Module manager: Iain Moody
Email: I.j.moody@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
HECS1136 Decision Making in Social Work will provide students with the opportunity to develop decision-making skills. Students will examine key decision-making models and ethical frameworks within the context of social work. Through interactive workshops, case study analyses and practical tasks around mental capacity, decision making and key elements of recording.
1. Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to understand and reflect on the basic components of decision making processes.
2. Students will learn to consider diverse perspectives and ethical principles, using evidence-based frameworks to guide their decisions.
3. Students will reflect on their personal decision-making approaches, exploring ethical considerations and the role of cultural and professional backgrounds.
1. Identify and discuss judgement and decision-making processes in social work, considering diverse perspectives and ethical considerations.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how decision-making processes are embedded in working processes in statutory services.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between Fact / Opinion / Judgement / Hypothesis.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the recording processes in social work, in terms of key elements that support the recording of observations and professional judgments
1. Demonstrate problem solving and analytic skills in considering how decisions are made and the strengths and weaknesses of different decision-making approaches.
2. Demonstrate the ability to assess and understand the impact of decision making in terms of the consideration of practice and the potential ethical dilemmas.
The module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate decision-making processes in the context of social work practice. The module will examine facts and opinions, intuition and analytic models, as well as looking at the foundation social work skills of observation and recording.
Applying Decision Making Theories in Practice: Provides opportunities for students to apply their understanding of decision-making principles to real-world case studies and simulations. Emphasises the role of enterprise skills in translating theory into action.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lecture | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Practical | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 138 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Lectures will be supplemented with a mix of discussions and group activities so there will be scope for dialogue between students and between students and lecturer when questions can be asked and understanding tested. Case studies will be given for group discussion to test application of knowledge. Group and individual tutorial support will be given in preparation for essay.
Formative assessment: case study based exercises for assignment, testing knowledge via class and online discussions, three in class exercises throughout the module to reinforce teaching and test learning.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 2000 word essay consisting of: 1. Fact opinion, judgements and hypothesis (500 words), 2. Decision Making in adults: A reflection on a classroom activity (750 words), 3. Decision Making in children and families: A reflection on a classroom activity (750 words) | 100 |
| In-course Assessment | FORMATIVE: 3 Weekly online tasks (Module is split into 3 component sections. At the end of these sections, students will complete formative exercise supporting understanding for the final assignment ) | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 28/07/2026
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