Social work and social care

Contemporary Social Policy: Theory and Practice

Module code: X3342
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

On this module, you'll critically examine how social policy shapes and is shaped by society, exploring contemporary issues such as mental health, disability, parenting, education, employment, poverty, youth justice and ageing. While focusing on UK social policy, international comparisons will provide context for discussion and debate.

Key topics include:

• struggles over equality and social inclusion
• concepts of social justice, need, fairness and well-being
• the evolution of policies and their impact on social well-being
• perspectives from individuals affected by social policy.

Learning takes place through lectures, online activities and student-led seminars, with case studies used to encourage problem-based engagement. Online learning includes forums, self-assessment quizzes and discussion groups.

Assessment is through an essay incorporating research, theory and policy-in-practice.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify and discuss core debates within contemporary social policy theory and practice
• Compare models of social policy provision within a global perspective and provide a critique of these approaches in relationship to social policy practice
• Assess research based sources to illustrate arguments related to an area of contemporary social policy theory or practice
• Develop an understanding of how power and discrimination around protected characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality or disability affect the implementation of social policy in contemporary societies.