Module manager: Hedwig Verhagen
Email: h.d.verhagen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
HECS1119
This module is not approved as a discovery module
HECS1135 Social Work Theory and Practice Across the Life Course provides students with the opportunity to understand the application of social work theory to practice across the human lifespan. Students will examine key theories and concepts related to human growth and development within social contexts. Through interactive lectures, group projects, and case study analyses, students will develop their ability to assess needs, plan interventions, and evaluate the impact of social work practice on individuals, families, and communities.
1. HECS1135 aims to equip students with an understanding of human growth and development, the impact of social structures, and the role of drugs and alcohol use in social work practice.
2. Students will engage in pre-lecture activities, lectures, group activities, and independent learning, applying theories and concepts from social work, sociology and psychology to examine how systemic factors impact individuals and communities.
3. The module also explores the effects of substance use on individuals across the lifespan, stressing the importance of this understanding for effective interventions in social work practice.
1. Describe contemporary theories of human growth and development to social work practice contexts.
2. Outline specific life-course transitions and developmental issues across various life stages, explaining how a range of factors influence development.
3. Explain relevant policies and laws related to alcohol and drug use with reference to theoretical perspectives on substance misuse within social work practice
4. Outline how core social work values may apply to case scenarios, explaining how these values inform practice.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate effective communication, focusing on the transitions in the life course and related growth and development issues.
2. Select and apply appropriate digital tools to locate credible academic evidence and construct a coherent, evidence-based argument.
This syllabus for HECS1135 is designed to introduce students to the core principles of social work practice, grounded in a robust understanding of human growth and development across the life course. The module will explore the application of social work theory in practice, considering the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that shape individuals' experiences. Students will engage with key social work theories, examining their strengths and limitations in addressing the diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities. The syllabus emphasises an active learning approach, encouraging students to participate in discussions, case studies, role-plays, and guest speaker sessions, enriching their understanding and fostering a deeper engagement with the subject matter.
Key Topics and Rationale
Foundations of Human Development: This topic introduces key theories of human development, exploring different perspectives on biological, psychological, and social influences on growth and well-being. It emphasises the importance of understanding the Life Course Perspective, recognising some of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with each developmental stage.
Social, Political, and Cultural Contexts: This topic examines the influence of social structures, policies, and cultural norms on human development. It addresses issues of social justice, human rights, and the impact of inequality on individuals and communities. Students will explore the role of social work in promoting equity and challenging oppressive systems.
Social Work Theory and Practice: This topic explores prominent social work theories, such as psychodynamic, cognitive, and systems theories, analysing their application in practice. Students will evaluate the strengths and limitations of different theoretical approaches in addressing the diverse needs of service users.
Assessment and Intervention: This topic equips students with foundational skills in social work assessment, planning, and intervention. It emphasises the importance of person-centred and strengths-based approaches, focusing on the development of ethical and effective interventions that empower service users.
Partnership Working and Interprofessional Collaboration: This topic highlights the importance of collaborative practice in social work. Students will examine the dynamics of working in partnership with service users, families, and other professionals, developing skills in communication, teamwork, and advocacy.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 12 | 0.5 | 6 |
| Lecture | 12 | 1.2 | 15 |
| Seminar | 12 | 1.2 | 15 |
| Independent online learning hours | 34 | ||
| Private study hours | 130 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The formative course work consists of a guided assessment and analysis of the life course of a person of the student's choice, using the Life Course Perspective theory. Students will be set weekly course work tasks, and receive weekly peer feedback and staff support on these tasks. In week 10, students collate their weekly course work tasks and submit their formative task. Staff will provide feedback which details the students progress towards the learning outcomes so far. This feedback aims to support the student’s understanding of their progress towards successful completion of the summative task.
Additionally, sessions will include classroom tests, quizzes, and asynchronous tasks which prepare for and recap previous lectures, allowing continuous self-assessment of student progress and understanding.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | This assessment and analysis task offers the opportunity to evidence understanding of theories regarding human growth and development and social work practice and the ability to apply these to an individual’s life course, using multiple information sources to inform assessment and analysis | 100 |
| In-course Assessment | FORMATIVE: Guided assessment and analysis | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
To complete the summative assessment, students will be provided with a case study consisting of multiple sources of information, such as social care case notes, housing referrals, police reports, journal entries, medical notes and school reports. Using these multiple perspectives, as well as research, theory and practice models, student will complete an assessment form, identifying presenting issues arising from the case study. They will also complete an analysis aimed at developing a working theory to explain the presenting issues, including past experiences, perpetuating factors, protective factors and potential risks.
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Last updated: 28/07/2026
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