Critical thinking in social work practice
Qualification dates
| Start |
End |
|
|
In this final module of your social work qualification, you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll develop a critical approach to professional social work practice, refining your analytical and reflective skills while taking greater responsibility for your learning. You&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll apply academic knowledge to real-world situations, sharpening your decision-making and problem-solving skills for professional practice. Alongside your studies, you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll undertake a practice learning opportunity, enhancing your practical experience. The module is designed to meet social work standards across all four nations of the UK and will ensure you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;re well-prepared for your transition into the profession.
What you will study
This module will help you think critically about your role as a social worker, preparing you for the complexities of professional practice. It is structured into four blocks, each containing 3-4 topics. It blends academic study with real-world application, ensuring that each topic builds on your practice placement experience. You&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll explore key themes such as criticality, power, professional judgement, and managing competing demands–all essential skills required for a confident and capable social worker.
Throughout the module, you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll work through weekly topics, with some taking two weeks for more in-depth exploration. You&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll have access to key resources, including an e-reader, to support this learning. Alongside the academic content, you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll also complete 100 days of practice learning (or 90 days in Wales). This will be assessed by a practice educator and meets the regulatory requirements of your nation.
Key topics you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll cover include:
Block 1: Criticality
- Introducing critical practice
- Research mindedness
- Professional development and resilience
Block 2: Power and Professional Relationships
- Critical perspectives on outcomes
- Communication in context
- Power and authority revisited
- Co-production and complex situations
Block 3: Professional Judgement and Decision-Making
- Reflective practice and professional curiosity
- Professional judgement
- Ethical approaches to decision-making
- Writing for social work
Block 4: Managing Competing Demands
- The context of limited resources
- Working with other professionals
- Prioritising effective continuing professional development
By the end of this module, you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll be equipped with the critical thinking skills, professional judgement, and reflective practice needed to transition confidently into your role as a qualified social worker.
Professional recognition
This module is part of an approved programme leading to a social work degree in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. These degrees meet the regulatory requirements for professional registration with the relevant national body.
- England:
- Northern Ireland:
- Scotland:
- Wales:
In addition to meeting these social work regulatory standards, this module aligns with the apprenticeship standards for social work in England: .
Entry requirements
To study this module, you must:
- be registered for the relevant Open University degree in social work for your nation
- be registered as a social work student with the relevant care council (if applicable to your nation)
- be sponsored by your employing agency or have been accepted onto the Independent Social Work pathway in Scotland
- be working in a practice context
- have passed all modules at Stages 1 and 2 of the social work qualification.
Preparatory work
You should have identified a practice learning opportunity with your agency coordinator before the start of this module.
In Scotland, all students who are due to start a placement will be required to complete a Practice Learning Opportunity (PLO) form to enable the team and/or the sponsor to identify a suitable placement.
What's included
You&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- assignment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- tutor group forums
- library resources
- access to documentation required for the Practice Assessment Report, which you&/courses/qualifications/details/k355/39;ll complete at the end of your placement
Electronic versions of most of the printed study materials are provided on the website.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.