RGU launches new distance learning course for social care workforce
Robert Gordon University (RGU) has launched a new distance learning course to develop the skills of social care staff who work with children and adults in care settings.
The University’s BA Social Pedagogy (Working with Children/Working with Adults) course, is now taking applications for the next intake in January 2016. The course will be delivered by specialist staff from the School of Applied Social Studies.
Social Pedagogy is based on principles around holistic education and well-being and the three-year course will focus on a number of themes relevant to social care including human growth and the centrality of relationships.
It is designed for those already in employment and applicants are expected to be already working in residential, day care or community services.
A number of blended learning techniques will be used to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to meet the changing needs of social care and education in the 21st century across a range of settings.
Janine Bolger, Head of Social Work at RGU and Associate Head of the University’s School of Applied Social Studies, has worked with colleagues to develop the course.
She said: “Social Pedagogic approaches to learning and development are becoming increasingly popular in social care, day care and educational settings in Scotland.
“The course will aid the development of new skills which will be enhanced by the creative use of activities to demonstrate how bonds between the service user and care worker might be further strengthened.”
The course will provide a holistic focus on the individual, family and community; explore emotional, psychological, physical, spiritual and sexual development across the lifespan; emphasise group care and community-based practice with a critical and reflective approach to application.
Students will attend lectures during seven three-day block periods of teaching at RGU, finishing with a final two-day reflection event at the end of the course.
Content is being mapped to National Occupational Standards for the social care workforce and will be particularly relevant to those employed in day care for children, residential child care services, adult day and care home services and community based support services.
Students will gain an understanding of social pedagogy and specialist knowledge in human growth and relationships by exploring the significance of areas of practice and of the legal and policy context.
Through a study of psychological, sociological and developmental theories and increased awareness of therapeutic approaches, they will also investigate concepts of citizenship and community.
Students will also be introduced to the limits of practice in relation to working with children or adults by studying therapeutic work, group processes, interdisciplinary working and ethical leadership.
For more information, please contact Elaine Philip on (01224) 263200 or email [email protected]
Online applications are now open and the closing date is October 2015
