Integrated programme content and structure: Coming from different regions of the world and different fields of social work, Semester 1 at the University of Lincoln aims to establish a common foundation among students in the knowledge, skills and ethical principles needed for advanced understandings of social work. Considerable emphasis is placed on analysing students’ previous professional experiences. The semester starts with a week of icebreaking and induction activities, including input about working in diverse groups, respecting each other, understanding/resolving possible conflicts and Core Academic Skills, which provides input on key aspects of postgraduate study: academic writing, utilising research, critical analysis and reflection. Students are also introduced to the electronic resources of the University of Lincoln that they will use throughout the programme as well as the Moodle system for ADVANCES. Students will complete a formative assignment on tackling poverty early on in the semester and feedback will help to identify both strengths and areas to improve in academic writing. Semester 1 contains the 15 ECTS module ‘Transformational Leadership in Social Work' that will explore a range of advanced practitioner skills and includes a 10-day practice placement in a practice organisation in Lincoln. The 5 ECTS module ‘Professional Ethics and Social Justice’ emphasises the centrality of ethics and human rights in social work practice. The semester is completed by the 10 ECTS module ‘Critical Perspectives on Global Social Issues’ that is directed at the critical analysis of social work interventions, especially in international context. Students will therefore finish Semester 1 with a firm grasp of academic, analytical and practical skills and a strong knowledge base in international social work.
