Pathway available at Bath and Bristol
According to the International Federation of Social Workers, “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people”. As an academic discipline, social work draws on a wide range of methodological approaches and techniques to tackle the world’s greatest challenges, to promote social justice and human rights.
Within the SWDTP we have strengths in many areas of social work research. These include social work with children and families; social work with people with learning disabilities; mental health social work; gerontological social work; end-of life-care; migration and modern slavery; international social work and historical approaches. The principles of involving service users and carers within the research process are key to social work research and students are supported to develop participatory approaches where relevant.
Our students work with social work and social care organisations at local, national, and international levels throughout the research process. Our social work academics have a track-record of producing world-leading research. They are experienced in nurturing and supporting students to produce well designed research projects. They also have a track record of working with policymakers and support students to create research which has a direct impact on social work practice.