Professional Studies: University of Southampton

Course Description

This innovative programme will suit experienced practitioners or managers in the social care services. It focuses on analysis and development of practice to an advanced level. Key concerns are the integration of theory and research with practice, managing innovation and change, and addressing anti-oppressive practice. The course is offered as a flexible, modular programme, linked to academic credits at master’s level.

The Practice Education and Leadership and Management pathways are recognised by the General Social Care Council as a post-qualifying programme at Higher Specialist and Advanced levels; and the Research Methods pathway is recognised by the ESRC as a research training programme.

The overall aim of this Programme is to critically examine the relationship between professional practice and research in the context of contemporary policy and organisational change.

Programme Structure

MSc/PG Dip

If you complete the Diploma to a satisfactory level, you will be eligible to present a dissertation for the award of MSc.

Compulsory modules

• Collaborative working
• Reflective practice

Six modules from specialist streams in

• Management and Leadership
• Practice Education
• Psychosocial Palliative Care
• Research Methods

PG Certificate

If you do not wish to commit yourself to the full programme, or you already have a master’s degree but wish to develop your practice to an advanced level and achieve a university award, you may take four specialist stream modules (as above) which are particularly applicable to your area of practice.

Short courses

You may take individual modules from the specialist streams which are particularly applicable to your area of practice, as a short course, subject to meeting the selection criteria. CATS points may be awarded if the assessment is completed.

Entry requirements

• Graduates and/or those professionals with a recognised professional qualification, preferably with 2 years’ post-qualifying experience