Module manager: Kirsteen Laidlaw
Email: k.laidlaw@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
HECS1118
This module is not approved as a discovery module
HECS1134 Social Justice & Social Work provides students with the opportunity to explore the critical relationship between social justice principles and social work practice. Students will examine key concepts such as equality, diversity, human rights, and anti-oppressive practice. Through engaging with diverse perspectives and real-world case studies, students will develop their ability to analyse social issues and apply social justice frameworks to inform ethical and effective social work interventions.
1. HECS1134 aims to develop students’ understanding of social justice contexts and their relevance to social work practice.
2. Students will explore the socio-political environment, analysing how various elements impact the lives of service users and influence daily social work practice.
3. The module introduces the concept of intersectionality, highlighting its significance in anti-oppressive practice.
4. Through lectures, discussions, and real-life examples of social policy implementation, students will develop an appreciation for the multi-layered nature of UK social policy systems and their implications for social work interventions.
1. Evaluate the relevance of contemporary social justice issues.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the intersectionality of different aspects of social identity and analyse its impact on anti-oppressive practice within social work contexts.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse social and political roles that the discipline of Social Work performs in contemporary society.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of sociology and social policy at a local level.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Be able to utilise digital tools and platforms to identify, access, and present social work-related information.
2. To identify and evaluate current social policy as it pertains to the Social Work definition of Social Justice.
3. To create proposals that would sustainably achieve and improve processes and Social Policy to meet the needs of all members of Society.
This first-year module introduces the complex relationship between social justice principles and social work practice. Students will explore how societal inequalities and systems of oppression impact individuals, families, and communities. They will examine how social work can challenge injustice and promote equality, drawing on sociological and social policy perspectives. The module encourages critical reflection on power dynamics, privilege, and the role of social workers in advocating for social change.
Key Topics
1. Introduction to Social Justice Concepts: This topic introduces key social justice concepts, including equality, equity, human rights, and social inclusion. Students will explore different theoretical frameworks for understanding social justice, such as distributive justice, recognition, and capabilities approaches.
2. Understanding Social Inequality: This topic examines the root causes and manifestations of social inequality, analysing how factors like race, gender, class, disability, sexual orientation, and age intersect to create disadvantage and marginalisation. Students will study the impact of social inequality on health, education, employment, housing, and other key areas of life.
3. Systems of Oppression and Anti-Oppressive Practice: This topic focuses on understanding systems of oppression, exploring how power and privilege operate to maintain inequalities. Students will examine concepts like racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and classism, analysing their impact on individuals and communities. The topic will introduce anti-oppressive practice as a framework for challenging discrimination and promoting equality within social work.
4. Social Work and Social Change: This topic explores the role of social work in promoting social change and challenging injustice. Students will analyse different models of social work intervention, such as community development, advocacy, and policy practice, considering their potential for addressing systemic issues.
5. Social Justice in Practice: This topic focuses on applying social justice principles in real-world social work settings. Students will examine case studies, ethical dilemmas, and policy debates, learning how to integrate social justice considerations into assessment, intervention planning, and partnership working.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Supervision | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Practical | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 27 | ||
| Private study hours | 146 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will get the opportunity to ask questions in class and to engage in group activities to develop an understanding of their progress. There will also be the opportunity to use tutorial support to check their understanding prior to undertaking the essay. Formative feedback will also include on line quizzes and exercises to reinforce classroom learning. Students will also experience a very brief group presentation that outlines research undertaken on a particular aspect of lived experience and one aspect of social policy. This will be undertaken in class and will allow students to demonstrate an understanding of collating relevant material that is related to their essay question.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1500 words (The impact of Social Policy on the lived experience of individuals) | 100 |
| Group Project | FORMATIVE: Groupwork/Visit e.g. Court Visit | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
There will be support and dedicated teaching time from the module team about developing these academic skills and in making the links between different forms of presenting research, be it in a presentation format or an academic essay. This essay will enable students to begin to present academic arguments with references on a topical subject directly related to social justice and social work. It will enable students to bring together different elements of knowledge, ethical values and societal understanding. This will be related to the lived experience of different service user populations and will allow students to explore the challenges faced by members of society. Students will also be able to link these issues to later policy developments, which they will then evaluate the effectiveness of these policies. The essay must be passed to complete the module. Failure in the assessment element will result in the module mark being capped at 40 on successful resit.
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Last updated: 28/07/2026
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