PGDip Social Work course preparation (Step up to Social Work)
To help you feel prepared for your university studies, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Read the information below to find out more:
Suggested reading
This section relates to reading specifically for your programme. For suggested reading and other materials to read or watch now, please view the other sections on this page.
You will be given information about which textbooks to read and be introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies.
In the meantime, the Programme Lead will continue to e-mail you every two months to signpost you with suggested readings, such as:
Useful websites to visit
Due to the nature of the programme, it will be useful for you to familiarise with the relevant professional expectations and standards. Some relevant pre-reading can be found via:
Things to do before your course begins
To help you prepare for your studies, you may find it useful to try the following activities:
Many journals and useful websites allow you to sign up for RSS feeds. This basically means that when new articles are published you will receive an email update. Explore this option so that when you receive your log in details you can set this up. This will really help ensure that you use using current information in your assignments. Some good journals to explore are:
- British Journal of Social Work
- Journal of Social Work Practice
- Journal of Evidence Based Social Work
Social Work Today is a free platform aimed to benefit all professionals in the social work and social care sectors. We are the media partner of The International Federation of Social Workers and as well as working with the global social work community we will bring you the latest news, training opportunities, webinars and podcasts, online recruitment events, and conferences from across the UK.
Explore some of these useful, web-based resources:
- Social Work Today
- IFSW
- BASW
- Community Care Inform
- NSPCC Library
- The Social Care Institute for Excellence
- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Your start date
Your course will begin on Wednesday 3 January 2024.
Please arrive for 10am in room LT6 at Institute in the Park, Alder Hey Hospital.
On your start date, you’ll need to complete your enrolment to get full access to your Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard). This online platform is where you’ll be able to explore your programme area alongside your first semester modules.
Your programme lead
Meet your teaching team
There are also opportunities to have lecturers delivered by other EHU tutors and external speakers.
Staff members teaching on the programme may also be your personal tutor. Further information about personal tutoring will be provided during your induction.