Introductory description

The Social Welfare Law in the Community module offers students an in-depth understanding of social welfare law, focusing on key areas such as housing law, welfare benefits law, community care law, and education law. This optional, one-term module combines legal knowledge, theoretical insights, and practical application in contemporary policy contexts. Each year, the course highlights a specific theme in social welfare law, allowing students to explore current issues in greater depth. Lectures and discussions, led by module convenors and guest speakers from partner organisations like the Central England Law Centre, will provide students with valuable perspectives from practitioners working in the field of social welfare law.

A key component of the assessment will involve producing a policy research report on a chosen social welfare issue, allowing students to hone their analytical skills and apply what they’ve learned. The module’s public and community engagement aspect encourages students to work directly with communities affected by social welfare challenges. Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, students will gain insight into the lived experiences surrounding issues in housing, welfare, community care, and education. Partnering with organisations such as the Central England Law Centre also gives students the chance to support ongoing social welfare initiatives, providing practical experience in community-based legal practice, policy research, and advocacy.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The first week of the module will include a general introduction, set shared expectations and brief students on the mode of assessment, as well as introduce students to the central policy issue the module will focus on that term. The next several weeks will focus on developing students understanding of the substantive elements of law in involved, before turning to a wider critical and policy-focused analysis and focus on research, stakeholder engagement and community consultation, and advocacy skills.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the basic legal structure and key features of the area of social welfare law under focus and apply these in practical situations
• Intervene in a contemporary policy debate concerning social welfare law, including identifying gaps and problems with the law as it is used in practice
• Produce high quality, in-depth policy briefings and related materials based on independent research
• Demonstrate understanding of the wider social impact of social welfare law, particularly the experiences of margingalised groups in accessing and navigating relevant structures
• Reflect on their own relationship to the everyday structures and operation of social welfare law

Indicative reading list

The reading list will change from year to year as each year will have a different area of focus in social welfare law. However, the list for any given year will include both practical handbook-style texts that offer a current overview of the law, policy reports and grey literature, and relevant academic materials.

Research element

Students will work on a case study addressing a pressing issue in social welfare law, conducting in-depth research to analyse the problem. This will involve reviewing relevant legal frameworks, academic literature, and policy documents. Where appropriate, students may also engage with qualitative data, such as insights from community organisations or individuals directly affected by the issue. For their assessment, students will produce a comprehensive policy analysis, critically evaluating the issue and proposing evidence-based recommendations for reform or improvement.

Subject specific skills

Understanding and application of social welfare law
Legal Research Skills
Critical Analysis
Communication
Community consultation
Participatory research
Advocacy

Transferable skills

Communication
Critical Thinking
Public Engagement
Teamwork
Professionalism
Problem Solving
Ethical Values