SW5003 - Risk and Resilience

What will I learn on this module?

This module aims to support you to move from an ability to draw on an understanding of social and psychological factors in interpreting situations to apply critically such knowledge in interpreting risk and promoting resilience. You will explore ways of using evidence to inform decision-making and interventions and draw on techniques for appraising the usefulness of evidence. This will inform your consideration of resilience and risk as key themes for understanding human development and be contextualised by an understanding of theories for interpreting human development, such as attachment theory. This module will further equip you with the underpinning knowledge needed to work effectively with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

How will I learn on this module?

Teaching and learning strategies for this module will include lectures and seminars to outline concepts, models of intervention and theories. Facilitated group discussions will be integral to the module where you will explore key concepts, trends and theories in more depth and draw out individual and collective analysis. The lectures will model, making evidence-based claims, and help you draw links between the underpinning knowledge required for intervention, social policy developments and social work values. You will also have opportunities to hear from service users about their experiences and perspectives during the lectures.

You will be expected to engage with directed independent study tasks, as well as working in informal groups to present your ideas.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Lecturers will facilitate seminar groups to support academic development. You will have access to lecturers at specifically designated times via these seminars and via office hours. Formative and summative assessment tasks include ‘feedforward’ in preparation for assignments, and ‘feedback’ to identify aspects of your strengths and aspects which require development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the Blackboard Ultra e-Learning (eLP) site. Personal Tutors will also meet with you regularly to provide both academic and pastoral support.

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 the module you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Discuss and critically evaluate ways that behaviour is shaped by personal histories and social contexts.
2. Appraise knowledge of risk and protective factors on key concepts for human development and wellbeing, showing confidence in making evidence-based claims.

3.Demonstrate understanding of the impact of difference and diversity on people’s individual growth and development.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Reflect upon your own life and development, and the way in which your experiences have helped you to develop resilience.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5.Evidence a commitment to valuing the expertise of service users and carers.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment

The formative assessment task is a group task where you will apply knowledge of risk and protective factors to a case study situation. Formative assessment feedback will be provided to each group.
(MLO 1,2,3,5)

Summative assessment
The summative assessment comprises a 2,000-word short question assignment which is submitted electronically via Turnitin. The assignment will require you to demonstrate skills in applying theory to practice and application of knowledge of risk and protective factors for promoting resilience and wellbeing and reflection on how your own life experiences influence the way you would respond to the case study situation if you were the social worker.
The assignment constitutes 100% of the module mark. Summative assessment written feedback will be provided by the module team via Turnitin.
(MLO 1,2,3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

SW4000, SW4001, SW4002, SW4003, SW4004, SW4005

Co-requisite(s)

SW5000, SW5001, SW05002, SW5004

Module abstract

This module will help you to develop as a competent and confident practitioner by further developing your knowledge base around risk and resilience. Within this module you will explore the relationship between risk, resilience, autonomy, and choice and learn appropriate underpinning knowledge for social work intervention to promote positive outcomes and enhance strength-based practice. You will engage with key topics such as risk, resilience. and attachment, and how theories and evidence can inform practice. This module enhances employability by further developing your ability to draw links between theory and practice as well as helping you to identify and develop your own resilience (a key and current social work skill).

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

Social Work BSc (Hons)

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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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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