Critical thinking in social work practice
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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.
What you will study
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
- Introducing critical practice
- Research mindedness
- Professional development and resilience
Block 2: Power and Professional Relationships
- Critical perspectives on outcomes
- Communication in context
- Power and authority revisited
- Co-production and complex situations
Block 3: Professional Judgement and Decision-Making
- Reflective practice and professional curiosity
- Professional judgement
- Ethical approaches to decision-making
- Writing for social work
Block 4: Managing Competing Demands
- The context of limited resources
- Working with other professionals
- Prioritising effective continuing professional development
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.
Professional recognition
This module is part of an approved programme leading to a social work degree in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. These degrees meet the regulatory requirements for professional registration with the relevant national body.
In addition to meeting these social work regulatory standards, this module aligns with the apprenticeship standards for social work in England: Social Worker (Integrated Degree) – Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Entry requirements
To study this module, you must:
- be registered for the relevant Open University degree in social work for your nation
- be registered as a social work student with the relevant care council (if applicable to your nation)
- be sponsored by your employing agency or have been accepted onto the Independent Social Work pathway in Scotland
- be working in a practice context
- have passed all modules at Stages 1 and 2 of the social work qualification.
Preparatory work
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.
What's included
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- assignment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- tutor group forums
- library resources
- access to documentation required for the Practice Assessment Report, which you'll complete at the end of your placement
Electronic versions of most of the printed study materials are provided on the website.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.