Social Work BA (Hons) | University of Nottingham

International student

Course overview

Turn your passion for helping people into a career with our BA Social Work course. As a social worker, you'll play a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals, championing human rights and empowering positive changes.

You’ll learn about all areas of social work for adults, children and families. Topics include law for social work, mental distress, human growth and development, and social work communication skills. Highlights of the course are the two placements where you’ll work in different areas of social work.

We offer 30 skill days which introduce different elements of social work from court skills to interview skills. These provide you with extra knowledge and confidence for your future career.

How you will learn

Modules are delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and work-based placements. We use a variety of teaching methods to help you develop the professional knowledge and practical skills required to become a qualified social worker, including the use of audio-visual technology, role-play, and information communication technology.

Across the programme you will have input from people with lived experience of social care services; they will assist your learning through sharing their valuable insights.

During year one, you will shadow a social worker and observe their practice. In subsequent years, university-based learning during the first semester is followed by full-time work experience in a social work-related placement. This is 80 days in year two, and 90 days in year three. Class sizes vary between 30 to 50 students, with seminars held with 10 to 15 students at a time.

Teaching methods

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Placements

How you will be assessed

Social work students are assessed against the professional standards for social work as well as academically.

Assessment methods

Coursework
Essay
Examinations
Presentation
Reflective portfolios
Poster submissions

Contact time and study hours

A typical week will comprise of around 13 hours of teaching, split between lectures and seminars. You will have regular tutorials with your personal tutor during each year of your study. In addition, you are expected to undertake 27 hours a week of self-directed study.

When on placement in years two and three, your hours will equate to full-time work: approximately 37 hours per week over five days. Your personal tutor will provide support throughout your placement.

Because we are a professional programme, all teaching sessions are mandatory. You must attend at least 80% of teaching sessions and 100% of placement and skills days.

Modules

6 modules

Assessment of Readiness for Direct Practice (ARDP)

This assessment is designed to assess communication skills in relation to interviewing and assessment. You must pass the ARDP to proceed to year two of study. You are not permitted to undertake a practice placement unless ARDP is passed. This assessment is marked on a Pass/Fail basis. You are permitted one re-sit attempt. Students failing a re-sit attempt with be taken to Fitness to Practice Panel to determine if a third sit is possible. This assessment does not carry any academic credits.

Communication Skills for Practice

The module introduces you to a range of theories, skills and evidence-based practice in relation to communication with service-users and carers. You will study theories of communication and perception. You will be assisted through group work, experiential learning exercises and self-reflection to develop basic skills for interviewing and assessment. These will be augmented by learning around theories and skills concerning work in group contexts and in situations of conflict where social workers are required to exercise professional authority.

Throughout the module your attention will be drawn to the values and ethics which underpin professional practice and the broad organisation, legal and policy context in which it takes place. You will be introduced to work with a diversity of service-user groups and required to consider the implications of this diversity for your mode of communication.

You will also be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the various theoretical perspectives presented in the module alongside an ability to apply this knowledge to social work practice.

Becoming a Social Worker

This module will introduce you to the core knowledge, skills, ethics and values underpinning social work practice. You will be encouraged to develop a sense of what it means to be a reflective practitioner. You will be taught a range of approaches to social work practice, what it means to be professional and the impact of the use of self.

You will explore the perspectives of people with lived experience and underpinning anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles for working with inequality and diversity. You will be given the opportunity to practice generic key skills and your understanding of the social work role through innovative teaching methods.

Investigating Social Worlds

This module introduces you to the nature of social research through exploration of the fundamental philosophical, methodological and ethical debates on ‘how to think of social research’ and ‘how to do social research’.

The module includes discussions of the primary features, functions and characteristics of social research, the distinctions between social research and other modes of investigating and producing knowledge about the social world and the steps typically involved in conducting social research. Indicative content also includes methods of data collection and issues of ethics, status, power and reflexivity in social research.

Social Science Uncovered 1

This module explains what it means to study social science, and how social sciences differ from the natural sciences. It encourages you to understand criminology, sociology, social work and other subjects in the social sciences, including social and public policy, as distinct but often overlapping and intersecting disciplines and fields of study with shared concerns about, and similar approaches to, making sense of the social world.

The module works alongside other introductory modules taken at level one by providing you with the opportunity to develop, practice and demonstrate the range of intellectual and practical skills needed to study social sciences successfully at university level. These skills include:

finding appropriate sources and avoiding inappropriate ones
making and organising notes effectively
using the Harvard referencing system correctly
asking questions and developing intellectual independence
drawing together, analysing and evaluating information from a range of sources
making reasoned arguments and challenging assumptions
communicating respectfully and effectively with others
responding positively to critical feedback
accessing using digital technologies and resources

Social Science Uncovered 2

This module builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding gained in Social Science Uncovered 1. The module will discuss a different social issue or phenomenon each week and explore through the lenses of criminology, sociology, social work or social and public policy. Learning will centre on how social science can help to understand the issue and, where appropriate, address it.

The module uses a problem-based, case-study approach to encourage you to develop an intellectual imagination and to become confident discussing and applying insights from subjects closely related to their own. Subjects will be topical and change from year to year. By way of example, they may include: poverty and the cost-of-living crisis; greener futures and climate activism; ageing populations and social care; the UK asylum system; health and the future of the NHS; racism and misogyny in policing; and how social policy is made and implemented in times of crisis and political turmoil.

Together with introductory level one modules that cover theoretical, conceptual and methodological aspects of criminology, sociology and social work as distinct subjects and fields of study, this module helps you understand and apply learning about the social sciences more generally through examples of lived experience.

5 modules

From Theory to Practice

In this module, you will get an introduction to social work theories and models, and to the methods through which they are applied. The module seeks to develop the theoretical learning that is needed in order to practice reflectively and effectively by promoting understanding of the principles and concepts which constitute various approaches to the practice of social work.

The module will include a consideration of some of the main theoretical approaches underpinning social work. Alongside this knowledge is the development of understanding of some of the models that can be applied in assessment and planning and methods of intervention that social workers are required to practice.

Human Growth and Development

The module provides you with an introduction to a range of theories and evidence about human growth and development. You will be enabled to understand the ways in which human growth and development is affected by a range of factors across the life course and how these factors may impact on the development of resilience and well-being. You are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the various theoretical perspectives alongside an ability to apply this knowledge to social work practice.

The module follows a life course perspective, tracking human growth and development from the cradle to the grave and draws on theoretical material from a range of different disciplines.

Law for Social Work

This module prepares you with an introduction to relevant legislation, policies and guidance for social work practice with a variety of service users. The programme recognises the centrality of the law and its interaction with policy and research in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and adults, and the necessity for practitioners to be confident when representing agencies and working with service users in legislative contexts.

To enable a better understanding and application of law to practice, the module includes a general consideration of the English legal system and considers areas around court structure, civil vs. criminal procedures; differing burdens of proof; duties vs. powers; delegated legislation and so on. It focuses on specific legislative frameworks for working with children, including youth justice, older people and people with mental health problems.

Practice Learning 1 - 80-day placement

This module comprises 80 days of assessed practice learning. It will focus on your ability to satisfy the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework at the interim stage of judgement.

The placement will be assessed on a pass/fail basis and must be passed in order to progress on the programme. The written assignment must be passed in order to progress on the programme; students who fail the written assignment may be required to resubmit without having to complete a further placement.

Social Work Research

This module considers the ways in which social workers (should) use research in practice and explores the concept of research-mindedness in social work.

Social workers need research to practise effectively; to understand service users' lives, make informed decisions and to change/develop organisations. Putting empirical evidence into practice will be explored using an applied approach and concrete examples from peer-reviewed papers.

4 modules

Practice Learning 2 - 90-day placement

This module comprises 90 days of practice learning. It will focus on your ability to satisfy the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework at the final stage of your qualification.

To pass this module both the 90-day placement and the practice analysis assignment must be passed. If the 90-day placement is not passed the entire 90-day placement has to be repeated and the assignment has to be submitted as a first sit. If the assignment is failed this can be resubmitted without the placement being repeated.

Mental Distress: Social Perspectives

Social work practice involves interactions with people of all ages experiencing mental distress. This module will challenge the dominant medical/illness model of mental health which is prevalent in UK service provision. It will consider social approaches to understanding causation, manifestations and support for mental distress.

The module will also address the challenges of working as a social worker in multi-disciplinary services which are dominated by medical model thinking. The module will incorporate the perspectives of service users and carers on their lived experience of mental distress. It will consider how we can promote good mental wellbeing for ourselves and others in the face of stress and adversity.

Social Work with Adults and Families

This module covers the key practice issues in social work with adults, including safeguarding, mental capacity and working within the Care Act. It considers the needs of different service user groups, including people with learning disabilities and older people. Teaching is delivered by academic staff, current social workers and service users.

Social Work with Children and Families

This module looks at key elements of social work with children and families, including children in need, child protection and the ‘Care System’. It also explores the skills needed to work effectively with children and young people. Teaching is delivered by academic staff, practitioners and people with lived experience of social work.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

ABB

30 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Excluded subjects

General studies and critical thinking

GCSEs

GCSE English grade 4 (C) and GCSE maths grade 4 (C) or Functional Skills Level 2 maths

IB requirements

IB score

30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates

Alternative qualifications

We encourage applications from all sections of the community including applicants who may be returning to work or changing career. Mature applicants, including those on Access courses and with alternative qualifications are encouraged to apply.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD in any subject
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus one A level grade B in any subject
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A levels grades BB

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma in any subject 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit. This must include at least six level 3 credits in study skills.

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Notes for applicants

The minimum age for entry to the BA programme is 18 year old. Applications must be made through UCAS. No applicant will be offered a place without an interview. Our initial entry criteria includes completion of a short written test. Applicants can then progress to an interview.

Interviews take place between December and April each year. The interview takes place online and applicants are sent full joining instructions. You will be interviewed by a social work academic, a social work practitioner and someone with lived experience of social work.

We make reasonable adjustments to our written test and interview process for applicants who have a health condition, disability or learning need. We encourage applicants to make us aware of any health condition, disability or learning need so we can make adjustments and discuss potential support on the course. If you tell us about a health condition, disability or learning need this will not influence our decision-making on whether to offer you a place.

Although there is no requirement for prior experience of social work, applicants who have some relevant voluntary or paid experience in a helping role, or can demonstrate that they have personal insights or understandings to reflect upon are likely to produce a better personal statement and have more to draw upon during the interview.

If invited for interview, applicants are required to make a signed declaration regarding any health condition or criminal record and then complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check once registered on the course. Although a criminal record or a health condition is not necessarily a bar to acceptance, failure to disclose relevant information may subsequently result in the offer of a place or registration, being withdrawn.

Personal statement and interview advice

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on studying social work. Your experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings is essential when applying to a health or social care course like social work.

When writing your personal statement, you should provide details of your related personal or social care experiences. At your interview, it is important to be able to explain how your experiences relate to the activities and qualities which are required for social work.

From your application and interview, we look for:

evidence of motivation to become a social worker, shown by having a clear rationale for wanting to join the profession, and preferably some experience in a helping role
some understanding of the roles and responsibilities of social workers
some degree of self-awareness and empathy for others
the capacity to succeed academically

Placements

Designed to help develop the skills required to register as a qualified social worker and regulated by Social Work England, this course includes supervised placements in years two and three. You could spend a total of 170 days in practice during your degree. Each period of practice learning will be assessed against the requirements of social work qualification training.

We have excellent links with statutory and voluntary agencies in the region, which provide practice learning opportunities for our students. We have an outstanding record of providing high-quality placements and recognise that this is a vital part of your learning. Students and practice assessors are well supported throughout the practice learning.

All placements are undertaken on a full-time basis, with students expected to work the same hours as other members of staff in that setting. Placements are normally within the geographical boundaries of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Please note: In order to undertake supervised placements, you will usually need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake supervised placements as part of your course.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

The school covers the cost of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost of travelling to social worker shadowing and to placements will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Social Work bursaries

The programme is awarded allocated a number of student bursaries by the NHS Business Services Authority nationally. Bursaries are only available to students who progress to years two and three of the BA programme; there is no bursary for year one.

Social work bursaries are only available to students who meet residency and other eligibility criteria set out by this body. The precise number of social work bursaries available each year is controlled by central government and subject to change.

We allocate our available social work bursaries to students based on their academic attainment during the first year of study and cannot guarantee that all students will receive a bursary.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

30 points overall

A levels

ABB

IB requirements

IB score

30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates

A level and GCSE requirements

Excluded subjects

General studies and critical thinking

GCSEs

GCSE English grade 4 (C) and GCSE maths grade 4 (C) or Functional Skills Level 2 maths

Alternative qualifications

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD in any subject
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus one A level grade B in any subject
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A levels grades BB

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma in any subject 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit. This must include at least six level 3 credits in study skills.

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

if you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Mature students

Notes for applicants

Personal statement and interview advice

From your application and interview, we look for:

evidence of motivation to become a social worker, shown by having a clear rationale for wanting to join the profession, and preferably some experience in a helping role
some understanding of the roles and responsibilities of social workers
some degree of self-awareness and empathy for others
the capacity to succeed academically

Placements

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Social Work bursaries

We allocate our available social work bursaries to students based on their academic attainment during the first year of study and cannot guarantee that all students will receive a bursary.

My final placement is at Derby City Council as a children's and family's social work student. I couldn't be more delighted as I know they will provide me with all the guidance and support needed to start my career once qualified. Studying Social Work is the greatest decision I’ve made, trust me, go for it!"

Angel Kadzunge

BA Social Work

Careers overview

Our graduates are valued by employers for their ability to:

develop an argument and justify it with evidence, verbally and in writing
write coherently and succinctly with a clear structure
think critically and challenge accepted ideas
work within teams to achieve goals
use communication skills to build relationships with people receiving services and other workers
work professionally, with the skills, behaviour and knowledge required of social workers
work within legal frameworks to assess need and risk and develop interventions

Most of our graduates become social workers working for councils across the country.

Alternative careers include other areas of welfare such as child protection in schools or social housing. Or, thanks to the transferable skills of teamwork, communication, problem solving, and managing difficult situations, you'll be well placed for roles in human resources; equality, diversity and inclusion; youth work; or counselling.

Skills days

We support you in preparing for your career with our 30 skills days. An example is the court skills day, where you will write a report and go to a real court to present it and receive feedback from a judge. Another is the employability skills day where you get advice on how to complete applications and take part in a mock interview.

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

91.3% of BA Social Work undergraduates secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £31,857 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Careers advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain's leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

Social Work England

This course is regulated by Social Work England which means that once you have successfully completed the course, you will meet the professional standards to register as a qualified social worker.

You can apply for registration to Social Work England and once you are registered, your name and registration number will be listed on their public register of social workers.

Most social work employers also offer an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) scheme, that gives newly qualified social workers extra support during their first year of employment.

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Social Work - U6USOCWK

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Assessment of Readiness for Direct Practice (ARDP)

Communication Skills for Practice

Becoming a Social Worker

Investigating Social Worlds

Social Science Uncovered 1

Social Science Uncovered 2

Core modules

5 modules

From Theory to Practice

Human Growth and Development

Law for Social Work

Practice Learning 1 - 80-day placement

Social Work Research

Core modules

4 modules

Practice Learning 2 - 90-day placement

Mental Distress: Social Perspectives

Social Work with Adults and Families

Social Work with Children and Families

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£9,535 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£24,700 per year

Careers

Accreditation

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