Department of Social Work, Care and Justice

"To be back in education after many years away was a stressful time, but fortunately at Hope I found the relaxed atmosphere and the open door policy of the lecturers especially welcoming. The lectures were interesting, varied and had an intimate and informal feel. My learning was further enhanced by the opportunity for field trips abroad and the international academics I met during my three year of study......I would definitely recommend Hope University"

Katy Goodall, BA Social Work Graduate 2011

SWCJ department in the news

Article on the collaboration between Hope and PSS for the Dementia Centre

Michael Lavalette talking about the Social Work Action Network

Welcome to the web pages for the Department of Social Work, Care and Justice

Our Department has a very strong focus on issues of social justice. We study and research issues that look at the impact of state policy and economic changes on the lives of the poorest and most marginalised communities in our society.

In terms of Social Work this means focusing on the 'public causes' of so much 'private pain'. But it also means looking at the impact that changes in social work provision has on service users, carers and practitioners on the front-line. 

In Criminology it means thinking about what we mean by crime and deviance, why some activities and social groups are criminalised or seen as deviant and others are not and why the crimes of the powerful are often unpunished whilst the minor demeanors of the poor are treated harshly.

In Social Policy it means exploring what we mean by 'social problems' (such as teenage pregnancy, drug misuse, anti-social behaviour, obesity etc) and what the causes of such problems are, and it also involves looking at the impact of changes to health, education, housing and social security policy - all with a focus on poverty and inequality.

The academic members of staff all combine teaching with research in the field and pride themselves on being able to take complex issues and explain them in accessible ways that engage and enlighten student learning. Students all have regular lectures and seminars, a personal tutor to give appropriate academic support and additional research days when the entire Department comes together to listen to invited speakers discuss relevant policy and academic questions about key issues and problems facing society.

The Department also runs a number of field trips - a relevant and compulsory addition to each degree programme. These are a mix of trips around Liverpool and Merseyside - and occasionally further afield - which highlight key themes within the course programme (these field trip costs are already covered within student fees). In addition students also have the opportunity to go on trips further afield to look at criminal justice issues, welfare provision or social work in Palestine, India, Cyprus or Greece.

Our aim is to make your time within our Department both exciting and challenging - providing you with the necessary education, knowledge, skills and training to enter the labour market as a rounded, thinking graduate. The Department's employability statistics are excellent and the Department's graduates are recognised for the high standards they bring with them to their first jobs post-graduation. 

Teaching

Teaching within the Department is made up of a weekly lecture and seminar programme, research days once a term, once a month we show a movie (that deals with appropriate and relevant social issues) and once a year there is a compulsory field trip. Our intention is to use this varied programme of teaching to challenge students into critical, independent thinking. 

Research

All members of the academic staff are actively involved in research. Staff members regularly publish articles in academic journals and write and publish books. Click on the research button on the right to look at staff research interests.

Partnerships

The Department has an active partnership with PSS Liverpool. PSS is the largest voluntary sector organisation on Merseyside. PSS provides student placements for the social work programme and placement opportunities for criminology and social policy students who choose to undertake a work-based course in their third year. A member of PSS staff is seconded to work in the Department on a 0.5 basis. This link is valued by the Department and provides a key link between the academic world and the world of social work and social welfare practice.

Dementia Research

The Department has an active link with PSS in the provision of research and training in the field of dementia studies. The Dementia Centre, based at the University, provides a range of services for carers, service users and befrending organisations. Students have the opportunity to undertaker the 'virtual dementia tour' and undertake voluntary work in a carer support role. 

The University and PSS have established the Dementia Centre as a regional centre of excellence in this field. 

Dr Michael Lavalette Head Of Department   Location: HCA East Wing 045 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 0151 291 3145