Practice Education: Stage 1

Practice Education Stage 1 is an academically accredited module, offered at Postgraduate level and designed in close reference to the updated Practice Education Professional Standards or PEPS (BASW, 2022).  

This robust module unfolds over six carefully designed theory and research informed sessions, in which trainees learn how to: 

• Set up and maintain an effective, individualised learning environment.
• Design, deliver and evaluate learning programmes tailored to the needs of their learners.
• Mentor, coach and supervise learners to develop reflective capabilities, knowledge and skills.
• Assess learners fairly and holistically, at different stages in their social work careers. 

Practice Education Stage 1 trainees from the University of Birmingham will be educated to support, teach and assess in anti-oppressive ways, and demonstrate knowledge and skills in providing quality learning opportunities to support best practice in social work. 

Full details on the module will be provided to all successful applicants in our Welcome Pack.   

The Practice Education Stage 1 module is offered as either a fully online module or a blended delivery module which incorporates a mix of online and in-person learning.  Our modules are designed so that busy trainees can undertake part of their learning at their own pace, at a convenient time and in a convenient place, whilst still benefiting from the support and direction of the course lecturers, who are all trained social workers, practice educators and/or trained Higher Education teachers.

All Practice Education Stage 1 trainees are given access to the University’s “Virtual Learning Environment” (Canvas) where all necessary materials are arranged in learning units, with clear learning outcomes aligned to the Practice Educator Professional Standards (BASW, 2022). In our online learning environment, we encourage peer group connections, collaborations and community by setting up “study circles” for both formal learning activity and informal support.  We also utilise a range of discussion boards and forums to ensure that support is available from course lecturers as required.

The Practice Education Stage 1 module comprises of six teaching sessions.  Each session will be delivered over one full day (10am to 4:30pm) scheduled every other week, so that the module teaching is completed over a 10 week period.  PE Stage 1 trainees are expected to attend ALL six sessions.

In 25/26 our PE 1 module will be delivered fully in-person, ensuring regular face-to-face contact to create a strong and effective learning community.  During the module there will be plenty of opportunities to collaborate with your peers to share experiences, learn and develop.  We hope that these foundations will foster your on-going professional development as a Practice Educator.

The Practice Education Stage 1 module is academically assessed at 20 credits which means that 200 hours of study is expected.  This is achieved through a mix of online independent study, seminars, tutorials, additional reading and research and the oversight of a social work learner on placement.

To complete the module candidates must:

• Attend all sessions to evidence their engagement.
• Provide a placement with a social work student or ASYE candidate undertaking a placement opportunity for purposes of professional development.  To be fully qualified as a Stage 2 Practice Educator, candidates MUST have worked with at least ONE pre-qualifying learner in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their Practice Education award.
• Submit a portfolio of “evidence”, which includes a direct observation of the trainee in practice, student or ASYE candidate feedback and a reflective piece on their teaching, supervision and assessment of the learner.
• Submit a 4000 word academic assignment in which they use relevant literature to critically analyse the way they set up the learning environment (Domain A of the PEPS), designed and implemented a learning programme (Domain B), assessed the student (Domain C) and addressed their own professional standards as a Practice Educator in Stage 1 training (Domain D).

Practice Education Stage 1 trainees must have at least two years post-qualifying experience and demonstrate their ability to practice at the Professional Capabilities Framework level of “Experienced Social Worker”. 

In addition, trainees should demonstrate their interest and commitment to practice education, by having completed activities such as supporting students and other new staff joining teams and services (perhaps as part of induction activities or contributing to staff development workshops).

Furthermore, Practice Education Stage 1 applicants must demonstrate that they are ready to study at Postgraduate level by outlining any other post-graduate qualifications (e.g. a Masters, Post Graduate Certificate or Post Graduate Diploma) or relevant post-qualifying professional training, which has required the demonstration of critical thinking and writing skills.

This academic year we will be running one Practice Education Stage 1 module which will be offered at postgraduate level:   

• PE 1 In-Person Delivery – Tues 13th January 2026 to Tues 24th March 2026

The module fees for the 25/26 academic year are £1090 per candidate. 

Once the six core teaching sessions are completed, trainees can attend our regular online ‘Assignment Q & A Clinics’ which are designed to help them connect with their peers, revise core materials whilst they undertake their work in the field with social work learners, and provide individualised support with completing the module assessment.