Practice Education: Stage 2

Practice Education Stage 2 is an online academically accredited module, offered at Postgraduate level and designed in close reference to the updated Practice Educator Professional Standards (BASW, 2020).  This robust programme unfolds over the course of 10 carefully designed, theory and research informed sessions, in which Practice Education Stage 2 trainees learn how to critically examine practice education knowledge, skills, values and experiences to date and develop their ability to

• work in anti-oppressive ways and manage diverse learner identities
• teach, support, supervise and assess a range of learners
• manage learning barriers and performance issues
• use theory and research informed practice to transform learners
• form and sustain active learning communities
• work reflexively

Practice Education Stage 2 trainees from the University of Birmingham will be educated to support, teach and assess and 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 2 module blends online, independent learning with live, online tutor led seminars.  This approach means that busy trainees can undertake part of their learning at their own pace, at a convenient time and in a convenient location, 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 2 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, 2020). There are discussion boards and forums to enable peer communications and ensure support is available from course lecturers as required.

In this online environment, we encourage peer group connections, collaborations and community by setting up “study circles” for both formal learning activity and informal support.

There are six sessions or ‘blocks’ of study.  Each “block” runs over a 2-week time period and comprises of 2 parts.  The first part is designed for independent, online study and includes some combination of pre-recorded lectures, explainer or demonstrator videos, theory to practice tasks, self-evaluation and reflection and research.  The second part of the block brings together all learners in the group for a live, online, tutor led seminar in which the materials are revised and applied in a reflective, supportive exchange. 

Once the 6 core sessions are completed, trainees attend 4 online, group tutorials over the remainder of the academic year, which are designed to help them connect with their peers and revise core materials whilst they undertake their work in the field with social work learners. In addition, support with the module assessment is provided.

The module is academically assessed at 20 credits.  “Credits” indicate how much study time is required to complete the module requirements.  For every 10 credits, 100 hours of study is expected and this is achieved through the online, independent study, seminars, tutorials, additional reading and research and the oversight of a social work learner.  In order to qualify at Practice Education Stage 2, trainees must have previously supervised at least 1 pre-qualified social work student.  Alternatively, Practice Education Stage 2 trainees should oversee a pre-qualified social work student over the course of the module.

In addition, trainees must submit a portfolio of “evidence” to document the Stage 2, advanced practice educator skills achieved. Finally, all trainees must submit an academic assignment in which they use relevant literature and research to critically analyse the way they set up the learning environment, designed and implemented a learning programme, assessed their learner and addressed their own professional standards as a Practice Educator in Stage 2 training. 

Practice Education Stage 2 trainees must have at least three years post-qualifying experience and demonstrate their ability to practice at the Professional Capabilities Framework level of “Experienced Social Worker”. 

In addition, trainees should have completed Practice Education Stage 1 or an equivalent course that reflects the Practice Educator Professional Standards (BASW, 2020). Where the applicant has not overseen a pre-qualifying social work learner, they will be required to make arrangements for this to take place over the course of Stage 2 to comply with the standards. 

Furthermore, PE Stage 2 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.

Our Next Practice Education Stage 2 Module will run in October 2022.

• Induction:  Tuesday 4th October 2022 from 10.00am to 4.00pm
• Online Seminar: Tuesday 18th October 2022 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
• Online Seminar: Tuesday 1st November 2022 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
• Online Seminar: Tuesday 15th November 2022 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
• Online Seminar: Tuesday 29th November 2022 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
• Close:  Tuesday 13th December from 10.00am to 4.00pm

Group tutorial dates will run at points across the academic year.

Our update fee for this module is £888 per applicant OR 

£843.60 per applicant if more than 1 person attends from the same agency (5% discount).