Social Work

At a glance

Course Details

Special Features

• The Division received the highest commendation possible for social work and social policy courses in a recent QAA Developmental Discipline Level Engagement. In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, 2008, 95% of our research was recognised as of international quality, with 10% being world-leading
• Our new BA (Hons) in Working with Children, Young People and Families is a collaboration between employers and the University. There is a wide choice of modules covering knowledge and skills in health and social care
• Our courses are taught by qualified Social Workers and experienced lecturers, and the courses synthesise theory and practice to produce graduates with strong analytical and practical skills

Aims

Social Work combines a grounding in applied social sciences with assessed practice placements to enable you to embark upon a professional career in social work. As a graduate social worker you will be able to synthesise theory and practice, and apply this to the personal and structural dimensions of human distress and oppression.

Teaching methods include lectures, workshops and seminars, as well as group and individual tutorials.  Experienced social work practitioners regularly participate in teaching. The course features a 90-day assessed practice placement in the second year, and a 110-day assessed practice placement in the final year. The course is fully accredited by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) and relevant government departments. Bursaries are available through the NHS Business Services Authority (see page 39). On successful completion of the three years you will be awarded an Honours degree in Social Work and will be eligible for registration with the GSCC as a qualified Social Worker.

Career Outcome

We have an excellent graduate employment record, with 92% of our 2009 graduates from the BA (Hons) Social Work in employment or further study six months after graduating.

There are a wide range of opportunities available in the public sector: in local authorities, the criminal justice field, social service departments, voluntary sector organisations, and in both the local and national civil service.  Many of our graduates also go on to work in the private sector or go on to further study, teaching and research.

Entrance Requirements

Our typical offers are:

Social Work (NHS Business Services Authority bursaries available) 260 points (e.g. B,C,C)

Successful applicants will also need to demonstrate that they have relevant experience. Your qualifications must include at least 2 full GCE A levels or equivalent qualification. Passing Access course with a minimum of 18 credits at Merit. All candidates must demonstrate an adequate level of English and Mathematics (this would normally be GCSE grade C or equivalent). All successful candidates applying to the Social Work course are interviewed as part of the selection process.  We are looking for a commitment to social work as a career, so would not invite you to Interview or make an offer unless you can indicate that you have already had some significant relevant experience of working with people, in a voluntary or paid capacity.

For further Information on entry requirements for the course please see BA Social Work Entrance Criteria (PDF) or BA Social Work Entrance Criteria (Word)

Due to the nature of this degree, you must be willing to make a confidential declaration regarding matters such as criminal offences, disciplinary proceedings, etc., and to undergo a check by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

Placements Available?

Students studying for Social Work undertake two assessed placements, which are supervised and assessed by experienced social workers. By the end of your final placement you should be working at the level required for the award of the professional qualification, and should be ready to start work in a statutory, voluntary or independent social work agency.

Full-time Study

All applications, including Foundation Degrees, must be submitted via UCAS's (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) online facility.

Your school or college will be able to advise you about making your application. Alternatively, full instructions can be found at: www.ucas.com

UCAS also provides a comprehensive guide called Applying Online which can be downloaded from the same web address.

If you are not currently at school or college, or have difficulty obtaining relevant literature, UCAS can be contacted directly:

• Tel: 0871 468 0468
• Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Website: www.ucas.com