Invaluable text - Rated 
I am currently completing my Social Work BA (Hons) Degree and came across this text book by chance. I am so glad I did! It has been an invaluable book for me, each chapter is well written and easy to read without too much jargon, a problem I find in a lot of academic text books! It is written to be understood from a student perspective and I wish more text books were written in this way. I am on my first year but I feel this book will be a great help throughout my studies. My friend borrowed it from me and has since ordered her own copy as she was so impressed. I would recommend this book without hesitation as it will be an excellent tool in most of your assignments as I have found out!
My essential text for the Social Work BA & MA - Rated
For me, this book has been essential during my two year MA in SW, and I am sure the same will apply for any person studying the BA. As others have said, this book contains the information you need, and is easy and enjoyable to read. I have dipped into my library copy for many assignments, and have now purchased my own copy ans I want to read it through - I can't say that I have been inspired by many other texts to do the same! This has also proved useful when applying theory to my practice when writing up my APT and portfolio.
Terrific Trevithick - Rated
This is a book for rejuvenating tired minds. It sets out all you need to know about the theory and practice of social work. It is a must-have for post-qualifying study.
It is a useful resource and helps organise the braincells into an orderly queue.
You can read any section in isolation or just work your way through the book. It is well written, simply presented and avoids jargon. Most of all it is a good read - not something you encounter every day in social work literature.
I used this book when I completed PQ 2-4 last year and found it indispensable. I dipped in and out of subjects with ease. The book is presented in such a way that every page is self-contained and theories/practice/skills/methods/values and case studies are analysed and explained with ease.
Most important of all, the writer knows her subject and enjoys her work. I found myself identifying with her views and experiences. I did not feel patronised or require a dictionary to decipher the text.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in working with and for people.
A book that 'fills in the gaps' ... - Rated
A brilliant book that I wish I had known about earlier in my DipSW training - also wish I had the author as one of my tutors.
The author truly does 'fill in the gaps' left by DipSW training that focuses endlessly on 'competences', for example, by listing all those elusive 'skills' that social work students are supposed to demonstrate, and by defining exactly what is meant by terms such as 'theory', intervention', 'method', etc, etc, etc.
Beg, borrow, or even (blow the expense) buy this book - you won't regret it (despite the over-emphasis on psychological rather than sociological perspectives). I think I shall still be referring to it as a newly-qualified practitioner and it will be invaluable during the remainder of my second placement, especially when writing assignments and evidence sheets...
An important book but why so expensive - Rated 
I rarely buy books but this one has joined the select few in my practice teaching library. It provides a very simple look at social work skills (50 are listed) and knowledge. The only dissapointment is the price. Students will probably not pay the [price] that the OU are asking which is a pity
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