
Applied Social Work BA (Hons)
Overview
The Applied Social Work BA (Hons) programme is a dynamic and challenging course of study, designed to prepare students for a career as a skilled and ethical social worker.
Students will gain the essential knowledge, practical skills, and core values needed to succeed in this demanding yet rewarding profession. Students in this course will explore the intricate workings of human behaviour and the complex social issues affecting our world.
They will also examine the crucial role social work plays in fostering positive change for individuals, families, and communities. This course also focuses on inter-professional learning, so students can develop their capacity to work flexibly. And above all, it's a course where most students get graduate-level jobs six months after graduating.
Objectives
- Understanding social work theories and principles.
- Enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Cultivating effective communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
- Gaining practical experience through fieldwork and internships.
- Rewarding career in a diverse range of social work settings.
Prerequisites
- Successful completion of high school or equivalent education.
- Relevant social care/work experience (paid or unpaid) (Recommended).
- An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University (Required).
- An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University (Required).
- An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of UK based social workers.
- Potential standardised test scores for international students.
- Good communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
- An open mind to different cultures and perspectives.
Curriculum Outline
- Attitudes and Values
- Contemporary Issues in Social Work
- Preparation for Practice Learning
- Social Work Law
- Human Growth and Development
- Practice Learning 1
- Research Methods for Practice
- The Trilogy of Abuse
- Safeguarding Adults
- Practice Learning 2
- Protecting and Safeguarding Children and Young People
Teaching Method
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Group work activities
- Guest lectures
- Workshops
- Practical work
- Independent study
Modules
- Community social work
- Introduction to social work
- Psychology for social work
- Readiness for direct practice
- Research for social work
- Social problems, social change and the state
- The making of modern society
- Applied social work practice 1: practice evidence
- Applied social work practice 2: anti-discriminatory practice plan
- Applied social work practice 3: discrimination and empowerment
- Applied social work practice 4: critical reflection
- Mental health social work 1
- Social work with adults 1
- Social work with children and families 1
- Theories and methods 1
- Mental health social work 2
- Qualifying practice 1: practice evidence
- Qualifying practice 2: critical analysis of organisation
- Qualifying practice 3: ethics and values
- Qualifying practice 4: critical reflection
- Social work with adults 2
- Social work with children and families 2
- Theories and methods 2
Assessment Methods
- Written assignments
- Presentations
- One exam
- Written reports
- Assessments
- Placement portfolios
- Court experiential learning
- Role play and professional discussions
Course Duration
The course duration of this programme may vary depending on the country and universities but in the UK, it takes about 03 years to complete.
Facilities
Typically, all the universities provide excellent facilities to support student learning and practical experience. These facilities may include:
- Mock Interview Rooms
- Role-Play Suites
- Skills Laboratories
- Observation Galleries
- IT Suites with Specialist Software
- Extensive Libraries with Social Work Resources
- Dedicated Social Work Resource Centres
- Student Support Services
- Placement Support Teams
- Mentoring Programmes
- Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation Labs
- Online Learning Platforms
- Video Conferencing Facilities
- Digital Recording and Analysis Equipment
- Strong Links with Local Social Work Agencies
- Partnerships with Service User Groups
- Student Social Work Societies
- Research Centres and Institutes
- Accessible Buildings and Facilities
- Quiet Study Spaces and Group Work Areas
Career Pathways
Mainly, the programme “Applied Social Work BA (Hons)” opens doors to a wide range of rewarding careers globally. But this programme from a UK university opens doors to advanced careers focused on improving the lives of individuals and communities, such as:
Statutory Social Work Roles:
- Children and Families Social Worker
- Adult Social Worker
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Social Worker in a Hospital Setting
Specialised Social Work Roles:
- Substance Misuse Social Worker
- Probation Officer/Offender Manager
- Youth Offending Team (YOT) Social Worker
- Social Worker with Asylum Seekers and Refugees
- Disability Social Worker
Other Related Roles:
- Community Development Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Housing Officer/Manager
- Advocate/Independent Advocate
- Counsellor/Therapist
Management and Leadership Roles:
- Care Home Manager
- Social Work Team Leader/Manager
- Service Manager in Social Care
Other Sectors:
- Social Work Educator/Lecturer
- Social Policy Researcher/Analyst
- International Social Work/Development Worker
Fees and Fundings
- In the UK, the tuition fees range between £14,900 to £20,500 per year and may vary depending on the institution.
- Scholarships, grants, and financial opportunities are available.
- Government loan aid is available.
Entry Requirements
- HSC, A-level, or Equivalent.
- 5 GCSEs graded including Maths and English at Grade 4/C
- Minimum score of 7.0 overall at IELTS or equivalent
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- A strong academic record.
Field Work and Internships
- Children's Services: Working with children in need, child protection cases, fostering and adoption teams, and youth offending services.
- Mental Health Trusts: Placements within community mental health teams, inpatient units, or specialised services.
- Youth Work Organisations: Engaging with young people in community settings, providing activities, support, and guidance.
- Disability Support Organisations: Working with individuals with physical, learning, or sensory disabilities, promoting independence and inclusion.
- Homelessness Charities: Working in shelters, outreach programmes, or providing support with housing and benefits.
Certifications
- Social Care Wales (SCW)
- Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
- Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)
- Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)
- Best Interests Assessor (BIA)
- Practice Educator Award/Qualification
- Child and Family Social Work specialisations
- Adult Social Care specialisations
- Substance Misuse/Addiction specialisations
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) Certification
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training/Certification
- Systemic Family Therapy Training
- Safeguarding Training (various levels)
- Domestic Abuse Training
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Training
- Trauma-Informed Practice Training
- Risk Assessment and Management Training
- Legal and Ethical Training
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities
- Direct Work with Children certification
- Court Report Writing certification
- Mediation Training
- Group Work Facilitation Training
- Leadership and Management qualifications
Intakes
Typically, in the UK, the intakes takes twice a year (fall and spring), but may vary like:
- Fall (September/October)
- Spring (January/February)
- Summer (May/June)
Student Testimony
"University facilities are great, like the library and student accommodation . I feel supported by my course staff, however I feel support from the union could be more accessible." Says - Anon, Third Year, Applied Social Work BA (Hons), University of Derby."
Frequently asked questions
Applied Social Work degree focuses on the practical application of social work theories and principles in real-world settings. It emphasises direct work with individuals, families, and communities to address social issues and promote well-being.