Applied Social Work

Social work challenges you in ways few other careers ever will. You need resilience and flexibility to manage complex cases, but the rewards are immense as you make a genuine difference to people’s lives.

Why choose this course This applied degree equips you to excel on the frontline of social work, reaching out to help people from different backgrounds tackle their problems. You will learn how to form effective partnerships with individuals, families and other professionals and will become skilled in assessing, interpreting and addressing people’s individual problems.

How you will learn There are visits to workplace settings, work shadowing opportunities, guest lectures and the chance to complete a self-directed study reflecting your professional interests. Students from the degree’s second and third stages act as mentors to first-year students. We offer opportunities for you to undertake projects which match your professional ambitions and personal interests. The Independent Study module provides a chance for you to explore a particular theme in depth and our students have produced thought-provoking research into a wide range of topics.

Opportunities and experiences This course features substantial periods of work placement so that you can apply the theory you are learning to practice. Thanks to our strong professional partnerships with local and regional employers, we offer opportunities for you to work with adults and children in both voluntary and statutory settings. Our students have, for instance, been placed in local authorities with teams specialising in children and families, adult social care, disabled children and looked after children.

Professionally accredited Because our course is accredited by Social Work England, you can register and practise as a qualified social worker on graduation.

Careers and employability There is a growing demand for qualified social workers who can excel in a variety of fields, so this course opens doors to an exciting and diverse range of career opportunities. Your role could involve addressing issues such as, child protection, mental health, disability and youth justice or working with vulnerable or older adults. You could work in settings such as hospitals, day centres, social services, residential centres, schools and the voluntary sector.

Did you know? This course is also available with a Foundation Year.