A profile of the faculty of education and social work

by Professor Ron Elder

On 1 December 2001 the new faculty of education and social work was formed drawing together elements of the University with the Dundee campus of Northern College. The University's social work department and the educational studies part of the former institute of education and lifelong learning merged with Northern College to form the new faculty sited at Gardyne Road campus.

The 64 academic staff and 110 support staff have operated on the campus throughout this session and have made an excellent start to developing an integrated professionally focused faculty.

Professor Ron Elder, the former Vice Principal of Northern College has become dean of the faculty and deputy principal. The faculty is organised in three departments: community education, education and social work. The faculty's work is strategically managed through three committees each convened by an associate dean. Teaching and learning is convened by Professor Lindsay Logan, continuing professional development (CPD) is convened by Ian Ball and research is convened by Professor Norma Baldwin.

The education department with Liz Gillies as head has responsibility for a variety of on-going programmes. The BEd (hons) primary is the largest full time course with approximately 250 students while the post graduate certificate in education - primary, PGCE(P), has around 90 students this session. Masters programmes draw in high numbers of part time CPD students and under the McCrone teachers settlement it is likely that this area of activity will increase.

Professor Bryan Williams is the faculty vice dean and convenes the academic standards committee. Bryan is also head of the social work department which offers undergraduate honours degrees in social work with exit points at diploma and degree levels. The masters portfolio, research and CPD in child protection are all healthy parts of the department's work.

The community education department with Ian Ball as head offers undergraduate programmes in full and part-time mode. The post graduate diploma in community education, masters degrees and professional part-time degrees make up an extensive and vibrant CPD portfolio.

Professor Norma Baldwin, the associate dean, convener of the research committee is a key researcher in the faculty based in the social work department.

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