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Social Work BA

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note that we are currently updating our undergraduate prospectus pages for 2025 entry, so the information below is subject to change. We expect to have our pages fully updated by the end of March 2024.

Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BA Hons	ABB	September 2025	L509	3 years full-time	£9,250 per year

How to apply

Get in touch

Faculty of Social Sciences

Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BA Hons	ABB	September 2025	L509	3 years full-time	£9,250 per year

How to apply

Get in touch

Course information

Are you an international student?

Social Work England

This course is regulated by Social Work England which means that once you have successfully completed the course, you will meet the professional standards to register as a qualified social worker.

You can apply for registration to Social Work England and once you are registered, your name and registration number will be listed on their public register of social workers.

Most social work employers also offer an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) scheme, that gives newly qualified social workers extra support during their first year of employment.

Social Work England

This course is regulated by Social Work England which means that once you have successfully completed the course, you will meet the professional standards to register as a qualified social worker.

You can apply for registration to Social Work England and once you are registered, your name and registration number will be listed on their public register of social workers.

Most social work employers also offer an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) scheme, that gives newly qualified social workers extra support during their first year of employment.
Start date:
September 2025

September 2025
IB score

32

IELTS

7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), 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.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

if you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

A level

ABB

Required subjects

GCSE English and GCSE maths, grade 4 (C) or above, or Functional Skills level 2 maths

Excluded subjects

General studies and critical thinking

Additional entry requirements

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Non-UK entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements apply to 2025 entry.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Alternative qualifications

We encourage applications from all sections of the community including applicants who may be returning to work or changing career. Mature applicants, including those on Access courses and with alternative qualifications are encouraged to apply.

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.

Notes for applicants

The minimum age for entry to the BA programme is 18 year old. Applications must be made through UCAS. No applicant will be offered a place without an interview. Our initial entry criteria includes completion of a short written test. Applicants can then progress to an interview.

Interviews take place between December and April each year. The interview takes place online and applicants are sent full joining instructions. You will be interviewed by a social work academic, a social work practitioner and someone with lived experience of social work. We make reasonable adjustments to our written test and interview process for applicants who have a health condition, disability or learning need. We encourage applicants to make us aware of any health condition, disability or learning need so we can make adjustments and discuss potential support on the course. If you tell us about a health condition, disability or learning need this will not influence our decision-making on whether to offer you a place.

Although there is no requirement for prior experience of social work, applicants who have some relevant voluntary or paid experience in a helping role, or can demonstrate that they have personal insights or understandings to reflect upon are likely to produce a better personal statement and have more to draw upon during the interview.

If invited for interview, applicants are required to make a signed declaration regarding any health condition or criminal record and then complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check once registered on the course. Although a criminal record or a health condition is not necessarily a bar to acceptance, failure to disclose relevant information may subsequently result in the offer of a place or registration, being withdrawn.

Personal statement and interview advice

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on studying social work. Your experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings is essential when applying to a health or social care course like social work.

When writing your personal statement, you should provide details of your related personal or social care experiences. At your interview, it is important to be able to explain how your experiences relate to the activities and qualities which are required for social work.

From your application and interview, we look for:
- evidence of motivation to become a social worker, shown by having a clear rationale for wanting to join the profession, and preferably some experience in a helping role
- some understanding of the roles and responsibilities of social workers
- some degree of self-awareness and empathy for others
- the capacity to succeed academically
Contextual offer

In order to recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds we make contextual offers for this course to students who have international fee status. These offers could be one or two grades lower than the advertised standard entry requirements. Please see this page for further information.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
A level

ABB

Required subjects

GCSE English and GCSE maths, grade 4 (C) or above, or Functional Skills level 2 maths

Excluded subjects

General studies and critical thinking

IB score

32

Additional entry requirements

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

UK entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements apply to 2025 entry.

Alternative qualifications

We encourage applications from all sections of the community including applicants who may be returning to work or changing career. Mature applicants, including those on Access courses and with alternative qualifications are encouraged to apply.

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.

Contextual offers

We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Notes for applicants

The minimum age for entry to the BA programme is 18 year old. Applications must be made through UCAS. No applicant will be offered a place without an interview. Our initial entry criteria includes completion of a short written test. Applicants can then progress to an interview.

Interviews take place between December and April each year. The interview takes place online and applicants are sent full joining instructions. You will be interviewed by a social work academic, a social work practitioner and someone with lived experience of social work. We make reasonable adjustments to our written test and interview process for applicants who have a health condition, disability or learning need. We encourage applicants to make us aware of any health condition, disability or learning need so we can make adjustments and discuss potential support on the course. If you tell us about a health condition, disability or learning need this will not influence our decision-making on whether to offer you a place.

Although there is no requirement for prior experience of social work, applicants who have some relevant voluntary or paid experience in a helping role, or can demonstrate that they have personal insights or understandings to reflect upon are likely to produce a better personal statement and have more to draw upon during the interview.

If invited for interview, applicants are required to make a signed declaration regarding any health condition or criminal record and then complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check once registered on the course. Although a criminal record or a health condition is not necessarily a bar to acceptance, failure to disclose relevant information may subsequently result in the offer of a place or registration, being withdrawn.

Personal statement and interview advice

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on studying social work. Your experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings is essential when applying to a health or social care course like social work.

When writing your personal statement, you should provide details of your related personal or social care experiences. At your interview, it is important to be able to explain how your experiences relate to the activities and qualities which are required for social work.

From your application and interview, we look for:
- evidence of motivation to become a social worker, shown by having a clear rationale for wanting to join the profession, and preferably some experience in a helping role
- some understanding of the roles and responsibilities of social workers
- some degree of self-awareness and empathy for others
- the capacity to succeed academically
Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
UCAS Code:
L509

L509
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.

Please note: In order to undertake supervised placements, you will usually need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake supervised placements as part of your course.

Key information

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

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.

Please note: In order to undertake supervised placements, you will usually need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake supervised placements as part of your course.

Key information

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

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

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

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.

Social work bursaries are only available to students who meet residency and other eligibility criteria set out by this body. The precise number of social work bursaries available each year is controlled by central government and subject to change.

We allocate our available social work bursaries to students based on their academic attainment during the first year of study and cannot guarantee that all students will receive a bursary.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

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

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

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.

Social work bursaries are only available to students who meet residency and other eligibility criteria set out by this body. The precise number of social work bursaries available each year is controlled by central government and subject to change.

We allocate our available social work bursaries to students based on their academic attainment during the first year of study and cannot guarantee that all students will receive a bursary.

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.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Course 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.

Social Work BA course overview

Course overview

Why choose this course?

7th for social work in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2024
6th for social work in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
8th for social work in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2024
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)

Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted 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 publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.

Indicative modules

Year one

Year two

Year three

Mandatory

Year 1

Communication Skills for Practice

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Social Work

Mandatory

Year 1

Investigating Social Worlds

Mandatory

Year 1

Social Science Uncovered 1

Mandatory

Year 1

Social Science Uncovered 2

Mandatory

Year 2

From Theory to Practice

Mandatory

Year 2

Human Growth and Development

Mandatory

Year 2

Law for Social Work

Mandatory

Year 2

Practice Learning 1 - 80-day placement

Mandatory

Year 2

Social Work Research

Mandatory

Year 3

Practice Learning 2 - 90-day placement

Mandatory

Year 3

Social Understandings of Mental Distress

Mandatory

Year 3

Social Work with Adults and Families

Mandatory

Year 3

Social Work with Children and Families

About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 15 April 2024.

Communication Skills for Practice Introduction to Social Work Investigating Social Worlds Social Science Uncovered 1 Social Science Uncovered 2

The module introduces you to a range of theories, skills and evidence-based practice in relation to communication with service-users and carers. You will study theories of communication and perception. You will be assisted through group work, experiential learning exercises and self-reflection to develop basic skills for interviewing and assessment. These will be augmented by learning around theories and skills concerning work in group contexts and in situations of conflict where social workers are required to exercise professional authority.

Throughout the module your attention will be drawn to the values and ethics which underpin professional practice and the broad organisation, legal and policy context in which it takes place. You will be introduced to work with a diversity of service-user groups and required to consider the implications of this diversity for your mode of communication.

You will also be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the various theoretical perspectives presented in the module alongside an ability to apply this knowledge to social work practice.

This module will introduce you to the core knowledge, skills, ethics and values underpinning social work practice. You will be encouraged to develop a sense of what it means to be a reflective practitioner. You will be taught a range of approaches to social work practice, what it means to be professional and the impact of the use of self.

You will explore the perspectives of people with lived experience and underpinning anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles for working with inequality and diversity. You will be given the opportunity to practice generic key skills and your understanding of the social work role through innovative teaching methods.

This module introduces you to the nature of social research through exploration of the fundamental philosophical, methodological and ethical debates on ‘how to think of social research’ and ‘how to do social research’.

The module includes discussions of the primary features, functions and characteristics of social research, the distinctions between social research and other modes of investigating and producing knowledge about the social world and the steps typically involved in conducting social research. Indicative content also includes methods of data collection and issues of ethics, status, power and reflexivity in social research.

This module explains what it means to study social science, and how social sciences differ from the natural sciences. It encourages you to understand criminology, sociology, social work and other subjects in the social sciences, including social and public policy, as distinct but often overlapping and intersecting disciplines and fields of study with shared concerns about, and similar approaches to, making sense of the social world.

The module works alongside other introductory modules taken at level one by providing you with the opportunity to develop, practice and demonstrate the range of intellectual and practical skills needed to study social sciences successfully at university level. These skills include:

finding appropriate sources and avoiding inappropriate ones
making and organising notes effectively
using the Harvard referencing system correctly
asking questions and developing intellectual independence
drawing together, analysing and evaluating information from a range of sources
making reasoned arguments and challenging assumptions
communicating respectfully and effectively with others
responding positively to critical feedback
accessing using digital technologies and resources

This module builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding gained in Social Science Uncovered 1. The module will discuss a different social issue or phenomenon each week and explore through the lenses of criminology, sociology, social work or social and public policy. Learning will centre on how social science can help to understand the issue and, where appropriate, address it.

The module uses a problem-based, case-study approach to encourage you to develop an intellectual imagination and to become confident discussing and applying insights from subjects closely related to their own. Subjects will be topical and change from year to year. By way of example, they may include: poverty and the cost-of-living crisis; greener futures and climate activism; ageing populations and social care; the UK asylum system; health and the future of the NHS; racism and misogyny in policing; and how social policy is made and implemented in times of crisis and political turmoil.

Together with introductory level one modules that cover theoretical, conceptual and methodological aspects of criminology, sociology and social work as distinct subjects and fields of study, this module helps you understand and apply learning about the social sciences more generally through examples of lived experience.

From Theory to Practice Human Growth and Development Law for Social Work Practice Learning 1 - 80-day placement Social Work Research

In this module, you will get an introduction to social work theories and models, and to the methods through which they are applied. The module seeks to develop the theoretical learning that is needed in order to practice reflectively and effectively by promoting understanding of the principles and concepts which constitute various approaches to the practice of social work.

The module will include a consideration of some of the main theoretical approaches underpinning social work. Alongside this knowledge is the development of understanding of some of the models that can be applied in assessment and planning and methods of intervention that social workers are required to practice.

The module provides you with an introduction to a range of theories and evidence about human growth and development. You will be enabled to understand the ways in which human growth and development is affected by a range of factors across the life course and how these factors may impact on the development of resilience and well-being. You are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the various theoretical perspectives alongside an ability to apply this knowledge to social work practice.

The module follows a life course perspective, tracking human growth and development from the cradle to the grave and draws on theoretical material from a range of different disciplines.

This module prepares you with an introduction to relevant legislation, policies and guidance for social work practice with a variety of service users. The programme recognises the centrality of the law and its interaction with policy and research in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and adults, and the necessity for practitioners to be confident when representing agencies and working with service users in legislative contexts.

To enable a better understanding and application of law to practice, the module includes a general consideration of the English legal system and considers areas around court structure, civil vs. criminal procedures; differing burdens of proof; duties vs. powers; delegated legislation and so on. It focuses on specific legislative frameworks for working with children, including youth justice, older people and people with mental health problems.

This module comprises 80 days of assessed practice learning. It will focus on your ability to satisfy the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework at the interim stage of judgement.

The placement will be assessed on a pass/fail basis and must be passed in order to progress on the programme. The written assignment must be passed in order to progress on the programme; students who fail the written assignment may be required to resubmit without having to complete a further placement.

This module considers the ways in which social workers (should) use research in practice and explores the concept of research-mindedness in social work.

Social workers need research to practise effectively; to understand service users' lives, make informed decisions and to change/develop organisations. Putting empirical evidence into practice will be explored using an applied approach and concrete examples from peer-reviewed papers.

Practice Learning 2 - 90-day placement Social Understandings of Mental Distress Social Work with Adults and Families Social Work with Children and Families

This module comprises 90 days of practice learning. It will focus on your ability to satisfy the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework at the final stage of your qualification.

To pass this module both the 90-day placement and the practice analysis assignment must be passed. If the 90-day placement is not passed the entire 90-day placement has to be repeated and the assignment has to be submitted as a first sit. If the assignment is failed this can be resubmitted without the placement being repeated.

Social work practice involves interactions with people of all ages experiencing mental distress. This module will challenge the dominant medical/illness model of mental health which is prevalent in UK service provision. It will consider social approaches to understanding causation, manifestations and support for mental distress.

The module will also address the challenges of working as a social worker in multi-disciplinary services which are dominated by medical model thinking. The module will incorporate the perspectives of service users and carers on their lived experience of mental distress. It will consider how we can promote good mental wellbeing for ourselves and others in the face of stress and adversity.

This module covers the key practice issues in social work with adults, including safeguarding, mental capacity and working within the Care Act. It considers the needs of different service user groups, including people with learning disabilities and older people. Teaching is delivered by academic staff, current social workers and service users.

This module looks at key elements of social work with children and families, including children in need, child protection and the ‘Care System’. It also explores the skills needed to work effectively with children and young people. Teaching is delivered by academic staff, practitioners and people with lived experience of social work.

Modules are delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and work-based placements. We use a variety of teaching methods to help you develop the professional knowledge and practical skills required to become a qualified social worker, including the use of audio-visual technology, role-play, and information communication technology.

Across the programme you will have input from service users who are experts by experience, they will assist your learning through providing valuable insight into their lived experience.

During year one, you will shadow a social worker and observe their practice. In subsequent years, university-based learning during the first semester is followed by full-time work experience in a social work-related placement. This is 80 days in year two, and 90 days in year three. Class sizes vary between 30 to 50 students, with seminars held with 10 to 15 students at a time.

Teaching methods

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Placements

Social work students are assessed against the professional standards for social work as well as academically.

Assessment methods

Coursework
Dissertation
Essay
Examinations
Presentation
Reflective portfolios
Poster submissions

A typical week will comprise of around 13 hours of teaching, split between lectures and seminars. You will have regular tutorials with your personal tutor during each year of your study. In addition, you are expected to undertake 27 hours a week of self-directed study.

When on placement in years two and three, your hours will equate to full-time work: approximately 37 hours per week over five days. Your personal tutor will provide support throughout your placement.

Because we are a professional programme, all teaching sessions are mandatory. You must attend at least 80% of teaching sessions and 100% of placement and skills days.

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.

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.*

* British Association of Social Workers.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Your Campus - University Park

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

There is a holistic coverage of all aspects of social work across the course. Teaching includes a range of modules and skill-days that feature practical and theory-based learning. The course is the perfect place to develop as a socially conscious person as well as a social work professional.

Lewis Elgie

BA Social Work

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Course data

Ask us anything

Our webpages contain detailed information about all processes in your student journey. Check them out alongside our student enquiry centre to find the information you need. If you’re still struggling, head to our help page where you can find details of how to contact us in-person and online.

Social Work BA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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Your Campus - University Park

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