Module manager: Robin Graham
Email: r.graham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
HECS1120 Social Work Law provides students with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin social work practice. Students will examine key legislation, including the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 1983 & 2007. Through lectures, case studies, and simulated exercises, students will develop their ability to apply legal principles to complex social work situations, make informed decisions, and advocate for the rights and well-being of service users.
1. HECS1120 seeks to provide students with a robust understanding of the English and Welsh legal systems and their direct application to social work practice.
2. Students will explore the legal frameworks governing three key areas: Children and Families, Adult Care Management, and Mental Health.
3. For students to understand the interplay between the legal framework, ethics, and values in social work, promoting an understanding of service user rights and an ethical, rights-based approach to practice.
1. Apply legal knowledge to social work practice with a particular emphasis on Children and Families, Adult Care Management, and Mental Health
2. Recognise ethical dilemmas and differentiate these from value-based judgments in social work practice.
3. Apply relevant legal frameworks and social work values to support and protect individuals in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Problem solving: Demonstrate the ability to take a logical approach to solving ethical dilemmas
2. Critical thinking: Demonstrate the ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse and interpret information and apply this to ethical dilemmas?
3. Decision making: Demonstrate the ability to consider options, use and apply your judgement to create possibilities and solutions?
HECS1120 Social Work Law is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin social work practice. It examines key legislation, including the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, MCA 2005 and the Mental Health Act 1983 & 2007. Through various learning activities, students will develop the ability to apply legal principles to complex social work situations, make informed decisions, and advocate for the rights and well-being of service users.
The module aims to:
• Provide students with a robust understanding of the English and Welsh legal systems and their direct application to social work practice.
• Explore the legal frameworks governing three key areas: Children and Families, Adult Care Management, and Mental Health.
• Promote an understanding of the interplay between the legal framework, ethics, and values in social work, fostering an ethical, rights-based approach to practice and service user rights.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 40 | ||
| Private study hours | 138 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
1. In class quizzes
- See assessment grid
- Purpose: To support recognition and recall of key areas of the law and familiarise students with key terms.
2. Group Work:
- Type: Collaborative projects discussions of case studies.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Length: 10 to 20 minutes including feedback
- Purpose: Support understanding of the application of the law.
4.Roleplay:
- Type: Simulated Adult Care Management Scenario in class with the support of a service user
- Frequency: Once approximately week 7
- Purpose: To support understanding of the eligibility criteria and service provision in practice
Summary
The law for social work is complex, however, the activities promote understanding and guide you to the practical application of key areas of knowledge. It takes time to understand what is for many students a lot of early learning of new material.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | FORMATIVE: 3 online in class quizzes | 0 |
| Group Discussion | FORMATIVE: Collaborative projects discussions of case studies | 0 |
| Role-play | FORMATIVE:Simulated Adult Care Management Scenario in class with the support of a service user | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
2 hour exam (On Campus)
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 05/08/2026
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