ObjectivesThis course gives a range of professionals working within both children and adult services (except social workers who must undertake the Graduate Diploma) the opportunity to develop and extend their knowledge and skills within an inter-professional learning context. We take a user-centred approach that explores theory and evidence-based knowledge in your specialist area of practice, and provides opportunities to consolidate and develop your inter-disciplinary learning and practice. In particular, the themes include: -legal and organisational frameworks -evidence-based practice interventions to meet needs and manage risks -factors associated with effective application of assessment models and frameworks to the assessment of needs, including additional and complex needs -values; moral concepts of rights; codes of practice and anti-oppressive practice -social research relevant to practice from (national and international contexts) -service users’ and carer’s issues -interprofessional and interagency working.
Entry requirementsYou must be working within the field of social care and have a recognised professional qualification. Normally you will have an academic qualification to at least Diploma in Higher Education level or equivalent. You will need to have a current employer reference.
Academic titleDiploma Professional Development in Social Care
Course descriptionCourse structure
You choose three modules (some require related work practice to undertake the module) from a range of options that include:
Options with an ‘Adult’ focus:
-Community Care - A Life Course Perspective
-Safeguarding Adults and Promoting Independence
-Perspectives of Ageing
-London Health: Issues and Problems
Options with a ‘Child’ focus:
-Effective Practice with Children, Young People and Families
-Family Support and Child Protection
-Critical Themes in Child Care Practice, Policy and Law
-Protecting Children - Developing Basic Skills (online)
Other
-Enabling Others (contributing to the supervision and assessment of a social work student)
Assessment
Methods include seminar presentation, practice-focused reports, essays, and practice-based assessments.
Career opportunities
This will be of interest to professionals from a range of disciplines (outside social work) working in social care who are seeking to advance their professional expertise.
Attendance and duration
Part-time (day): one year. Some of the modules will be run as intensive short courses delivered as a ‘block’.