BA (Hons) - Social Work
Would you love to join a profession that makes a real difference in people’s lives? A Social Work degree is the gateway to a meaningful career supporting people at every stage of life and across every community.
On this degree, approved by Social Work England, our lecturing team brings a wealth of professional practice experience and real-world knowledge to the classroom. Our team understands how to provide the best development opportunities to ensure you have a happy, healthy and successful career in this essential profession. Our in-house team is complemented by frequent external speakers from local authorities and the voluntary sector, as well as people with lived experience of social work.
As a Social Work student, you will be immersed in a fascinating journey where practical learning workshops are woven together with professional knowledge. We use the latest digital technology alongside physical simulation facilities, such as our mock hospital ward and flat where you will practise home visits. We will help you understand theories in social work and how to apply them to real-world examples of supporting people and promoting equality. You will then take this learning into the community through visits to the local authority and family court.
What’s more, our social work courses are ranked in the top 25 in the UK overall, and 3rd in the North West for students satisfied with teaching (Guardian University Guide 2023 Results).
Course Overview
On our Social Work course, you’ll gain invaluable practical experience and have opportunities to meet and work with people from across the care system. Expert tutors will guide you through the essential theories of social work via lectures, seminars and interactive, hands-on sessions. You’ll put your learning into practice using specialist facilities, including simulated home visits, hospital discharge meetings and court hearings. Along the way, you’ll develop vital teamwork, leadership and communication skills to prepare you for your future career.
In addition to your on-campus learning, you’ll complete 170 days of professional work placements during your second and third years. These placements give you the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings, working alongside experienced social workers. Fully supported by qualified practice educators, you’ll gain confidence, build professional relationships and experience first-hand what it means to make a difference in people’s lives.
You'll benefit from our great reputation as a provider when applying for jobs. Upon graduation from this BA (Hons) Social Work degree, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with Social Work England. You'll therefore be in the ideal position for a career as a professional social worker and practitioner.
On this course you will...
- Have access to people with lived experience of social work services, allowing you to speak to people who have had social workers in their lives. They will talk to you about their experiences within social work.
- Learn from lecturers who take pride in being approachable and caring for your health and wellbeing. They will provide excellent support to you throughout the programme.
- Study social work using transformative learning, including simulations of hospital discharge meetings and mock case conferences. Our mock hospital ward and mock house will help you develop your practical skills.
- Be taught by registered social workers with many years of experience in both adult and children services. Their experience is used to guide your learning in real-life scenarios.
- Complete 170 days of professional placements, allowing you to gain real-world experience and boost your key skills ready for when you become a qualified social worker.
What our students say
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The tutors have done their best to ensure we are supported. I am very proud to be a student at the University of Cumbria.
Eleanor Armstrong, Social Work
Eleanor completed her Social Work placement at a national homeless charity during the Covid-19 first wave. Find out how she found the experience, how she was supported through the experience and what she gained out of it.
Location
Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus
The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking.
Find out more
Find out more about studying with us
Attend an Open Day at Cumbria
An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.
