Program Overview

Social Work BA

Overview

Embark on a career as a social worker and make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities. As a social worker, you'll play a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals, championing human rights and inspiring positive change. You could work with a wide range of people including children, older people, carers or people with disabilities. This is a role that is challenging but also incredibly rewarding.

Our BA Social Work degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience you need to succeed in this field. From theory to practice you'll study relevant legislation, policies and guidance for social work practice. You'll also have the opportunity to shadow social workers and observe their practice.

You'll develop essential skills like communication, building relationships, and report writing. Learn through hands-on experience in the classroom and simulated skills days. You'll be fully supported in your two placements, enabling you to apply your skills and knowledge in a learning environment.

Our course is regulated by Social Work England and prepares you to practice in both adults and children's services. Successful completion of the course makes you eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with Social Work England. Be empowered to make a lasting positive difference to society.

Why Choose This Course?

• 4th for social work in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
• 5th for social work in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025
• 9th for social work in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2025
• Member of the D2N2 Teaching Partnership which provides the highest standards of social work education through placements and practice development
• Outstanding support from experts and qualified staff
• Award-winning research and teaching (Lord Dearing Award for Outstanding Teaching and Learning)

Key Information

• UCAS Code: L509
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Fees: £9,535 (UK undergraduate students)

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: BA Hons
• Entry Requirements: ABB
• Start Date: September 2025
• UCAS Code: L509
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Fees: £9,535

Alternative Qualifications

• RQF BTEC Nationals:
  • RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD (Preferably in health and social care or a social science subject)
  • RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus one A level grade B (Preferably in health and social care or a social science subject)
  • RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A levels grades BB
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit. This must include at least six level 3 credits in study skills. Access courses in social work or social sciences are preferred.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any element)
• Other English Language Qualifications: We also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

Placements

• Designed to help develop the skills required to register as a qualified social worker and regulated by Social Work England, this course includes supervised placements in years two and three. You could spend a total of 170 days in practice during your degree. Each period of practice learning will be assessed against the requirements of social work qualification training.
• We have excellent links with statutory and voluntary agencies in the region, which provide practice learning opportunities for our students. We have an outstanding record of providing high-quality placements and recognise that this is a vital part of your learning. Students and practice assessors are well supported throughout the practice learning.
• All placements are undertaken on a full-time basis, with students expected to work the same hours as other members of staff in that setting. Placements are normally within the geographical boundaries of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Additional Costs

• All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
• As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
• The school covers the cost of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost of travelling to social worker shadowing and to placements will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Social Work Bursaries: The programme is awarded allocated a number of student bursaries by the NHS Business Services Authority Nationally. Bursaries are only available to students who progress to years two and three of the BA programme; there is no bursary for year one.
• Home Students: Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

Course Overview

• Year One:
  • Communication Skills for Practice
  • Introduction to Social Work
  • Investigating Social Worlds
  • Social Science Uncovered 1
  • Social Science Uncovered 2
• Year Two:
  • From Theory to Practice
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Law for Social Work
  • Practice Learning 1 - 80-day placement
  • Social Work Research
• Year Three:
  • Practice Learning 2 - 90-day placement
  • Social Understandings of Mental Distress
  • Social Work with Adults and Families
  • Social Work with Children and Families

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Placements

Assessment Methods

• Coursework
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Examinations
• Presentation
• Reflective portfolios
• Poster submissions

Careers Overview

• Our graduates are valued by employers for their ability to:
  • develop an argument and justify it with evidence
  • write coherently and succinctly with a clear structure
  • complete work on time and to the specification required
  • think critically and challenge accepted ideas
  • select, collect and analyse relevant materials in order to carry out independent research
  • present their work verbally and in writing to a group
  • work as a team to achieve goals

Graduate Destinations

• While most of our graduates work as social workers in local authority children's or adults' services, some take up positions in the independent sector. Our graduates have gone on to work in organisations including Derby City Council, Framework Housing Association, and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Job Prospects

• Average Starting Salary and Career Progression: Newly qualified social workers could expect to earn £25,000 and this could rise up to £40,000 as you take on additional tasks, gain responsibilities and experience.