on placement at themoment – how is it going?Challenging, but amazing! I havehad support from a highly qualifiedand experienced practice educatorwith a local authority. It is unusual tohave a local authority placement atsuch an early stage but, due to anarrangement between the Universityand the local authority, I have hadan invaluable opportunity to gainexperience and insight into socialwork practice with children andfamilies.

An important aspect of my learning has been about developingprofessionalism and an applied

STUDENT VIEW

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YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

Our Social Work degreemeets the nationalstandards required forsocial workers and isapproved by the Healthand Care ProfessionsCouncil (HCPC).

The BA (Hons) in Social Work(www.kent.ac.uk/ug/250) is a full-time degree that provides a balanceof theory and practice, ensuring youhave a broad knowledge base in thekey issues relating to social work.

The University has excellent linkswith local service providers, andat each stage of your courseyou spend time in a range ofsocial work settings.

Please note that the module listsbelow are not fixed as new modulesare always in development andchoices updated yearly. Seewww.kent.ac.uk/ug for themost up-to-date information.

Stage 1In Stage 1 (first year) you are introduced to the issues,approaches and theories thatunderpin social work practice.

You study the following modules:• Communication andInterpersonal Skills (SO307)

• Law, Rights and Justice (SO309)• Learning to Learn (SOCWK01)• Lifespan Development (SO308)

• Readiness for Direct Practice(SO409)

• Social Policy and Social Problems(SO310)

• Social Work Theories,Interventions and Skills (SO313)

• Sociological Perspectives forSocial Workers (SO311)

• Values, Ethics and Diversity(SO314)

• What is Social Work? (SO312).

You also participate in 20 skillsdevelopment days, mainly as part of the Readiness for Direct Practicemodule, which prepares you foryour extended placements inStages 2 and 3. You learn aboutprofessional behaviour andboundaries, risk and safeguarding,and the role of professionalsupervision. You develop skillsin communication, observationand reflection.

Meeting practitioners, service usersand carers in the classroom and insocial work settings is an importantpart of Stage 1, as it gives you aninsight into different perspectivesand social work contexts. You alsoshadow a final-year student on theirplacement for a short period,alongside a practice educator.

You must complete the Readinessfor Direct Practice module in orderto successfully complete Stage 1.

Stage 2In your second year, you focus onspecific groups of service users.What are the issues that might bringfamilies into contact with socialworkers – substance abuse, illness,caring responsibilities, disability?What impact does stigma haveupon people with mental healthproblems? What are the principlesand processes involved in childprotection work? How do you planstrategies to protect vulnerableadults?

You study the following modules: • Issues for Families (SO717)• Making Sense of Mental Health(SO725)

• Practice Assignments 1 (SO723)• Practice Placement 1 (SO720)• Social Work with Adults (SO724)• Social Work with Children andFamilies (SO716).

The 70-day practice placement(SO720) allows you to explore howthe skills, knowledge and values youhave learnt can be put into practice.You have individual support andsupervision, and complete aportfolio recording your insightsand experiences. Alongside yourplacement, you complete twowritten assignments (SO723).You also complete five skillsdevelopment days.

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Stage 3In your third year, you develop andrefine your knowledge, skills andunderstanding. How, as a socialworker, do you assess risk and useyour professional judgement? Whatskills do you need to work effectivelyacross organisational boundaries –for example with education services,health workers and police? How do the research methods used tocollect social data affect the way we think about the nature of socialwork? What are the most effectiveinterventions to use in differentfamily situations?

You study the following modules:• Advanced Interventions (SO719)• Critical and Reflective Practice(SO718)

• Practice Assignments 2 (SO722)• Practice Placement 2 (SO721)• Research for Social Work Practice(SO673)

• Social Work Practice in a Multi-Agency Context (SO672).

Your practice placement (SO721) isa 100-day placement and you haveindividual support and supervision.You complete a portfolio and twowritten assignments (SO722), plusfive skills development days.

Teaching and assessmentWe use a variety of teachingmethods, including lectures,seminars, workshops, group work,experiential work and directedindividual study. Assessment is bywritten assignments, in-class tests,presentations and video work.Placements are assessed inaccordance with the ProfessionalCapabilities Framework of theBritish Association for Social Work.

Further informationSee www.kent.ac.uk/ug for detailsof all our programmes.

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• arranging note-takers, signersand other support workers for you

• discussing exam accessarrangements

• helping you with emotional,psychological or mentalhealth issues

• applying for relevant fundingto support you.

Find out more at:www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport

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“Peer mentoring is open toabsolutely everyone. We’vesigned up to be peer mentorsand we really do want to help,so take advantage of it.”

Evangeline AgyemanPeer mentor

SUPERB STUDY SUPPORT

We’ll support youthroughout your time atKent, from helping youadjust to university studyto discussing modulechoices and essay topicswith you.

You are assigned an academicadviser each year, and they helpyou to get the most from yourdegree programme. They meetwith you regularly to discuss generalacademic issues or specificassignments. They will assist youin developing academic skills andrefer you to other sources of helpif you need it.

Peer supportThe best advice often comesfrom people who’ve been in yoursituation. On our Academic PeerMentoring scheme, first-yearstudents can request to be matchedwith second- or third-year studentson a similar degree programme.

Peer mentors will help you settle into university life and find your feet.They can help you to discuss ideasand improve your study skills as youprogress through your first year.

Study skills adviceSuccessful students take control oftheir own learning. Kent’s StudentLearning Advisory Service (SLAS)can help you to increase yourcompetence and confidence andfulfil your potential. You can requesta one-to-one appointment or attend

workshops on a diverse range of topics, from making the mostof lectures to writing well andavoiding plagiarism.

Student support andwellbeingYou might need extra help to getthe most from university. If youhave a medical condition, specificlearning difficulty, mental healthcondition or disability, the StudentSupport and Wellbeing team isthere to support you.

The team is committed to improvingaccess to learning for all studentsat Kent and can assist with manythings, including:• talking to your lecturers aboutany help you need in lecturesor seminars

Experience workYou gain experience of social workduring your course, with extendedplacements in your second andthird years and many opportunitiesto spend time in social care settings.

Find a great jobYour degree can lead to a widerange of rewarding career paths,once you are registered with theHealth and Care ProfessionsCouncil. For instance, you mightchoose to work in a local authorityor healthcare setting with childrenand families, older people, peoplewith disabilities or those withmental health problems. Otheropportunities are available withcharities or private agencies suchas fostering agencies.

The School of Social Policy,Sociology and Social Researchsupports you with employabilityevents tailored to Social Workstudents, from exploring careeroptions to presenting your skills andexperience effectively to employers.

Visit our careers fair to talk topotential employers and useour award-winning Careers andEmployability Service for adviceon preparing your CV. Our trackrecord speaks for itself: just sixmonths after graduating in 2017,over 95% of Kent graduates whoresponded to a national surveywere in work or further study(DLHE, 2017).

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A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

What do you hope todo once you have yourdegree? As a graduateof our programme, youare qualified for a careerin social work, but youalso have many valuabletransferable skills.Whatever your plansmay be, we can helpyou to achieve successin the future.

Build your CVYour degree studies help you todevelop skills such as analysinginformation, thinking critically,expressing yourself clearly,solving problems, and workingboth independently and as partof a team. These transferableskills are widely valued byemployers in all sectors.

At Kent, you have lots of other greatopportunities to enhance your skills.For instance, you could:• join a society or sports club (evenbetter – get involved in running it)

• volunteer with a community• work in a part-time job or takeup a summer internship

• represent your fellow studentsas a student rep, or become astudent ambassador

• learn a new language or skillwith Study Plus.

Getting involved like this means thatyou can earn Employability Points,which you can exchange foremployability rewards. The morepoints you earn, the more valuablethe rewards. We work with local,national and international employersto offer internships, work experienceand a range of other activities thatprepare you for the world of work.

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and have the confidence tochallenge others who oppressor stereotype individuals.

I use the skills I learnt at Kent everyday: specifically, relating theoreticalframeworks to frontline social workpractice. I believe that my degreeenhanced my professionalism andpromoted ongoing joint work withpartner agencies.

To a prospective student, I wouldsay always remain focused andchoose your course wisely. Attendopen days and, if you can, talkto the lecturers. If you want to studysocial work, I would certainlyrecommend Kent and wish you all the very best for yourchosen studies.

I came to Kent because it hada good reputation within the localauthority where I was working, andI had met former Kent studentswho shared their good experiences.I looked at other universities, butdecided that Kent would be myfirst choice.

I consider myself very fortunate tohave been taught by some amazinglecturers, who have had their workpublished and have frontlineexperience of social work. As achildren and families practitioner,I was drawn to modules in that area;however, I also enjoyed modules onsocial policy, communication, lawand research. I gained a greatdepth of knowledge, which hasbeen invaluable in my practice.I adored the library and spentmany hours/days there!

Our cohort of students was awonderful and diverse group ofpeople, from young students tomature students in their 50s/early60s. It was intriguing to learn aboutdifferent cultures, to discover howpeople’s own experiences impacton their values and how they viewthe world. The mix of people led tomany healthy debates and I founddeveloping my understanding ofother people’s experiences in thisway to be very valuable.

Many students take advantage ofthe clubs and societies, and thereare lots of these that you can getinvolved in. As a mature student,working and caring for threechildren, I wasn’t always ableto take part, but I met somewonderful people, and thesocial life at Kent is great.

I was thrilled to graduate with afirst-class degree, which allowedme to find employment with a localauthority as a social worker. I initiallyworked in an assessment andintervention team with children andtheir families, before transferring toa team working with adolescents.

I thoroughly enjoy the direct work I do with children and youngpeople. No two days are the same;many crises arise and there is aneed for crisis intervention andsolution-focused work.

I enjoy my work but, believe it or not,I miss studying and writing essays!The course made me aware of themacro factors that impact uponlocal services and increased myawareness of the deprivation andstigma that individuals experienceon a daily basis. I am now able tocritically analyse the factors thatmay have led an individual orgroup to take a particular path

NEXT STEPS

Faye Egalton studied Social Work and went onto become a practising social worker. Here’s whatshe told us about her studies and life after Kent.

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COME AND FIND OUT MORE

Choosing a universityis a big step, so it’simportant to find out asmuch as you can beforeyou make your decision.Come and visit us to seewhat we can offer you.

Open DaysOpen Days are a great way to findout what life as a student at Kent islike. For instance, you can:• learn more about the course youare interested in at a subjectpresentation

• ask questions – talk to theacademic teams at theinformation stands

• experience our teaching ata taster lecture*

• find out about student financeand extracurricular activitiessuch as Kent Sport.

Explore the campus at your ownpace on the self-guided walkingtour. You will be able to visit ourstudent accommodation at LibertyQuays, chat to current students anddiscover the fascinating history ofour Medway campus.

Open Days are held in the summerand autumn. Book your place atwww.kent.ac.uk/opendays

Informal visitsIf you can’t make it to an Open Day,you can still visit us. We run toursof the campus throughout the year.If you live outside Europe, weappreciate that you might find it

difficult to attend our scheduledevents, so we can arrange apersonal campus tour for youand your family.

Let us know you’re comingScheduled tours and personalcampus tours (for internationalstudents) need to be booked inadvance – you can do this viawww.kent.ac.uk/informal

Meet us in your countryOur staff regularly travel overseasto meet with students who areinterested in coming to Kent.We also have strong links withagents in your home countrywho can offer guidance andinformation on studying at Kent.Go to www.kent.ac.uk/courses/international to find out more.

* Programme of events variesaccording to subject.

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LocationMedway

AwardBA (Hons)

Degree programmesSocial Work (L508:K)

Offer levelsBBB at A level, IB Diploma 34points or 15 points at Higher.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomawith Distinction, Merit, Merit.

Access to Higher EducationDiploma candidates are requiredto pass with at least 75% level 3credits at Merit and must includeEnglish and Maths at GCSEequivalent if not already obtained.

Mature students who do not holdthese qualifications are welcometo apply, but must satisfy theUniversity that they have the abilityto study at degree level.

Applicants who do not haveEnglish as their first languagemust complete the InternationalEnglish Language TestingSystems (IELTS) qualificationand achieve a score of 7.0overall and in each subtest.

Required subjectsGCSE English Language andMathematics at grade C/grade 4or above.

Additional requirementsCandidates must demonstratethat they have gained sufficientexperience to evidence theirinterest and suitability to studysocial work.

The first stage of the applicationprocess is an online written test.If successful at this stage,candidates are invited to aninterview and observed groupdiscussion, held at the University’sMedway campus.

Offers are subject to an enhancedDisclosure and Barring Service(DBS) clearance.

Scholarships and bursariesPlease see www.kent.ac.uk/ugfunding for details ofscholarships and bursaries.

Offer levels and entryrequirements are subjectto change. For the latestcourse information, see:www.kent.ac.uk/ug

Self-guided toursIf you prefer to explore on your own,you can download a self-guidedwalking tour at www.kent.ac.uk/informal, or pick up a copy from us.

A self-guided audio tour is availabletoo, which allows you to learn aboutKent without even leaving home.See www.kent.ac.uk/courses/visit/informal/audio-tour.html

Explore onlineIf you can’t come and see us,you can find out more about theacademic team, the course andevents in the School of Social Policy,Sociology and Social Researchonline at www.kent.ac.uk/sspssr

Keep in touch with us via socialmedia:• www.facebook.com/Kentsspssr• www.twitter.com/sspssr• www.youtube.com/sspssr

Contact usIf you would like more informationon Kent’s courses, facilities orservices, please contact us on:T: +44 (0)1227 768896www.kent.ac.uk/ug

This brochure was produced in June 2018. The University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that the information contained inits publicity materials is fair and accurate and to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, see www.kent.ac.uk/ug and for full details ofour terms and conditions, see www.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

For the University to operate efficiently, it needs to process information about you for administrative, academic and health andsafety reasons. Any offer we make to you is subject to your consent to process such information and is a requirement in order for you to be registered as a student. All students must agree to abide by the University rules and regulations at:www.kent.ac.uk/regulations

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University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk/ug

COME ANDVISIT USTo find out more about visitingthe University, see our website:

www.kent.ac.uk/visit