Short Course in Complex Assessments, Decision Making, Analysis and Risks PG Credit

This short course is designed for qualified social workers who want to strengthen their confidence, judgement and professional expertise when working with risk, complexity and ethical decision‑making. It addresses the central question faced across social work practice: how can best practice be achieved in the assessment and management of risk while maintaining ethical, person‑centred decision making? Drawing on current research, the expertise of the social work teaching team and the insights of experienced practitioners, the course offers a rigorous and reflective exploration of assessment, planning and professional judgement.

The course examines how high‑quality assessments are developed, how risk can be identified, analysed and managed effectively, and how sound decisions are supported through a balance of intuitive and analytical thinking. It places strong emphasis on avoiding faulty or biased reasoning, recognising the impact of assumptions, and working ethically within diverse and complex contexts. Through reflective analysis, students are supported to enhance outcomes for service users by making defensible, thoughtful and proportionate decisions.

Specifically suited to qualified social workers post‑ASYE, this short course provides a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect away from the fast‑paced demands of frontline practice. It creates space to unpack how risk and complexity are approached in real‑world settings, enabling participants to consolidate existing knowledge while building deeper insight and professional confidence. Feedback from previous students highlights the course’s impact in supporting career progression, strengthening practice expertise and developing assured, reflective social work practice.

The unit content will be delivered through a combination of classroom based and/or online lectures and seminars, skills development days in the workplace or online and observation exercises. You'll benefit from an engaging, practice‑focused learning experience that values collaboration, reflection and real‑world application. Teaching combines interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials and peer learning, allowing participants to share professional experiences and learn from one another.

Reflective practice is central to the course, with students supported by a dedicated practice educator mentor who provides mentoring sessions to aid professional development. The course promotes a co‑created learning approach, ensuring teaching is responsive to students’ professional contexts and supports their growth as confident, effective practice educators. The course is delivered at our Bedford Campus, offering a professional learning environment supported by a range of academic and student services.

You'll have access to teaching spaces suitable for lectures, seminars, skills development sessions and group learning activities. In addition, the University provides extensive learning support facilities, including the Study Hub for academic skills development, specialist student support services, a Student Information Desk for administrative queries, and access to experienced academic staff who support learning throughout the course.