Why choose this course?

This course, for registered social workers, will enable you to gain Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) currently held by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). It is ideal if you would like to develop the next generation of social workers by teaching them during practice placements. It will enable you to progress through the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) levels and develop your leadership skills. The course is aligned with Chief Social Workers' Knowledge and skills statements for practice leaders and practice supervisors. This course is a well-established programme with a strong professional reputation. It has been developed in partnership with agencies in south-west London and Surrey and users of social work services. You can also progress to the Advanced Social Work MA, depending on your module choices.

What you will study

From this PgCert, you may progress to the Professional Education and Training MA or to the Advanced Social Work MA, depending on your module choices.

Teaching and assessment

For both modules trainees are assessed in practice by a Practice Assessor (a Stage 2 qualified Practice Educator) and are required to produce a portfolio of practice evidence including: a Practice Learning Agreement, Induction Programme, Midway and Final Report on the student, examples of a teaching activity, direct observations of the student by the trainee practice educator, direct observations of the trainee by the PA and feedback from the student, tutor and line manager. There are slightly different requirements for the modules that will be explained to you by your course tutors and are described in some detail in the Module Handbooks. In addition both modules require trainees to produce critical analyses of their development as Practice Educators and Professional Development Plans.

After you graduate

People who have taken this course have gone on to: Specialise in practice education, working with many students and trainee practice educators over the years. Teach in universities - nearly all the universities in London employ a staff member who have taken this programme. Work in learning and development teams in a local authority. Progress to management roles in their own and other organisations.