Program Overview

Introduction to the Social Work and Applied Social Studies BSc (Hons) Program

The Social Work and Applied Social Studies BSc (Hons) program at the University of Bath is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become a professional social worker. The program is approved by Social Work England and prepares students to meet the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for newly qualified social workers and SWE Professional Standards.

Program Structure

The program lasts for three years, starting in September 2026 and ending in 2029. The course is divided into three years, with each year consisting of two semesters.

Year 1

In the first year, students will study the following compulsory units:

• Community social work (5 credits)
• Introduction to social work (10 credits)
• Psychology for social work (10 credits)
• Readiness for direct practice (10 credits)
• Research for social work (5 credits)
• Social problems, social change and the state (10 credits)
• The making of modern society (10 credits)

Year 2

In the second year, students will study the following compulsory units:

• Applied social work practice 1: practice evidence (5 credits)
• Applied social work practice 2: anti-discriminatory practice plan (5 credits)
• Applied social work practice 3: discrimination and empowerment (10 credits)
• Applied social work practice 4: critical reflection (10 credits)
• Mental health social work 1 (10 credits)
• Social work with adults 1 (5 credits)
• Social work with children and families 1 (10 credits)
• Theories and methods 1 (5 credits)

Year 3

In the third year, students will study the following compulsory units:

• Mental health social work 2 (5 credits)
• Qualifying practice 1: practice evidence (5 credits)
• Qualifying practice 2: critical analysis of organisation (5 credits)
• Qualifying practice 3: ethics and values (5 credits)
• Qualifying practice 4: critical reflection (15 credits)
• Social work with adults 2 (10 credits)
• Social work with children and families 2 (10 credits)
• Theories and methods 2 (5 credits)

Placement

The program includes two mandatory social work practice placements, which take place in the first semester of Year 2 and the final semester of Year 3. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge, skills, and professional understanding to direct practice with service users.

Learning and Assessment

Students will be taught and assessed by a variety of methods, including lectures, practical sessions, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. The assessment methods will include essays, examinations, placement, portfolio work, and presentations.

Professional Accreditations

The program is approved by Social Work England and prepares students to meet the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for newly qualified social workers and SWE Professional Standards.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must demonstrate that they have personal, volunteering, and/or employment experience that is relevant to social work or social care, and that they are capable of studying social work at degree level. The university accepts a wide range of qualifications, and students' academic profiles will be considered on their individual merits.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the program are not yet available, but students may be eligible for a bursary or scholarship to help support their studies. The NHS offers a bursary for social work students, and the university also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries.

Application Information

The application deadline for the program is January 14, 2026, and students can apply through the UCAS website. The university considers applications based on their merits, including the student's background and circumstances. Students who are applying from outside the UK will be interviewed remotely.