SW0517 - Risk and Resilience

Teaching and learning strategies for this module will include lectures and seminars to outline concepts, trends 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 in the course of the lectures.

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

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 also aspects which require development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the eLP. Personal tutors will also meet with you regularly to provide both academic and pastoral support.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk

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

a. Summative assessment

A 6 short question assignment The questions in the coursework assignment will require you to demonstrate skills in applying theory to practice and application of knowledge of risk and protective factors to a case study in thinking about how to promote resilience and wellbeing. 2500 words: 100% of mark

b. Formative assessment

i. A series of formative tasks will take place. You will be required to demonstrate your understanding of the links between theory and practice by analysing case studies within taught seminars.
ii. You will be required to present your critical evaluation of the life course interview within seminar time and will gain verbal feedback from your seminar tutor and peers.

SW0417, SW0418, SW0419, SW0420, SW0421, SW0422

SW0514, SW0515, SW0516, SW0518

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).