Health & Social Care

Social workers work with individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings by supporting them to function and promote their inclusion in society.

This course offers the range of academic and practice placement experiences needed to develop professional competence in social work. You develop the knowledge, skills and values required for social work, as well as building a sound academic understanding of the subject. A reflective journal portfolio runs throughout the course with the chance to evaluate your learning and placement opportunities. Once qualified you can work in the UK or overseas.

Please note: due to changes in the professional regulation of social work education, this course is currently subject to change and validation for September 2013 entry. Please check the website for updates on course content.

What you study

Year 1 provides you with the underpinning knowledge and skills which allow you to begin to make sense of 'what is social work' and develop practice skills for placement.

In Year 2 you develop your understanding and explore in more detail your knowledge, skills and practice understanding of social work. A placement in year 2 allows you to develop your understanding of what you have been learning and put it into practice in a wide variety of placement settings.

Year 3 provides the opportunity to consolidate your knowledge and understanding, and demonstrate your expertise in the knowledge and skills of social work education and practice; you will also be required to complete a final placement. You must also complete a portfolio of evidence.

How you learn

A range of teaching and learning strategies is used, including lectures, group work, problem-based learning, project work, tutorials and the use of portfolios of evidence. You are also expected to take responsibility for your own learning and complete self-directed study. In addition the degree allows for plenty of opportunities for formative feedback in order to enhance your understanding and learning. Placements are supervised by an experienced and qualified practitioner and you are also supported by your University tutor who will visit you on placement. Practice placements are organised by the University in conjunction with you completing a Placement Request. You should be prepared to travel for some placements.

How you are assessed

Assessments vary and reflect the learning outcomes of the different modules. However, assessments include the use of group-based presentations, individual essays, work books, video presentations and reports. You are expected to complete and pass all assessments successfully. Graduates of the course must be able to meet the National Occupational Standards for social work.

Professional accreditation

You must register with the Health Professional Council (HPC) as a student social worker and then, on successful completion of the course, you are eligible to register as a qualified practitioner in social work.

Career opportunities

Opportunities exist in the voluntary and independent sector, in health and social services, as well as within education and the criminal justice system, or within residential settings. Much of social work involves liaising and working within a multidisciplinary team.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is at least 240 tariff points from two or three A levels (or equivalent). For further detailed entry requirements for this course please visit www.ucas.com.

You must also:

• have five GCSEs (grade C or above) to include English language and maths (or equivalent)


• show you've done social work-related study within the last three years


• have at least six months’ paid or voluntary work experience in a health or social-care setting beforehand - to include client contact, demonstrating your awareness of the conflicts and dilemmas involved in working with people experiencing personal difficulties
• be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register


• provide an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure

Supporting information for applicants

 Our School feedback policy (word - 278kb)
 Our School reference policy (word - 276kb)

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