SW4003 - Introduction to Social Policy and Law

What will I learn on this module?

This module introduces the academic disciplines of social policy and law. This module will develop your understanding of national and international policy and legislation and the implications for social work. During the module you will discuss key concepts such as equality, human rights, and poverty. The module aims to provide you with a knowledge and understanding of key legislation relating to equality and human rights as well as relevant laws affecting social work practice. The module also aims to introduce you to social policy by discussing and contemporary social issues relating to social work, such as poverty, inequality, housing and health and social care and analysing the policies which aim to address these issues.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn in a variety of ways in this module. You will learn through a programme of lectures delivered to a large group of students and seminars with small group discussions. Attendance at lectures and seminars will help you meet the learning outcomes for the module. Lectures will introduce you to theories and practice in relation to key concepts, law and social issues and policies. Seminars will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your reading and ideas with peers and tutor in a supportive environment. A range of electronic resources will be available via the Blackboard Ultra e Learning portal, including lecture materials, tutor audio and video explanations as well as the use of discussions boards and links to external websites and podcast materials.

There are opportunities for formative assessment throughout the module to support your learning and to help you work towards the summative assignment. You will learn through processes of peer and self-assessment which will develop your critical evaluation skills and capacity for autonomous learning. Your self-directed reading and engagement with the module materials also form an important part of your learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Tutors will support your learning in a range of ways. They will provide a programme of lectures which relate to the learning outcomes for the module. Lectures will introduce you to key issues, concepts, perspective, and theories in relation to social policy and law. You will be given opportunities to discuss and share your ideas in a supportive environment. Key module materials will be available electronically. You will also be provided with an electronic reading list which will include essential and recommended reading of the module and its assessment. You will also be supported to explore and engage in your own search for literature to support your curiosity and enquiry in order to meet the learning outcomes for the module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

At the end of this module you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Identify key contemporary social issues, concepts, theories, and perspectives in relation to the development of social policy and law.
2. Explain the development of policy and legislation.
3. Evaluate the impact of policy and/or legislation on groups of people.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Communicate your ideas to audiences (e.g. social workers and/or people involved with care and support services.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate curiosity and effectively articulate how different theories, values and perspectives influence the development of social policy and law.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment
You will be expected to give a verbal group presentation which will discuss an area of law or social policy. Verbal formative feedback will be provided by Educators by Experience, your module tutor, and peers.
(MLO 1,2,3,4,5)

Summative assessment
You will submit a 2,000-word briefing paper focusing on an area of social policy and/or law. The briefing paper is for a particular audience (e.g., social work; individuals involved with social services; social work students Examples of policy areas and issues for the briefing paper will be included in the module handbook and guidance provided during the module. The assignment is an electronic submission via Turnitin. The assignment constitutes 100% of the module mark. The module team will provide written feedback and marks based on the assessment criteria contained in the module guidance.
(MLO 1,2,3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

SW4000, SW4001, SW4002, SW04004, SW4005

Module abstract

This module introduces you to social policy and the law. This will develop your understanding for the social, economic, legal, and political context of social work practice. This module will develop your understanding of national and international policies and legislation. You will learn about the implications of law and policy for social work practice and the impact on groups of people. The module covers key concepts such as equality, human rights and poverty and discusses policies and laws relating to contemporary social issues. You will develop your understanding through lectures and seminars delivered by module tutors and through reading and independent learning. The module will use learning technologies and a range of module materials will be available on the module website. You will be encouraged to develop your interests and curiosity in relation to a particular social issue and discuss the development and impact of related policies and legislation.

Course info

UCAS Code L503

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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