Social Work, BA (Hons)

Pursue a career in social work to positively impact vulnerable individuals and communities. Social workers protect those in need, advocate for human rights, and drive meaningful change, working with diverse groups such as children, the elderly, carers, and people with disabilities. This demanding yet fulfilling profession is supported by our BA Social Work degree, which builds essential knowledge, skills, and practical experience through studying legislation, policies, and guidance. Students engage in shadowing opportunities, develop communication and relationship-building abilities via classroom simulations and placements, and receive full support during two field experiences.The program, regulated by Social Work England, prepares graduates for practice in adult and children's services. In the first year, focus on core social work functions, sociology, and social policy at the university. Year two involves studying law, theories, and human development, followed by an 80-day placement. In the third year, explore issues in adult or children's social work, including safeguarding, before a 90-day placement. Completion enables registration as a social worker.

You will spend the first year based at the University, where you will explore social work's key functions and develop skills for social work practice. You will also study core aspects of sociology and social policy which underpin the profession's knowledge base. In year two, you will be based at the University during the first semester, and study central aspects of social work's knowledge base, including the law, social work theories and human development. You will go out on placement for 80 days during the second semester. In year three, you will again be based at the University during the first semester, and will have the opportunity to focus on studying key issues within social work with adults or children and families. You will also study central themes for all social workers, such as safeguarding. You will go out on placement for 90 days during the second semester.