Social Work

BA (Hons) Social Work

Mode: full-time

Programme outline:
The three-year BA (Hons) Social Work is the recognised professional qualification to achieve GSCC registration as a social worker.

In order to encourage students to study social work, the General Social Care Council offers a bursary and the majority of students are eligible for this. The bursary is paid in addition to any student loans available through the Local Education Authority.

Entry requirements:
Entry requirements for mature students aged 21 and over:
Achievement of Key Skills Level 2, or National Certificate or equivalent in English and Mathematics eg. GCSE grade C, some experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, possession of appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a social worker, and meet the required standards by the end of the course, the ability to understand and make use of written material and the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English (or equivalent for students with sensory impairments).

In addition to these requirements, non-mature students must have 220 points from a minimum of two six unit awards, eg. A levels, AVCEs or equivalent, including GCSE Grade C or above in Mathematics and English or equivalent (eg. Key Skills Level 2 or above or National Certificate etc). Candidates who are short-listed will be invited to interview, and if successful at this stage will be offered a place subject to a satisfactory CRB disclosure and health declaration.

Programme content:
Modules to be studied include: Level 1 - Communication Skills, Psychology and Human Growth and Development, Sociology, Social Policy, Law for Social Workers, Principles and Practice of Social Work. Level 2 - Child Care, Community Care for Adults, Principles and Practice 2 and Working in Organisations. Level 3 - Research Methods, Comparitive Social Policy, Social Work, Ethics and Principles and Practice. There is also a placement at each of the three levels of the course.

Modules can be offered on a Continuing Professional Development basis.

Progression opportunities:
Graduates of the programme will be able to go onto masters level programmes in related curriculum areas. Graduates employed as social workers will have the opportunity to apply to their employers for release to undertake post qualifying social work courses.

Career opportunities:
There has recently been a national shortage of social workers and on successful completion of this course you will be able to seek employment in a number of social work settings to begin your worthwhile and rewarding career.