Social Work BA (Hons)
Available with:
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Foundation Year
Accreditations
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Course Summary
Make a difference as you prepare for a professional career within social work.
The BA (Hons) in Social Work at Chester offers an exciting opportunity to gain your social work qualification. Alongside teaching and learning sessions based at our Warrington Town Centre campus, you will also undertake two placements located within private, voluntary and charitable organisations, as well as statutory social work departments. As a University within the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Work Teaching Partnership, your social work career is supported from the day you register at the University of Chester, with wide-reaching Teaching Partnership post-qualifying options available if you pursue your social work career locally.
Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to develop relationships with your fellow students, university staff and a range of people and departments who will support you in your practice learning journey. We aim to help you engage in learning, and to foster your sense of belonging to a community of learners. We provide a supportive culture to motivate learners to progress and succeed, with personal tutors playing a key role in providing personalised support. You will also have opportunities to use all the university services open to Warrington-based students such as student support services, university societies and sports teams.
On successful completion of your BA (Hons) in Social Work, you will be eligible to apply to register with the professional regulator Social Work England as a qualified social worker. The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible students studying social work. Further details can be found on the NHS Learning Support Fund page on our website.
What You'llStudy
The Professional Studies Foundation Year route is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be successful at university and whilst on a professional and vocational course. You will study a range of topics relating to your profession and the environment in which you will eventually work. Areas of focus include person-centred care, mental health, children’s development, communication in a professional setting, social inequality, and how to apply psychology in the real world. Teaching and learning is tailored and designed with specific modules that relate to the profession you are preparing to join. You will also be introduced to the professional codes and standards that you must uphold such as, the Nursing and Midwifery Code, Social Work England, College of Policing, and national Safeguarding guidance.
Module content:
- Reading and writing critically.
- Constructing and evaluating an argument.
- Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
- Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
- Introduction to reflective practice.
- Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
- Referencing and citation.
- Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
- Literature searching.
- Report writing.
- The culture and expectations of higher education.
- The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
- The nature of research journal publishing.
Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.
Module aims:
1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.
2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.
3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.
4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.
Module content:
- Reading and writing critically.
- Constructing and evaluating an argument.
- Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
- Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
- Introduction to reflective practice.
- Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
- Referencing and citation.
- Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
- Literature searching.
- Report writing.
- The culture and expectations of higher education.
- The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
- The nature of research journal publishing.
Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.
Module aims:
1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.
2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.
3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.
4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.
Module content:
- Research and planning skills.
- Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
- Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
- Identifying areas of interest.
- Application and development of critical analytical skills.
- Development of self-directed study.
- Use of learning resources.
Module aims:
1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.
2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.
3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.
4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.
5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.
Module content:
- Research and planning skills.
- Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
- Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
- Identifying areas of interest.
- Application and development of critical analytical skills.
- Development of self-directed study.
- Use of learning resources.
Module aims:
1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.
2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.
3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.
4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.
5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.
Module content:
- Society, social structures and socialisation
- Social scientific ideas, theories and ‘lenses’ on society
- Social scientific research and basic research methods
- Digitalisation of society, smartphone technology and social media platforms
- Consumerism and consumer culture – definitions, impacts and debates
- Inequalities related to gender, social class, ‘race’ and ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ communities
- Social issues and problems related to knife crime, riots and uprisings, prostitution and sex work
- Social justice, power and movements for social change
Module aims:
1. To examine contemporary society from some key perspectives of social science.
2. To introduce students to research in the social sciences.
3. To introduce students to contemporary themes and issues in the social sciences.
Module content:
- Society, social structures and socialisation
- Social scientific ideas, theories and ‘lenses’ on society
- Social scientific research and basic research methods
- Digitalisation of society, smartphone technology and social media platforms
- Consumerism and consumer culture – definitions, impacts and debates
- Inequalities related to gender, social class, ‘race’ and ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ communities
- Social issues and problems related to knife crime, riots and uprisings, prostitution and sex work
- Social justice, power and movements for social change
Module aims:
1. To examine contemporary society from some key perspectives of social science.
2. To introduce students to research in the social sciences.
3. To introduce students to contemporary themes and issues in the social sciences.
Module content:
- The role and historical context of psychology
- Consider a range of topics from the main perspectives to include the core areas; biological, developmental, cognitive, individual differences and social psychology
- Investigating current issues in psychology
- Ethical issues and responsibilities
- Exploring research methods used in Psychology
- Introduction to using data in Psychology
Module aims:
1. To examine the main perspectives in psychology
2. To introduce students to research methodology and the use of data in Psychology
3. To consider ethical issues and responsibilities within the field
Module content:
- The role and historical context of psychology
- Consider a range of topics from the main perspectives to include the core areas; biological, developmental, cognitive, individual differences and social psychology
- Investigating current issues in psychology
- Ethical issues and responsibilities
- Exploring research methods used in Psychology
- Introduction to using data in Psychology
Module aims:
1. To examine the main perspectives in psychology
2. To introduce students to research methodology and the use of data in Psychology
3. To consider ethical issues and responsibilities within the field
Module content:
- Defining health in the 21st century
- Culture and health
- The biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
- Health inequality: definition, examples and impact
- Current health issues
- The emergence of the UK National Health Service
- Health promotion
- Individual Health behaviours
- Introduction to reflective theories (Nurses and Social Workers only)
- Introduction to big data (Life Sciences)
Module aims:
1. To introduce students to the social, biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health.
2. To explore contemporary issues in health care.
3. To consider the impact of inequality on health.
4. To explore examples of health promotion.
Module content:
- Defining health in the 21st century
- Culture and health
- The biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
- Health inequality: definition, examples and impact
- Current health issues
- The emergence of the UK National Health Service
- Health promotion
- Individual Health behaviours
- Introduction to reflective theories (Nurses and Social Workers only)
- Introduction to big data (Life Sciences)
Module aims:
1. To introduce students to the social, biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health.
2. To explore contemporary issues in health care.
3. To consider the impact of inequality on health.
4. To explore examples of health promotion.
Module content:
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Module aims:
To provide an introduction for students into the values, knowledge and skills required to become a registered social worker.
Module content:
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Module aims:
To provide an introduction for students into the values, knowledge and skills required to become a registered social worker.
In Year 1, you will study core topics that provide the underpinning knowledge base for social work.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- The role of the social worker and the importance of professional behaviour.
- An introduction to basic skills of reflection. Models of reflection and the role of reflective practice in social work.
- Interpersonal and communication skills – use of language, non-verbal communication, observation, listening and recording skills, IT skills.
- Principles of assessment and planning intervention. An introduction to risk and safeguarding. Interviewing skills.
- An introduction to theories and models of social work intervention e.g. systems theory, solution-focused, motivational interviewing
etc. - The role of supervision in social work practice.
- The service user and carer perspective of social work involvement.
- The organisational context of social work practice and the role of professional leadership in social work.
- The role of professional leadership in social work.
Module aims:
The module aims to:
- Enable students to develop an understanding of the professional social work role and its responsibilities, conflict, boundaries, ethics, and the impact on practice and delivery.
- Enable students to develop a range of skills to function effectively in their communication with service users and colleagues in an organisational setting.
- Provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for direct practice as outlined in the PCF Readiness for Practice Capabilities.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- The role of the social worker and the importance of professional behaviour.
- An introduction to basic skills of reflection. Models of reflection and the role of reflective practice in social work.
- Interpersonal and communication skills – use of language, non-verbal communication, observation, listening and recording skills, IT skills.
- Principles of assessment and planning intervention. An introduction to risk and safeguarding. Interviewing skills.
- An introduction to theories and models of social work intervention e.g. systems theory, solution-focused, motivational interviewing
etc. - The role of supervision in social work practice.
- The service user and carer perspective of social work involvement.
- The organisational context of social work practice and the role of professional leadership in social work.
- The role of professional leadership in social work.
Module aims:
The module aims to:
- Enable students to develop an understanding of the professional social work role and its responsibilities, conflict, boundaries, ethics, and the impact on practice and delivery.
- Enable students to develop a range of skills to function effectively in their communication with service users and colleagues in an organisational setting.
- Provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for direct practice as outlined in the PCF Readiness for Practice Capabilities.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- An introduction to the legal system in England and how it relates to social work.
- An introduction to the law and guidance regarding sharing information appropriately
- Discrimination law and policy: An introduction to key legislation and policies affecting service users and carers.
- An introduction to the law pertaining to children, and related policies and guidance.
- An introduction to the law pertaining to adults, and related policy and guidance.
- An introduction to other key legislation and policies relevant to social work practice.
Module aims:
The aims of this module are to enable students to:
- Consider the legal structure and framework in England and how it relates to social work.
- Understand how law and policy can support anti-discriminatory practice and support the rights of service users.
- Develop an understanding of key pieces of legislation that social workers work within, the powers and duties of the local authority, and how they are applied in the professional role.
- Develop an understanding of the key policies that social workers apply in their professional role.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- An introduction to the legal system in England and how it relates to social work.
- An introduction to the law and guidance regarding sharing information appropriately
- Discrimination law and policy: An introduction to key legislation and policies affecting service users and carers.
- An introduction to the law pertaining to children, and related policies and guidance.
- An introduction to the law pertaining to adults, and related policy and guidance.
- An introduction to other key legislation and policies relevant to social work practice.
Module aims:
The aims of this module are to enable students to:
- Consider the legal structure and framework in England and how it relates to social work.
- Understand how law and policy can support anti-discriminatory practice and support the rights of service users.
- Develop an understanding of key pieces of legislation that social workers work within, the powers and duties of the local authority, and how they are applied in the professional role.
- Develop an understanding of the key policies that social workers apply in their professional role.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Human growth and development as a lifelong process from infancy to old age; the interaction between heredity and environmental factors.
- Introduction to key concepts within life course development and their relevance to social work practice; e.g. transition; change and continuity; strengths; resources and resilience; adversity; vulnerability and risk.
- Human growth and development issues at various stages of life:
a) Development of children: e.g. Physical and developmental milestones; cognitive development and developmental psychology (theories of learning); psycho-social theories of personality development; attachment and separation.
b) Adolescent development: e.g. Physical, moral, sexual; identity development (including gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity); becoming independent.
c) Transitions to adulthood: e.g. Physical, psychosocial and cognitive changes; identity development; lifestyles; social networks and relationships; partnerships and becoming a parent; mid-life issues/‘crises’.
d) Ageing and older age: e.g. Defining old age; managing transition; physical ageing; common health problems associated with ageing and their impact (e.g. dementia); theories of ageing; life course perspectives on inequalities in later life; gender, ageism, sexual orientation.
e) End of life: e.g. Death and dying, acceptance, denial, attachment and loss, grief and mourning; diverse perspectives on end of life and dying e.g. cultural norms and expectation, spirituality. - Challenges to development: e.g. Adversity; understanding the potential impact of social divisions and inequality in infancy/childhood/adolescence/adulthood and old age.
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with a wide ranging overview of human growth and development perspectives across the life course. It will enable students to understand how each individual person’s growth, behaviour and development is shaped and influenced by their family, culture, friends and environment. Students will examine and gain a greater understanding of how the range of perspectives can enable them to build and develop their professional understanding and responses in relation to social work practice with service users and carers.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Human growth and development as a lifelong process from infancy to old age; the interaction between heredity and environmental factors.
- Introduction to key concepts within life course development and their relevance to social work practice; e.g. transition; change and continuity; strengths; resources and resilience; adversity; vulnerability and risk.
- Human growth and development issues at various stages of life:
a) Development of children: e.g. Physical and developmental milestones; cognitive development and developmental psychology (theories of learning); psycho-social theories of personality development; attachment and separation.
b) Adolescent development: e.g. Physical, moral, sexual; identity development (including gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity); becoming independent.
c) Transitions to adulthood: e.g. Physical, psychosocial and cognitive changes; identity development; lifestyles; social networks and relationships; partnerships and becoming a parent; mid-life issues/‘crises’.
d) Ageing and older age: e.g. Defining old age; managing transition; physical ageing; common health problems associated with ageing and their impact (e.g. dementia); theories of ageing; life course perspectives on inequalities in later life; gender, ageism, sexual orientation.
e) End of life: e.g. Death and dying, acceptance, denial, attachment and loss, grief and mourning; diverse perspectives on end of life and dying e.g. cultural norms and expectation, spirituality. - Challenges to development: e.g. Adversity; understanding the potential impact of social divisions and inequality in infancy/childhood/adolescence/adulthood and old age.
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with a wide ranging overview of human growth and development perspectives across the life course. It will enable students to understand how each individual person’s growth, behaviour and development is shaped and influenced by their family, culture, friends and environment. Students will examine and gain a greater understanding of how the range of perspectives can enable them to build and develop their professional understanding and responses in relation to social work practice with service users and carers.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Introduction to sociology - developing a sociological imagination. Introduction to key perspectives, e.g. Marxism, functionalism, social action theories, postmodernism, feminism.
- Community: Types of community; politics of community; theories of community and community breakdown; working with disadvantaged neighbourhoods, citizenship.
- Ideology, political decision-making, society and social work; introducing current themes in social policy
- The position of the family and the individual in society and the implications on families of social policy initiatives: e.g. relating to welfare reform.
- Social division, social inclusion/exclusion, structural inequality and social justice.
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with a basic underpinning knowledge of a range of sociological perspectives as a starting point to understanding how individuals, communities and the ‘state’ play their part in the functioning of UK society. It will also aim to aid students’ understanding of the ways in which sociological theory and research has contributed to political ideology and thinking in relation to social welfare, social policy and social work. It will promote a critical awareness of the impacts of social policy on society and on social work practice.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Introduction to sociology - developing a sociological imagination. Introduction to key perspectives, e.g. Marxism, functionalism, social action theories, postmodernism, feminism.
- Community: Types of community; politics of community; theories of community and community breakdown; working with disadvantaged neighbourhoods, citizenship.
- Ideology, political decision-making, society and social work; introducing current themes in social policy
- The position of the family and the individual in society and the implications on families of social policy initiatives: e.g. relating to welfare reform.
- Social division, social inclusion/exclusion, structural inequality and social justice.
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with a basic underpinning knowledge of a range of sociological perspectives as a starting point to understanding how individuals, communities and the ‘state’ play their part in the functioning of UK society. It will also aim to aid students’ understanding of the ways in which sociological theory and research has contributed to political ideology and thinking in relation to social welfare, social policy and social work. It will promote a critical awareness of the impacts of social policy on society and on social work practice.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Social work values and ethics: Consideration of historical and contemporary social work values, including the international definition of social work, British Association of Social Workers code of ethics, Social Work England (SWE) guidance on Professional Standards and frameworks for ethical practice. Values of professional groups social workers work alongside compared and contrasted.
- Processes of discrimination and oppression stemming from inequality and disadvantage: Forms of discrimination and oppression including racism, sexism, ageism, disablism, heterosexism and global divisions. Models to understand discrimination and oppression from a personal and professional standpoint
(PCS model). - Inequality and disadvantage: The range of factors which contribute to social exclusion, inequality and disadvantage (leisure and work opportunities, poverty, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexuality). Anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. Critique of a human rights approach. Critical theory including critical race theory, post queer theory and indigenous ethical perspectives.
- Boundaries and professional judgement: Historical and contemporary practice dilemmas. Impact of personal values and digital technology upon professional practice. Boundaries and professionalism in the process of decision making and managing ethical dilemmas.
Module aims:
This module aims to prepare and enable students to understand the nature of social work values (choice, respect, rights, risks, self-determination) and ethics (utilitarianism, Kantian) needed for competent professional practice. It also aims to aid students’ understanding of the historical development of social work values and how these have influenced contemporary ethics and value frameworks. The module will also consider the impact of social work values on professional practice, and prepare students to be able to deal with the conflicts between personal and professional values. More importantly, this module provides the foundations for applying social work values to each subsequent module in all following years of the undergraduate degree.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Social work values and ethics: Consideration of historical and contemporary social work values, including the international definition of social work, British Association of Social Workers code of ethics, Social Work England (SWE) guidance on Professional Standards and frameworks for ethical practice. Values of professional groups social workers work alongside compared and contrasted.
- Processes of discrimination and oppression stemming from inequality and disadvantage: Forms of discrimination and oppression including racism, sexism, ageism, disablism, heterosexism and global divisions. Models to understand discrimination and oppression from a personal and professional standpoint
(PCS model). - Inequality and disadvantage: The range of factors which contribute to social exclusion, inequality and disadvantage (leisure and work opportunities, poverty, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexuality). Anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. Critique of a human rights approach. Critical theory including critical race theory, post queer theory and indigenous ethical perspectives.
- Boundaries and professional judgement: Historical and contemporary practice dilemmas. Impact of personal values and digital technology upon professional practice. Boundaries and professionalism in the process of decision making and managing ethical dilemmas.
Module aims:
This module aims to prepare and enable students to understand the nature of social work values (choice, respect, rights, risks, self-determination) and ethics (utilitarianism, Kantian) needed for competent professional practice. It also aims to aid students’ understanding of the historical development of social work values and how these have influenced contemporary ethics and value frameworks. The module will also consider the impact of social work values on professional practice, and prepare students to be able to deal with the conflicts between personal and professional values. More importantly, this module provides the foundations for applying social work values to each subsequent module in all following years of the undergraduate degree.
Year 2 focuses on the social work role with children, families and adults. You will also develop your professional practice, and undertake a 70-day practice placement.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Relevant legislative and welfare policy frameworks which impact on the planning and delivery of services for adult service users and carers
- Examining the different needs of adult service users and carers, including older people, adults with disabilities, substance dependency, mental health challenges, and refugees and asylum seekers
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults: Risk assessment and decision making
- Theoretical, professional and skill based approaches to practice within adult services. Application of theories, methods, models, frameworks, and the professional standards of the social work regulator, to practice
- Working inter-professionally with service users and carers
- Anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practcie. Stigma, stereotyping and power
- Current evidence based research in relation to vulnerable adults
Module aims:
Social work practice with adults is a complex activity involving a range of competing priorities. Practitioners are required to promote self-determination and autonomy whilst managing risk and protecting service users from harm. The aim of the module is to develop the students’ understanding of the different needs of adult service users and to consider the knowledge and interventions that can lead to positive outcomes. The focus of the module is to understand key current issues, complexities, and practcie with service users and carers from a diverse range of backgrounds and communities.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Relevant legislative and welfare policy frameworks which impact on the planning and delivery of services for adult service users and carers
- Examining the different needs of adult service users and carers, including older people, adults with disabilities, substance dependency, mental health challenges, and refugees and asylum seekers
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults: Risk assessment and decision making
- Theoretical, professional and skill based approaches to practice within adult services. Application of theories, methods, models, frameworks, and the professional standards of the social work regulator, to practice
- Working inter-professionally with service users and carers
- Anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practcie. Stigma, stereotyping and power
- Current evidence based research in relation to vulnerable adults
Module aims:
Social work practice with adults is a complex activity involving a range of competing priorities. Practitioners are required to promote self-determination and autonomy whilst managing risk and protecting service users from harm. The aim of the module is to develop the students’ understanding of the different needs of adult service users and to consider the knowledge and interventions that can lead to positive outcomes. The focus of the module is to understand key current issues, complexities, and practcie with service users and carers from a diverse range of backgrounds and communities.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Working with children and families within the social policy and legal framework.
- Early intervention and prevention. Inter-professional working in child care. Theoretical perspectives and lessons learned from Serious Case Reviews.
- Child care assessment. Theoretical perspectives that underpin assessment models and frameworks. Analysis in assessment and how this informs recommendations and intervention. Assessment practice and intervention in a youth justice setting.
- Safeguarding and protecting children and young people, including those who have been sexually exploited. Working with vulnerable parents and carers and understanding the impact of problematic substance misuse, alcohol misuse, mental health problems and domestic violence. The impact of these factors on children and the thresholds for intervention.
- Social work practice within the statutory court process. Decision making and planning for permanence for children and young people.
- The emotional impact of social work practice. Working with involuntary service users and the importance of supervision and support. Emotional resilience. Working with children and young people and ascertaining their wishes and feelings.
Module aims:
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop knowledge and a critical understanding of social work practice in a children and families setting and within a multi-agency context, and understanding of the social work role from provision of support services to dealing with significant harm. The module aims to enable students to understand the assessment process, to develop the ability to critically analyse information effectively, and to utilise the data to inform intervention, planning and review.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Working with children and families within the social policy and legal framework.
- Early intervention and prevention. Inter-professional working in child care. Theoretical perspectives and lessons learned from Serious Case Reviews.
- Child care assessment. Theoretical perspectives that underpin assessment models and frameworks. Analysis in assessment and how this informs recommendations and intervention. Assessment practice and intervention in a youth justice setting.
- Safeguarding and protecting children and young people, including those who have been sexually exploited. Working with vulnerable parents and carers and understanding the impact of problematic substance misuse, alcohol misuse, mental health problems and domestic violence. The impact of these factors on children and the thresholds for intervention.
- Social work practice within the statutory court process. Decision making and planning for permanence for children and young people.
- The emotional impact of social work practice. Working with involuntary service users and the importance of supervision and support. Emotional resilience. Working with children and young people and ascertaining their wishes and feelings.
Module aims:
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop knowledge and a critical understanding of social work practice in a children and families setting and within a multi-agency context, and understanding of the social work role from provision of support services to dealing with significant harm. The module aims to enable students to understand the assessment process, to develop the ability to critically analyse information effectively, and to utilise the data to inform intervention, planning and review.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- The importance of social work theories and methods to social work practice.
- The origins and development of social work theories and methods within historical, socio-political and philosophical contexts (from charity organisations and societies to case work, psychosocial theories, evidence-based theories/task-centred practice).
- Theoretical paradigms and how they relate to social work practice - seekers after meaning (interpretivism), radical humanism (raisers of consciousness), the fixers (the functionalists), radical structuralists (revolutionaries).
- How theories and methods are applied in social work practice nationally and internationally, including psychodynamic, task-centred, crisis theory, systems theory and ecological perspectives, humanistic, narrative, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, group work and community/strengths-based perspectives.
Module aims:
The aim of this module is to enable students to:
- Understand the importance of applying social work theories to social work practice.
- Understand how different theories and methods have evolved over time in changing contexts.
- Understand broad paradigms and how they relate to practice, enabling students to understand a variety of methods and apply them to day-to-day practice.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- The importance of social work theories and methods to social work practice.
- The origins and development of social work theories and methods within historical, socio-political and philosophical contexts (from charity organisations and societies to case work, psychosocial theories, evidence-based theories/task-centred practice).
- Theoretical paradigms and how they relate to social work practice - seekers after meaning (interpretivism), radical humanism (raisers of consciousness), the fixers (the functionalists), radical structuralists (revolutionaries).
- How theories and methods are applied in social work practice nationally and internationally, including psychodynamic, task-centred, crisis theory, systems theory and ecological perspectives, humanistic, narrative, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, group work and community/strengths-based perspectives.
Module aims:
The aim of this module is to enable students to:
- Understand the importance of applying social work theories to social work practice.
- Understand how different theories and methods have evolved over time in changing contexts.
- Understand broad paradigms and how they relate to practice, enabling students to understand a variety of methods and apply them to day-to-day practice.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Critically locating social work practice in dealing with complexity in inter-professional working with adults, children and families.
- Professional roles, processes, responsibility and accountability, including but not limited to safeguarding, protection, risk, assessment and resilience.
- Critical reflection on social work practice in a changing professional landscape-reflecting current issues.
- Analysing key debates in social care organisations and collaborative practice.
- A critical overview of current social work and management theories in the context of current professional practice.
- Critical issues in developments in social work: practice and principles.
- Development of reflective, analytical and critical thinking.
Module aims:
The aims of the module to:
- Enable students to gain an understanding and critical awareness of issues impacting on the social work role within a range of organisational and professional contexts.
- Prepare students for inter-professional working and inter-agency collaboration particularly in relation to safeguarding issues.
- Develop students’ collaborative skills, knowledge and values that are relevant to good social work practice within an inter-professional and inter-agency context.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Critically locating social work practice in dealing with complexity in inter-professional working with adults, children and families.
- Professional roles, processes, responsibility and accountability, including but not limited to safeguarding, protection, risk, assessment and resilience.
- Critical reflection on social work practice in a changing professional landscape-reflecting current issues.
- Analysing key debates in social care organisations and collaborative practice.
- A critical overview of current social work and management theories in the context of current professional practice.
- Critical issues in developments in social work: practice and principles.
- Development of reflective, analytical and critical thinking.
Module aims:
The aims of the module to:
- Enable students to gain an understanding and critical awareness of issues impacting on the social work role within a range of organisational and professional contexts.
- Prepare students for inter-professional working and inter-agency collaboration particularly in relation to safeguarding issues.
- Develop students’ collaborative skills, knowledge and values that are relevant to good social work practice within an inter-professional and inter-agency context.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Induction programme at the agency in which the student is placed.
- Individual supervision sessions in the agency to support the student's learning and university placement support sessions.
- Learning opportunities to develop social work practice skills through the allocation of work/co-work which is appropriate to the level of development of the student.
- The opportunity to engage in direct work enabling the student to demonstrate End of First Placement Level capabilities
(Professional Capabilities Framework 2018). - Opportunities for inter-professional working.
- Reflection and analysis in practice.
- Integration of social work methods, models and theories to practice undertaken in the placement agency.
- Opportunity to apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Practice skills development sessions within university setting – advancing communication and interviewing skills, specific methods of social work intervention, report writing and case study analysis.
Module aims:
The module aims to:
- Enable the student to demonstrate capacity to work with people and in situations where there may not be simple clear-cut solutions.
- Enable the student with support from supervision to apply the theoretical knowledge, skills and values from previous module learning and teaching to their practice.
- Provide an opportunity for the student to experience the responsibility of meeting service users’ and carers’ needs and to demonstrate social work values and anti-oppressive practice.
- Enable students to achieve the PCF End of First Placement Level Capabilities.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Induction programme at the agency in which the student is placed.
- Individual supervision sessions in the agency to support the student's learning and university placement support sessions.
- Learning opportunities to develop social work practice skills through the allocation of work/co-work which is appropriate to the level of development of the student.
- The opportunity to engage in direct work enabling the student to demonstrate End of First Placement Level capabilities
(Professional Capabilities Framework 2018). - Opportunities for inter-professional working.
- Reflection and analysis in practice.
- Integration of social work methods, models and theories to practice undertaken in the placement agency.
- Opportunity to apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Practice skills development sessions within university setting – advancing communication and interviewing skills, specific methods of social work intervention, report writing and case study analysis.
Module aims:
The module aims to:
- Enable the student to demonstrate capacity to work with people and in situations where there may not be simple clear-cut solutions.
- Enable the student with support from supervision to apply the theoretical knowledge, skills and values from previous module learning and teaching to their practice.
- Provide an opportunity for the student to experience the responsibility of meeting service users’ and carers’ needs and to demonstrate social work values and anti-oppressive practice.
- Enable students to achieve the PCF End of First Placement Level Capabilities.
In Year 3, you will study modules that develop depth of understanding. A 100-day practice placement will provide you with experience of dealing with complex situations.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- An overview of practising social work critically e.g. what does a critically reflective social worker look like?
- A critical overview of practising social work knowledge, values and skills e.g. power, the use of appropriate authority, decision making, using professional judgement effectively and ethically; and being accountable.
- Critically locating social work practice and dealing with complex situations in inter-professional practice e.g. involving domestic violence; alcohol and substance misuse.
- Critically locating professional power and working with authority.
- Critical analysis of serious case reviews and managing uncertainty.
- Managing self and dealing with complexity in practice re: need; risk, capacity/incapacity, decision making when safeguarding children/young people/adults and older adults.
Module aims:
This module aims to prepare final year, pre-qualifying students to further develop their capacity to practise social work critically and reflectively. Throughout the module three major aspects – social work values for practice, theories and approaches to practice, and how to do critical reflective practice – will be outlined. The module aims to build upon and synthesise knowledge from previous modules so as to consolidate students’ knowledge and understanding of the themes, ethical dilemmas, issues and lasting debates in contemporary social work practice located within its different practice settings. Students will develop their understanding of and ability to use their professional judgement and make effective decisions in practice.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- An overview of practising social work critically e.g. what does a critically reflective social worker look like?
- A critical overview of practising social work knowledge, values and skills e.g. power, the use of appropriate authority, decision making, using professional judgement effectively and ethically; and being accountable.
- Critically locating social work practice and dealing with complex situations in inter-professional practice e.g. involving domestic violence; alcohol and substance misuse.
- Critically locating professional power and working with authority.
- Critical analysis of serious case reviews and managing uncertainty.
- Managing self and dealing with complexity in practice re: need; risk, capacity/incapacity, decision making when safeguarding children/young people/adults and older adults.
Module aims:
This module aims to prepare final year, pre-qualifying students to further develop their capacity to practise social work critically and reflectively. Throughout the module three major aspects – social work values for practice, theories and approaches to practice, and how to do critical reflective practice – will be outlined. The module aims to build upon and synthesise knowledge from previous modules so as to consolidate students’ knowledge and understanding of the themes, ethical dilemmas, issues and lasting debates in contemporary social work practice located within its different practice settings. Students will develop their understanding of and ability to use their professional judgement and make effective decisions in practice.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Induction programme at the agency in which the students is placed.
- Individual supervision sessions in the agency to support the student's learning and university placement support sessions.
- Learning opportunities to develop social work practice skills through the allocation of work/co-work which involves statutory/legal interventions e.g. formal assessment processes and presentation of outcomes including analysis of risk/recommendations, use of formal agency recording for assessment/risk.
- The opportunity to engage in direct work enabling the student to demonstrate Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities
(Professional Capabilities Framework 2018). - Multi-agency working, including planning interventions with other agencies, and analysing and managing tensions.
- Critical reflection and analysis in practice e.g. engagement with organisational policies and decisions and the impact on service delivery to service users, reflection on the demands of a high-pressure environment.
- Synthesis of social work theories and methods to practice undertaken in the placement agency.
- Opportunity to apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Practice skills development sessions within university setting – advanced communication and interviewing skills, preparation for Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.
Module aims:
The aims of this module are to:
- Enable the student to demonstrate capacity to undertake complex work involving statutory/legal interventions.
- Enable the student to demonstrate ability to work directly with service users/carers in complex situations.
- Enable the student with support from supervision to apply the theoretical knowledge, skills and values from previous placement and module learning to their practice.
- Enable the student to achieve the PCF Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities and Social Work England Professional Standards.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Induction programme at the agency in which the students is placed.
- Individual supervision sessions in the agency to support the student's learning and university placement support sessions.
- Learning opportunities to develop social work practice skills through the allocation of work/co-work which involves statutory/legal interventions e.g. formal assessment processes and presentation of outcomes including analysis of risk/recommendations, use of formal agency recording for assessment/risk.
- The opportunity to engage in direct work enabling the student to demonstrate Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities
(Professional Capabilities Framework 2018). - Multi-agency working, including planning interventions with other agencies, and analysing and managing tensions.
- Critical reflection and analysis in practice e.g. engagement with organisational policies and decisions and the impact on service delivery to service users, reflection on the demands of a high-pressure environment.
- Synthesis of social work theories and methods to practice undertaken in the placement agency.
- Opportunity to apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Practice skills development sessions within university setting – advanced communication and interviewing skills, preparation for Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.
Module aims:
The aims of this module are to:
- Enable the student to demonstrate capacity to undertake complex work involving statutory/legal interventions.
- Enable the student to demonstrate ability to work directly with service users/carers in complex situations.
- Enable the student with support from supervision to apply the theoretical knowledge, skills and values from previous placement and module learning to their practice.
- Enable the student to achieve the PCF Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities and Social Work England Professional Standards.
Module content:
- Methods of data collection and analysis, evidence-informed practice, and the importance of research in social work
- What makes good research? What methodologies are common in social work evidence (empiricism, positivism, interpretivism, quantitative, qualitative)? How can research impact on people using services? Analysing findings critically.
- Principles of research design and systematic inquiry: Reliability, validity, rigour, ethical considerations, bias,reflexivity and anti-oppressive research.
- Analysing messages from local, national and international research and considering the implications of for social work practice.
Module aims:
To enable students to understand social science research traditions and methodologies.
To encourage critical assessment of research methodologies and the ideas and values that underpin them with reference to anti-discriminatory practice.
To enable students to understand the relationship between research and social work practice.
Module content:
- Methods of data collection and analysis, evidence-informed practice, and the importance of research in social work
- What makes good research? What methodologies are common in social work evidence (empiricism, positivism, interpretivism, quantitative, qualitative)? How can research impact on people using services? Analysing findings critically.
- Principles of research design and systematic inquiry: Reliability, validity, rigour, ethical considerations, bias,reflexivity and anti-oppressive research.
- Analysing messages from local, national and international research and considering the implications of for social work practice.
Module aims:
To enable students to understand social science research traditions and methodologies.
To encourage critical assessment of research methodologies and the ideas and values that underpin them with reference to anti-discriminatory practice.
To enable students to understand the relationship between research and social work practice.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Induction programme at the agency in which the students is placed.
- Individual supervision sessions in the agency to support the student's learning and university placement support sessions.
- Learning opportunities to develop social work practice skills through the allocation of work/co-work which involves statutory/legal interventions e.g. formal assessment processes and presentation of outcomes including analysis of risk/recommendations, use of formal agency recording for assessment/risk.
- The opportunity to engage in direct work enabling the student to demonstrate Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities
(Professional Capabilities Framework 2018). - Multi-agency working, including planning interventions with other agencies, and analysing and managing tensions.
- Critical reflection and analysis in practice e.g. engagement with organisational policies and decisions and the impact on service delivery to service users, reflection on the demands of a high-pressure environment.
- Synthesis of social work theories and methods to practice undertaken in the placement agency.
- Opportunity to apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Practice skills development sessions within university setting – advanced communication and interviewing skills, preparation for Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.
Module aims:
The aims of this module are to:
- Enable the student to demonstrate capacity to undertake complex work involving statutory/legal interventions.
- Enable the student to demonstrate ability to work directly with service users/carers in complex situations.
- Enable the student with support from supervision to apply the theoretical knowledge, skills and values from previous placement and module learning to their practice.
- Enable the student to achieve the PCF Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities and Social Work England Professional Standards.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Induction programme at the agency in which the students is placed.
- Individual supervision sessions in the agency to support the student's learning and university placement support sessions.
- Learning opportunities to develop social work practice skills through the allocation of work/co-work which involves statutory/legal interventions e.g. formal assessment processes and presentation of outcomes including analysis of risk/recommendations, use of formal agency recording for assessment/risk.
- The opportunity to engage in direct work enabling the student to demonstrate Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities
(Professional Capabilities Framework 2018). - Multi-agency working, including planning interventions with other agencies, and analysing and managing tensions.
- Critical reflection and analysis in practice e.g. engagement with organisational policies and decisions and the impact on service delivery to service users, reflection on the demands of a high-pressure environment.
- Synthesis of social work theories and methods to practice undertaken in the placement agency.
- Opportunity to apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Practice skills development sessions within university setting – advanced communication and interviewing skills, preparation for Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.
Module aims:
The aims of this module are to:
- Enable the student to demonstrate capacity to undertake complex work involving statutory/legal interventions.
- Enable the student to demonstrate ability to work directly with service users/carers in complex situations.
- Enable the student with support from supervision to apply the theoretical knowledge, skills and values from previous placement and module learning to their practice.
- Enable the student to achieve the PCF Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities and Social Work England Professional Standards.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Concepts and issues of resilience within the current UK social care landscape.
- Social Work context and impact of socio-political factors including social worker roles within differing organisational contexts and the impact of this upon practice and professional identity.
- Organisational resilience and responsibilities, responses to the current political climate, concepts of distributed leadership and learning from Serious Case Reviews within adult and children's services.
- Developing personal and professional resilience, including emotional intelligence and emotional resilience. Strategies for sustaining the practitioner – supervision, support, critical reflection, boundaries and work balance, keeping safe, action learning and mindfulness.
- Developing and sustaining positive professional relationships in practice. Managing hostility and threats, challenging others effectively and whistle-blowing.
- Preparation for Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Module aims:
This module is designed to offer opportunities to critically explore debates and issues of resilience in social work. It will contribute to the students transition into the social work profession, and allow students to consider their strategies and the organisations responsibilities in maintaining their health and well being, as they become newly qualified social workers.
Module content:
Module content will include:
- Concepts and issues of resilience within the current UK social care landscape.
- Social Work context and impact of socio-political factors including social worker roles within differing organisational contexts and the impact of this upon practice and professional identity.
- Organisational resilience and responsibilities, responses to the current political climate, concepts of distributed leadership and learning from Serious Case Reviews within adult and children's services.
- Developing personal and professional resilience, including emotional intelligence and emotional resilience. Strategies for sustaining the practitioner – supervision, support, critical reflection, boundaries and work balance, keeping safe, action learning and mindfulness.
- Developing and sustaining positive professional relationships in practice. Managing hostility and threats, challenging others effectively and whistle-blowing.
- Preparation for Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Module aims:
This module is designed to offer opportunities to critically explore debates and issues of resilience in social work. It will contribute to the students transition into the social work profession, and allow students to consider their strategies and the organisations responsibilities in maintaining their health and well being, as they become newly qualified social workers.
Victoria Arnold
Senior Lecturer
Vanessa Goldsmith
Senior Lecturer
Emily Weygang
Senior Lecturer
Bridget Caffrey
Senior Lecturer
Alexandra Modder
Senior Lecturer
Dr Gill Buck
Associate Professor
Dr Pauline Cusack
Senior Lecturer
Dr Sarah-Jo Lee
Senior Lecturer
You will be taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, class discussions, seminars, case studies, tutorials, and audio and video material. You will also learn from practice placements with experienced Practice Educators and Practice Supervisors.
Assessment methods include coursework assignments, essays, observations during practice placements, presentations, role play, workbooks and observation of communication skills. The assessment of practice will reflect the professional capabilities framework for Social Work.
On this course, you’ll spend time out on practice placements in Years 2 and 3, where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future social work career.
Entry Requirements
120 UCAS points
|
UCAS |
120 UCAS points |
|
GCE A Level |
Typical offer BBC-BBB |
|
BTEC |
BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDM; BTEC Diploma: D*D* |
|
T Level |
T Level: Merit |
|
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers: BBBB |
|
International Baccalaureate |
28 points |
|
Access requirements |
Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at Level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit or above and 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction |
|
OCR |
OCR Extended Diploma - DMM |
|
Extra Information / General Entry Requirements |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English or a recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years |
|
Safeguarding / Suitability |
All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice. A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this. Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages. |
Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.
We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.
English Language Requirements
Please note, applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate they can meet the following English language criteria for this programme:
- IELTS 7.0 overall (with no less than 6.5 in each band)
72 UCAS points
|
UCAS |
72 UCAS points |
|
GCE A Level |
72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels to include C in one subject |
|
BTEC |
BTEC National Extended Diploma: MMP BTEC Diploma: DM |
|
T Level |
T Level – Pass (D or E on the core) |
|
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 Scottish Highers: CCDD |
|
International Baccalaureate |
24 points |
|
Access requirements |
Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall |
|
OCR |
OCR Extended Diploma: MMP |
|
Extra Information / General Entry Requirements |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English or a recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years. |
|
Safeguarding /Suitability |
All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice. A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this. Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages. |
Time Square
Warrington Life
Remond House
Fees and Funding
£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.
You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.
Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.
Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.
Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.
Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.
£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.
The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.
For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
In November 2024, as part of the government’s Autumn Budget, it was confirmed that some foundation years from September 2025 will have a fee of £5,760 for the first foundation year of a four-year course. This is mainly for courses in the Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences disciplines. The following three years of these courses will be the standard fee of £9,535 per annum.
| Foundation (First) Year | Second Year onwards per year | |
|---|---|---|
| Home Students | £5,760 for the first foundation year (2025/26) | £9,535 per year from the second year onwards (2025/26) |
| International Students * | £10,750 for the first foundation year (2025/26) | £14,450 per year from the second year onwards (2025/26) |
* For courses which accept applications from International Students
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
Course specific additional costs
Prior to admission to this course, you will be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University, for which there will be a charge.
For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web page.
Your Future Career
Job Prospects
Our graduates go into careers in a number of social work settings, working with both children and adults, in Local Authority or Health Trust agencies, as well as private and voluntary organisations, such as fostering or refugee agencies. The course embeds careers and employability support across all three years so that students feel confident of their strengths and abilities when they apply for work and attend interviews.
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.