All social work students study theory and undertake practice placements. Integrating the two -- so that each informs the other -- is both essential and notoriously tricky. This accessible book demystifies the process and offers helpful evidence-based strategies for doing it successfully. Using illustrative case studies throughout, the text is structured around different approaches to learning. It covers: * the nature of theory * how we learn and the impact of existing knowledge * how to locate and identify theory * how to critically analyse theory * key theoretical concepts in social science * theories of anti-oppressive practice * theories of social work themes such as partnership, intervention and advocacy * using theory in academic work and on placements. This essential text helps students to identify, critically analyse and apply theory appropriately, enhancing their practice. It will be useful to all social work students struggling with the theory-practice gap.