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University of Gloucestershire
Undergraduate

Social Work BSc (Hons)

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
3 Years
Campus
City Campus, Gloucester
UCAS Code
L503

What is Social Work BSc (Hons)?

Social workers make a difference to people in need of support – helping them through difficult times, through assessing, supporting and safeguarding. They often work with people who are in crisis and need help with making positive changes in peoples’ daily life. This degree will equip you with the expertise you need to become an exceptional social worker, challenging discrimination and oppression, whilst advocating for social justice and fairness in support and services delivered to a diversity of individuals and groups in society.

Our Social Work BSc (Hons) course scored 93% for teaching in the National Student Survey 2023 and our social work courses are ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects by the Complete University Guide 2023.

Students applying for this course may be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides a non-repayable training grant of £5,000 per academic year.

You’ll study lots of different areas of social work practice including contemporary social issues impacting on people’s lives. You will be prepared for social work practice with children and families, adults and mental health. You will be taught about the importance of social work knowledge, values and skills which will help you form positive working relationships, communicate effectively and promote social justice and human rights. Recognised by the Social Work England (SWE), you’ll be eligible to apply for professional social work registration on graduation.

Learning is interactive – with engaging lectures, lots of group work, discussion and debate, role plays and case study projects. We have a supportive social work learning community which includes students, staff, experts by experience, carers and practitioners. You’ll also undertake practice placements in your second and third year and have an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people you support and assist.

Developing knowledge of moral and legal frameworks, you’ll learn to make good decisions for the individuals and families you work with, considering law, human rights, risks and responsibilities. You’ll examine people and relationships, attachment and separation-loss theories, as well as human development from childhood to old age. You’ll also explore discrimination, oppression and advocacy, developing skills in anti-oppressive practice to ensure you get the best outcomes for those you work with, empowering people to take control of their situations and live safe and fulfilling lives.

It’s planned that this course will be taught at UoG’s new campus in Gloucester city centre from early 2025. This provides time to ensure a smooth transition and familiarisation with the new facilities for all.

The vibrant campus will be at the heart of the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. It will bring an iconic building back to life as a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships, through placements, research and outreach activity, and provide cutting-edge facilities for your course.

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Entry requirements

    • 104 UCAS tariff points, BCC at A levels, DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.

      Entry to this course is by interview. Check out our Interview Guide to learn what to expect and help you prepare.

    • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent qualification.

      If you don’t have a traditional GCSE, get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • In order to study this course, offer holders will need to complete a satisfactory DBS and Health Clearance check.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

    • If English is not your first language, you are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of proficiency that is at International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7.0 overall.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire. Students applying for this course may be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides a non-repayable training grant of £5,000 per academic year, plus an additional £2,000 for students who have parental responsibility. An additional £1,000 allowance is available for students studying a specialist subject. Contact our Money Advice Team for further information.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
Sep 2024 City Campus, Gloucester L503 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2024 Yeovil College University Centre L503 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 City Campus, Gloucester L503 TBC TBC
Sep 2025 Yeovil College University Centre L503 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply**

Discover our promises

Careers

Supported professional practice is a core part of the course. We have strong connections with third sector, independent agencies and local authorities – we regularly host social workers in lectures and organise shadowing days in social work teams. You’ll hear from leading practitioners and work with recovering addicts and ex-offenders in lectures and workshops.

Our teaching staff, comprised of experienced social workers, bring a wealth of knowledge from various specialties such as child, family, and youth services, adult care, community conflict resolution, mental health, and social work law. This broad spectrum of expertise not only enhances your learning but also opens up diverse career paths.

As a graduate, you could pursue roles such as a social worker, education mental health practitioner, or family support worker – each offering the chance to make a significant difference to individual lives and communities.

Gain first-hand experience in a courtroom

As part of the Law and Social Policy module in your first year, you’ll visit court hearings and witness first-hand how social work law is applied and contested. This will give you essential insight into the skills required for presenting evidence as a qualified social worker.

Learn from experienced social workers

Alongside our social-work qualified lecturing team, you’ll hear from guest practitioners. Recent guests have included Professor Ray Jones, former director of social services, media spokesperson and author and professionals from BASW, the Law Commission and CCP.

Connect with local authorities

We have strong connections with third sector, independent agencies and local authorities in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire. A high proportion of students progress into graduate roles after their placements within these organisations.

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Ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects

Our social work courses are ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects by the Complete University Guide 2023.

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Ranked in the top 15 in the UK for career prospects

Our social work courses are ranked in the top 15 in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Trips and experiences

In your first year, you’ll visit court hearings and witness first-hand how social work law is applied and contested. This will give you essential insight into the skills required for presenting evidence as a qualified Social Worker.

Placements

From shadowing social workers to undertaking work placements with statutory social work teams, substance misuse charities, homeless hostels and children’s centres, you’ll make a difference to the lives of people in need through professional practice, right from your first year.

Our students have undertaken work placements with Gloucestershire Asylum Seeker and Refugee Advocacy Service (GARAS), Countrywide Community Projects (CCP) – plus Gloucestershire and Herefordshire county councils, and the Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust who are key employers of Social Workers locally. A high proportion of students progress into graduate roles after being on their social work placements within these organisations.

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