Social Work, BA Hons

A key aspect of this programme is the development of skills in critical analysis, problem solving and communication. Skills in sensitive, ethical practice and awareness of appropriate values are also developed.

The programme comprises an equal balance of theory and practice learning. A total of 200 days is spent in practice placements in social work, social care and other welfare organisations, giving students the opportunity to learn professional skills alongside experienced social workers. Applicants must have demonstrable experience of caring in either a personal, working or voluntary capacity and during the selection process must show an ability to reflect critically on this experience and their own learning. Applicants must also demonstrate an awareness of current issues in social work and social care. Reference to experience should be clearly indicated on the application form.

Social work is a regulated profession. As a social work student you will be expected to register with the General Social Care Council (GSCC), the social work profession's regulator, and adhere to the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Social Workers.

As well as regulating individual social workers and students, the GSCC also regulate the performance of social work courses, the reports of which are published on their website, so you can check to see how each university is performing. For more information visit www.gscc.org.uk

UCAS code

L500 A BA/SW

School

Health & Social Care

Location

Avery Hill Campus

Attendance

3 years full-time
5 years part-time (available for students who are sponsored by their own employers, who must guarantee to provide placements).

Entry requirements

Applicants should have:

260 UCAS points FROM

EITHER a minimum of two subjects at A-level

OR a BTEC National Diploma (DMM)

OR a Society, Health and Development Diploma

PLUS a minimum of three GCSEs at grade C or above (including English Language and mathematics ), or their equivalent

OR an approved Access to Higher Education Diploma (with English and mathematics at level 2 or 3)

• Applicants must have experience of caring in a personal, working or voluntary capacity.

Assessment

Students are assessed through exams and coursework, including essays, projects and case studies.

Career options

Graduates can find employment in social work/social care organisations in the statutory, voluntary and independent sector.

Please note

Applicants for this programme are subject to the following:

• Criminal Records Bureau check
• Residential regulations
• Occupational health screening
• Interview

Year 1

Social Work Skills 1 (30 credits)
Sociology and Social Policy (30 credits)
Psychology for Social Work (15 credits)
Values for Professional Social Work Practices (30 credits)
Academic Skills for Health and Social Care (15 credits)

Year 2

Social Work Skills 2 (30 credits)
Social Work Theories, Methods and Approaches (30 credits)
Social Work Law and Policy (30 credits)
Appraisal of Evidence for Professional Practice (15 credits)
Advocacy, Rights and Partnership (15 credits)

Year 3

Social Work Skills 3 (30 credits)
Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)
Risk and Complexity in Social Work (30 credits)
Project for Professional Practice (30 credits)
Politics and Power in Professional Social Work Practice (15 credits)

Each year students spend time on placement where they are assessed by qualified practitioners.

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our: