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Accessibility statement
In this final module of your social work qualification, you'll develop a critical approach to professional social work practice, refining your analytical and reflective skills while taking greater responsibility for your learning. You'll apply academic knowledge to real-world situations, sharpening your decision-making and problem-solving skills for professional practice. Alongside your studies, you'll undertake a practice learning opportunity, enhancing your practical experience. The module is designed to meet social work standards across all four nations of the UK and will ensure you're well-prepared for your transition into the profession.
This module will help you think critically about your role as a social worker, preparing you for the complexities of professional practice. It is structured into four blocks, each containing 3-4 topics. It blends academic study with real-world application, ensuring that each topic builds on your practice placement experience. You'll explore key themes such as criticality, power, professional judgement, and managing competing demands–all essential skills required for a confident and capable social worker.
Throughout the module, you'll work through weekly topics, with some taking two weeks for more in-depth exploration. You'll have access to key resources, including an e-reader, to support this learning. Alongside the academic content, you'll also complete 100 days of practice learning (or 90 days in Wales). This will be assessed by a practice educator and meets the regulatory requirements of your nation.
Key topics you'll cover include:
Block 1: Criticality
Block 2: Power and Professional Relationships
Block 3: Professional Judgement and Decision-Making
Block 4: Managing Competing Demands
By the end of this module, you'll be equipped with the critical thinking skills, professional judgement, and reflective practice needed to transition confidently into your role as a qualified social worker.
To study this module, you must:
You should have identified a practice learning opportunity with your agency coordinator before the start of this module.
In Scotland, all students who are due to start a placement will be required to complete a Practice Learning Opportunity (PLO) form to enable the team and/or the sponsor to identify a suitable placement.
You'll have both a module tutor and a practice tutor.
Your module tutor will help you with the academic content of the module and mark and comment on your written work. You can ask them for advice and guidance. Your tuition is delivered online, and contact with your tutor will be made through email and online discussion forums, although phone communication may also be used.
Your practice tutor will run six compulsory practice skills workshops. These provide essential support for you to apply module concepts to your practice learning setting and for you to prepare for academic and practice assessments. In addition to the six compulsory workshops, you will be expected to participate in your online tutor group discussion forum for learning consolidation exercises.
The practice tutor will provide individual support and arrange meetings in relation to your practice learning opportunities and professional development. They will also give advice and feedback on the evidence that you provide as part of your Practice Assessment Report.
Your Student Support Team will provide support, general help and guidance with studies. Contact us if you want to learn more about studying at The Open University before you register.
Course work includes:
Each assignment carries a specific weighting that contributes to your final grade: 15% for TMA 01, 25% for TMA 02, 20% for TMA 03, and 40% for the EMA. Additionally, your placement includes a practice educator's report, offering a pass or fail recommendation. This is reviewed by the Practice Assessment Panel and formally ratified by the Exams and Assessment Board, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of both academic and practical performance.
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
Electronic versions of most of the printed study materials are provided on the website.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying K355 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Critical thinking in social work practice (K355) starts once a year – in February.
This page describes the module that will start in February 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in 2033.
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