BA (Hons) Social Work is the essential first step to becoming a qualified Social Worker. When you have graduated, you will be eligible to register as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Social Workers improve the lives of a huge range of people. You could work with people with learning difficulties, children and families, older people, people who have problems with drug and alcohol misuse, people who experience mental health problems, or disabled people.
Why us?
- Our Social Work courses are in the top 25% in the UK for Organisation and management, according to the National Student Survey 2018
- 100% of our BA (Hons) Social Work graduates are in graduate-level employment, further study or training within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2016/17 (based on full-time, first degree, home leavers)
- Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
- Our Social Work courses were ranked 1st overall in the UK in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey
- Our Social Work courses were ranked 2nd in the UK for Assessment and Feedback, and 2nd in the UK for Retention and Progression in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey
Course structure
This course is taught via workshops, small group work, lectures, computer-based learning, presentations and independent learning.
Your progress will be assessed with group projects/presentations, written assignments, portfolios of work, and exams at the end of some modules. Throughout the degree you’ll have one-to-one support from academic staff.
You will learn about the role of a social worker and the legislation which is applicable to social work theory, research, ethics and values. There is a big emphasis on practical learning and approximately half the course consists of work placements.
You will develop skills in problem-solving, communication, working with others and patience. You will also learn about law, partnership working, assessment, intervention, mental health and disability issues.
A part-time version of this course is also available.
Employment
BA (Hons) Social Work is a highly practical qualification. After graduation you will be eligible to register as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Social Work is a very broad discipline. You could work with older people, young offenders, people with mental health issues, foster carers, children at risk of abuse, or any other individuals at risk of harm to themselves or others.
Social Workers work in a variety of organisations including local authorities, NHS Trusts, residential care, schools, the voluntary and private sector.
Centre for Applied Social Sciences
The University of Sunderland’s Centre for Applied Social Studies (CASS) regularly hosts visiting speakers, and it can be an excellent way to learn from the real-life experience of people who already have a strong track record in social work.
CASS is the centre for applied social science research at the University, and you may find opportunities to collaborate with the academic team.
Practice placements
Placements are an essential part of your degree, accounting for 70 credits in total. Placements allow you to apply your learning in a real-life context, and get a sense of what type of social work you might want to specialise in. When you’re ready to start searching for a job in social work, you will already have a wide network of professional contacts who can help you find the right opportunities.
