Practice based learning overview

Practice based learning is a core element of all of our programmes. This allows you to put into practice theory that you have learnt in the classroom. This is especially true for our social work courses.

Practice based learning requirements for social work courses

• 30 days for development of practice and professional skills
• 70 days placement in your second year
• 100 days placement in your third year

The 170 days placement are organised for you by the University and are provided through two practice learning modules. As our courses prepare you for generic social worker roles, it is important that you have two different experiences on your placements, so it might be that you work in two different sectors (e.g children's service and mental health services) or two different types of organisation. (e.g Statutory sector and Voluntary sector).

The programme works in partnership with a large number of agencies from the statutory and third sectors across South Yorkshire and the North East Midlands to provide diverse, high quality practice placements. The Professional Capabilities Framework and Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency will form the basis of the practice-learning curriculum.

Your university placement tutor will perform a central role in ensuring the quality of your practice learning experience. Placement tutors chair Learning Agreement Meetings and Mid Way Review Meetings, and provide tutorial guidance to students on completion of their practice report. Prior to commencing practice based learning you will attend Preparation for Practice workshops, focussing on requirements, expectations and the assessment of practice learning.

Practice based learning requirements for BA Youth and Community Course

400 hours in both year one and year two within the placement organisations working with children and young people, which could be in schools, colleges, youth clubs, inclusion units or faith based organisations.

Practice based learning requirements for Foundation degree Working with Children, Young People and Families

200 hours in both years of the course working within an organisation that provides services to children and their families which could includes pre-schools and nurseries or services for older children and adults

All placements are audited annually by the social work placement team and placement tutors in line with the Quality Assurance of Practice Learning (QAPL) audit tool.