Practice Learning Qualification - Social Services

The course will offer opportunities to revisit the social work theory base and gain fresh understanding around the role evidence-based practice has on practice and learning. A major component of the course is undertaking the role of Practice Educator for a social work student, therefore there is a strong emphasis on the role of reflective practice and how learning is facilitated with the social work student. During the social work placement of your learner, you will be supported and assessed by a Practice Mentor.

Assignments will draw on this experience relating to exploring the theories of adult learning, assessment and leadership.

You will learn to facilitate the learning of others within the context of supportive learning environments and effective working relationships. You will learn to make sound and accountable assessments of learner practice, and evaluate the effectiveness of the experiences provided to the learner.

With reference to direct practice experiences, you will learn to reflect critically on the contribution of an evidence-based practice approach to the development of social work practice, and the ability to facilitate the learners’ integration of legislation and policy to practice. You will also learn and employ appropriate leadership skills within the practice setting.

Learning Methods

The course uses a blended approach to teaching and learning. The conceptual underpinning for each module will be delivered via workbooks. Independent study using prepared interactive materials is reinforced by tutorial contact. In addition to this directed study, assessments of essays, coursework and practice, you are required to attend one study day at RGU for each module. You will study 4 modules:

• Supporting and Facilitating the Learning of Others
• The Assessment of Learner Practice and Evaluation
• Evidence-based Practice
• Practice Context and Leadership

Activity Summary

There will be five teaching days on campus, including induction. There will also be one online revision session per module, held nearer the assignment deadlines, and peer support sessions during the placement.

• Lectures - 18 hours per year
• Seminars - 18 hours per year
• Mentor Support - Time agreed with mentor
• Placement Host - 60 - 100 days

How long is a Graduate Certificate Practice Learning Qualification - Social Services course?

The Practice Learning Qualification - Social Services can be successfully completed within 12 months. 

Independent Study

A significant portion of this course is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately. Approximately 130 hours are required per module.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our school is the largest provider of social work education in Scotland, with an expanding social science teaching and research portfolio. Our course team of lecturers have strong practice education backgrounds, and a passion for helping you to achieve your best. They will provide you with a stimulating and enjoyable education to enable you to contribute towards the assessment of practice and learning.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

• 2 x presentations
• 4 x written assignments

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

A major component of this course is that you undertake the role of Practice Educator and therefore host and support a social work student within your team/setting or agency. Therefore, your application must be endorsed by your employer, confirming the placement opportunity for a social work student. Your employer is also required to provide a named practice mentor and confirm that they are suitably qualified for this role.

If you are an independent candidate seeking to self-fund learning as an independent Practice Educator, or if you work for an organisation that is unable to meet the above requirements, please contact the Course Leader to discuss.

Job Prospects

This course helps professional development and enhances promotional and career prospects. It increases your responsibility to the workforce, and contributes positively to the profession both in the public and private and voluntary sectors.

By September 2027, all Practice Educators must be qualified in line with SSSC requirements, and RGU will only place social work students with colleagues who meet this standard.

What is needed for a Graduate Certificate Practice Learning Qualification - Social Services?

• You must be social work qualified with at least 2 years post-qualifying experience.
• You must also be in a position to offer a social work student a practice learning opportunity within your agency, either statutory or voluntary organisations.
• Your agency setting must be able to provide learning opportunities which will allow the social work student to meet a substantial proportion of the assessed outcomes as contained within the Standards in Social Work Education.
• Your employer must provide you with a named Practice Mentor and confirm that they are suitably qualified for this role.
• It is acknowledged that it may sometimes be necessary to negotiate learning opportunities for a student from another agency. We welcome applications from self-funding applicants wishing to practice as an independent PT. Please contact the course leader, Tomasz Waszkiewicz, to discuss this further. 

Those interested in this course should apply by the end of November. Applicants from Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council should send their application forms to the appropriate person within their agency.

All other applications to be sent to:

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.