Social Work

BSc (Hons) Social Work
Mode: full-time

The degree in Social Work is the new qualifying award for professional Social Work practice. The programme was developed in conjunction with a range of statutory and voluntary partner agencies to reflect the changing needs of Social Work as a profession.

Combining practical experience and academic study.

The programme is designed around the Department of Health/General Social Care Council prescribed curriculum for Social Work and incorporates the professional qualifying award allowing graduates to enter employment as qualified Social Workers.

You will study a mixture of theoretical and skills based modules with a focus on application to practice.

You will be taught by a diverse teaching team including professionally qualified social workers, practitioners and leading academics in the field.

Areas of study include:

• Social Work Processes
• Human Growth and Development
• Working with Diversity and Difference
• Professional Social Work Practice
• Law for Social Work Practice
• Organising Care
• Applied Professional Practice

Why choose this course?

• Specially commended by the General Social Care Council for its commitment to providing a student-centred learning environment and for enabling students from non-traditional backgrounds to grow and develop in their studies
• Each student has a tutor who is a professionally qualified social worker
• Dedicated practice learning team with four members of staff working on finding and developing practice learning opportunities
• Practice placements for students in the innovative Centre for the Development of Social Care Practice on Luton campus, in partnership with Luton Borough Council. Provides professional development opportunities for qualified practitioners

Career Opportunities

Social work in a range of statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations.

Assessment

Essays, computer workshops, presentations and a very small number of exams.

Entry requirements

Applicants will need two A levels or equivalent (e.g. AVCE, BTEC Certificate, NVQ Level 3 or a recognised Access course). (Mature students having relevant experience but without formal qualifications will be considered and their ability to study at Higher Education level will be tested as part of the selection process).

The Department of Health requirements for the Social Work degree require applicants to have achieved Key Skills Level 2 or above in English and Maths. This means GCSE grade C or above, or an equivalent qualification which includes an assessment of these skills (e.g. Access course).

Mature candidates without these formal qualifications may still apply and will be asked to demonstrate, before entering the programme, their suitability for academic study.

Special entry requirements

Applicants will also be required, through the selection process, to demonstrate substantial relevant experience and an aptitude to work with people in need, i.e. the appropriate personal qualities, values and skills to be a social worker.

All applicants selected for interview will be required to undertake a written task for which advance notice and a reading list will be provided.

All applicants will be required to declare any previous offences (including cautions and formal warnings) and, if selected, successful applicants will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check to ensure their suitability for working with vulnerable groups.

In addition applicants will need to complete a health check questionnaire and give permission for contact with their GP, where necessary, to confirm their suitability for Social Work training.

As a significant proportion of this programme of study is conducted in Practice Learning agencies, the ability and willingness to travel to placements is an expectation. (The General Social Care Council Bursary includes a component to cover travel costs for placements).