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Undergraduate

Social Work BSc (Hons)

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

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.

Study style

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.

A brand-new campus

It’s planned that on-campus teaching for this course will start at Oxstalls in September 2023, then transfer to the new City Campus in Gloucester from September 2024. This provides time to ensure a smooth transition and familiarisation with the new facilities for all.

The vibrant new City 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 and provide an excellent student experience.

Get Social Work BSc (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

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

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2023 Oxstalls, Gloucester L503 £9,250 £15,450
Sep 2023 Yeovil College University Centre L503 £9,250 £15,450
Sep 2024 City Campus, Gloucester L503 TBC TBC
Sep 2024 Yeovil College University Centre L503 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Possible careers

Graduates of this course can go on to work as:

  • Social worker
  • Education mental health practitioner
  • Family support worker.

Industry links

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.

The course is taught by experienced social workers in a highly supportive environment – their experience spanning the range of social work specialities:

  • children, families and young people
  • adults; conflict in communities
  • mental health and social work law.

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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