Students develop powers of enquiry and critical appraisal vital for careers on the frontline of social services; the course is available to practising and aspiring social workers, with an employment and college-based route available; modules are clearly structured and prescribed to meet the department of health requirements for social work training; there are 2 100-day placements undertaken in a variety of practice agencies and assessed against the national occupational standards for social work; the placements run concurrently with academic study.