Social Work BA (Hons)

Overview

Become a Social Work England-accredited social worker, equipped to practice in a range of settings, with the BA (Hons) in Social Work.

You’ll learn the latest theory and gain hands-on practical experience, in a research-led learning environment. The programme has been developed in close collaboration with partner social work agencies to ensure you develop the skills you need to excel in this challenging profession.

You will study subjects such as:

• Human rights
• Social justice
• Ethics and values in social work
• Effective communication
• Social policy and legislation
• Psychology and sociology

You will learn a range of practice skills to ensure you can work effectively with individuals, families and groups, including the use of art, play and role play.

In years two and three you will develop real-world experience on practice learning modules, enabling you to apply your knowledge in social work settings.

On graduation you will have a wide range of career opportunities open to you in both the public and private sector. You will also have the tools you need to go on to further study, teaching, and research.

Professional Accreditation

The professional status of social worker is conferred by Social Work England. Successful graduates are eligible to register with Social Work England as a qualified social worker.

Entry Requirements

At Bradford, we take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application.

Below outlines the typical entry requirements for this course. If you’re not sure and want to check if your qualifications would be suitable, fill in an enquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Typical offer - 120 UCAS tariff points.

Gain Work Experience to Help Your Application

Bradford Care Association and SkillsHouse can help you gain crucial health and social care work experience, to help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.

Both organisations can help you access a variety of roles, as well as progression opportunities, training, and support.

• A levels: BBB, including at least 80 points from two full A levels.
• T levels: Merit - there are no specific subject requirements.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM - there are no specific subject requirements.
• Applicants on Access Programmes: Meet UCAS Tariff of 120 - there are no specific subject requirements.
• International Baccalaureate Requirements: 120 UCAS tariff points to include at least 80 points from 2 HL subjects. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.
• Plus minimum of GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

Additional Entry Requirements

At the point of application, applicants need to demonstrate they have a minimum of 100 hours of relevant social care work experience. This should have been undertaken within the last two years.

Experience in a social care setting (either paid or voluntary) is essential. We also welcome experience in social work overseas, either because you lived there or because you have undertaken paid or voluntary work in another country. Relevant social care experience includes direct work with people and could include:

• Direct work with people who need practical or emotional help or support either through face-to-face work or on an individual or group basis or telephone work
• Mentoring or counselling
• Care work (such as working as a health care assistant)
• Youth work
• Working with children or young people who are socially excluded or have additional emotional and/or practical support needs.
• Placements through school or college which has been undertaken within the last 2 years at the point of application
• Personal experience of caring for a relative or friend where you have had first-hand experience of social services or social work intervention; having a parent(s) who is a foster carer
• Personal experience as a service-user of social work intervention

We attach importance not only to the amount of experience that you have gained but crucially to the learning that you have gained from it and are able to bring to the course and your professional development. It is helpful if you include the following information in your personal statement:

• Your roles and responsibilities
• Reflections on the ways in which your experience has helped to prepare you for social work

As part of the selection process, we interview short-listed candidates prior to making decisions.

All places are offered subject to satisfactory occupational health screening and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

English Language Requirements

Minimum IELTS at 7.0 or the equivalent.

Occupational Health (OH) Check

All places are offered subject to satisfactory occupational health screening. This will involve completing an online occupational health questionnaire and attendance if required at a medical appointment.

Students on social work programmes must be able to meet Social Work England standard regarding health and wellbeing. Occupational health screening and assessment will consider the students’ health and wellbeing and their fitness to study and practice. Progress on the course is dependent on your continued fitness.

This screening process complies with Public Health England requirements for the protection of the public and students and staff working in health and social care.

All offers of places are made subject to satisfactory health clearance.

The University is obliged to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities to enable them to fulfill the required competencies of the programme. Candidates who are concerned about health issues are strongly advised to contact us prior to applying.

Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

All places are also offered subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (previously known as CRB check) disclosure. This is due to the fact that you may be required to work with children or vulnerable adults on your clinical placement, and will need to demonstrate that you can safely work with these groups upon registration with Social Work England.

Foundation Year Entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year in Management, Law and Social Sciences has a route to Social Work BA (Hons)

Foundation Year Entry Requirements

88 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language and a Maths qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 and a minimum of 100 hours of relevant social care work experience and reflective personal statement.

Study and Progression Requirements

Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 40%.

If you do not have the required Maths entry qualification you must study Maths and Stats for Higher Education.

Participate and be successful in the selection/interview process for the degree programme. Successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a health check.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Transferring from Another University

Applications for advanced entry will not be considered for this programme.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2024 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

Core

• Social Work Theories & Methods
• Social Work Values & Ethics
• Co-production & Inclusive Practice
• Readiness for Direct Social Work Practice
• Introduction to Social Work
• Academic Personal & Professional Development
• Communication Skills: Children & Adults

Second Year

Core

• Child & Family Social Work
• Law
• Working with Adults
• Mental distress across the Life Course
• Practice Learning 1

Final Year

Core

• Research Methods for Social Workers
• Cultural and International Perspectives in Social Work
• Leadership and Management in Social Work
• Practice Learning II

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

We recognise that students all learn in different ways and our teaching and assessment methods reflect this.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, and tutorials.

You will be allocated a personal academic tutor who will support you in your studies. Assessment methods include academic essays, group presentations, poster presentations and portfolios.

In addition to your academic studies, the Division of Social Work and Social Care has a strong history of supporting our students to develop their employability skills.

Official Programme Specification

For further details about the course:

View the official programme specification

If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact our team. You can also read our Website Accessibility Statement.

Our Facilities

Students have access to the Communal area of the ground floor of the Pembertron building and can also book meeting rooms in the library for collaborative learning and groupwork.

Fees, Finance and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• UK: £9,535
• International: £20,538

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career Prospects

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

83%say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for Social Work (Full time) at The University of Bradford

87%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for Social Work (Full time) at The University of Bradford

85%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Data for Social Work (Full time) at The University of Bradford

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

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Terms and Conditions of Study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency Statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.

How to Apply

Applications for courses starting in September 2025 are not yet open.

You can begin to apply for this course with UCAS from 14 May 2024.

• Learn about how to apply, UCAS and the application process
• See key dates on the UCAS website

University of Bradford

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Overview:

The University of Bradford is a public research university located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. It is known for its strong focus on research and its commitment to social mobility. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university provides a vibrant student life experience with a range of clubs, societies, and events. Students can expect a welcoming and supportive campus environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong research focus:

The university is recognized for its high-quality research, with 77% of its research impact rated internationally excellent or world-leading.

Social mobility:

The University of Bradford is ranked first in England for its impact on social mobility.

Value for money:

The university's Distance Learning MBA is ranked the best value for money by the Financial Times.

Excellent academic programs:

The university excels in various fields, including Physiotherapy, Forensic Science, and Children's Nursing.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Business:

The University of Bradford's Business School is recognized for its support of firms and students.

Nursing:

The university provides financial help for nursing students.

Computer Science:

The university has invested £600k in new computer science labs.

Other:

The university also offers programs in various other fields, including engineering, law, and the arts.

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Other:

The university is a member of Yorkshire Universities and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. It has also received the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the Queen's Anniversary Prizes.