Policy Development module (SW50010)

The module explores social policy development as a collaborative and inclusive process. This helps contextualise social work practice and develop an in-depth understanding of policy change that is attentive to issues of ideology, power, and social justice.

Topics covered in this module include:

• poverty and inequality
• the Scottish policy context
• policy and evidence
• policy and activism
• perspectives on participation

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• develop a critical understanding of the policy-making process and organisational change
• analyse the impact of policy on the lives of service users and carers
• explore the connection between social policy and the development of social work
• learn how to make an identifiable contribution to policy development and organisational change
• develop skills in working alongside service users, carers, and professionals to identify areas for potential social and organisational change

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• critically analyse specific policy development and its evidence base within a wider context and through a social justice lens
• understand social work research, the contribution of evidence in social policy development, and the research process
• include service users, carers, and professionals in the design and delivery of a policy consultation process

Assignments / assessment

• essay/consultation report (100%)

This module does not have a final exam

Teaching methods / timetable

Learning material is provided through PowerPoint presentations, videos, images, case studies, discussions, and practice examples.

• on-campus face-to-face taught sessions
• reading list tutorials
• self-directed learning