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BA (Hons) Social Work
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L501
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Social work is about working with people, usually to help them achieve their goals, sometimes to protect them or others.
At UEA, we see social work as a practical and ethical profession that helps people and makes a difference to their lives. You could work with children, young people, parents, people with mental health problems, people with physical disabilities or learning disabilities, older people, and with relatives and friends who care for them.
Social work is ideally suited to curious, compassionate, hard-working and caring students. Train to become a first-rate social work practitioner at UEA and you’ll graduate ready to start your social work career.
At UEA, we pride ourselves on the support we provide for our students. As part of this, you will have an academic adviser, who will take an active interest in your professional development when at university and while on placement. From day one you'll join a community and a course with people and relationships at their core.
At UEA, we have an international reputation for the excellence of our social work teaching and research and we will support you to develop the academic knowledge and professional skills you’ll need to become a social worker.
Many of our lecturers are actively involved in research and nearly all are experienced practitioners. Importantly, current practitioners and people with lived experience are involved in teaching activities across the course. This means our teaching draws on leading research, while providing you with a direct insight into the latest social work issues and evidence-based practice.
Placements and practice-based learning are central to social work education at UEA. These are undertaken in partnership with social work employers and organisations and will offer you experiences in at least two contrasting settings. Your learning on placement is supported by a qualified practice educator who will guide and assess your practice. During your placement, you will gain experiences that you will draw on in the classroom, and have regular ‘call back’ days, where you return to the University to develop the links between theory and practice.
We will ensure you have a blend of opportunities to bring together the academic, practical and lived experience of social work in your teaching and learning opportunities.
Study and Modules
Structure
We combine teaching that emphasises reflective and relationship-based practice with excellent placement opportunities in a wide range of settings provided by our local partner agencies.
Our course will teach you about the theoretical foundations of social work, which are rooted in psychology and sociology across the lifespan. You will explore social policy and the laws surrounding working with children and families, people with mental health issues, and vulnerable adults. And throughout all three years, you will focus on what it means to work with individuals, families, groups, fellow social workers and other professionals.
In your first year, you will study four compulsory modules which will provide you with a foundation to build your understanding of social work as a profession. You will discover key theories in psychology and sociology and consider how these are applied in practice. This will include learning about observation as a process and how it relates to understanding. You will also be introduced to social work as a regulated profession and an understanding of the context for social work.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
We value our involvement in the Suffolk and Norfolk Social Work Teaching Partnership, which ensures social work education in the region meets the needs of students and employers. Your social work degree will combine lectures and seminars that encourage and require you to contribute. Crucially our teaching foregrounds current practice, along with the experiences of professionals, and people with lived experience.
In your first year you will have around 12 hours of timetabled teaching per week. Each session will have additional reading highlighted by the lecturer. You are encouraged to read widely to deepen your understanding and in preparation for your formative and summative assignments. Alongside this in semester 1, you will need to complete an ethnographic walk and court visit, followed by a shadowing placement in semester 2. You will also meet with your academic adviser individually and in group
Assessment
Assessment
In each module, you will undertake a formative assessment, on which you will receive feedback. This will help prepare you for your summative assessment which contributes to your overall mark. All summative assessments must be passed before a student can progress to the next year of study.
You will experience a range of assessment methods, including essays, presentations, and recorded role-plays.
Feedback
You will receive constructive feedback on your formative and summative assessments to encourage your development. We aim to return feedback within 20 working days.
Structure
In your second year, you will study three compulsory modules designed to develop your understanding of social work. You will learn how people can develop across the life course and how the professional relationship matters. Furthermore, you will see the importance of the legal and social policy contexts on practice as you put your learning into practice on your Level 1 (70 days) placement.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The amount of teaching varies in year 2, but you will average around 18 hours per week of lectures and seminars in semester 1. In semester 2 the contact time increases, and you will average 37 ½ hours per week for your level 1 placement.
Assessment
Assessment
In each module, you will undertake a formative assessment, on which you’ll receive feedback. This will help prepare you for your summative assessment which contributes to your overall mark. All summative assessments must be passed before a student can progress to the next year of study.
You will experience a range of assessment methods including essays, presentations, an exam, a case study and practice-based portfolio.
Feedback
You will receive constructive feedback on your formative and summative assessments to encourage your development. We aim to return feedback within 20 working days.
Structure
In your third year, you will study three compulsory modules designed to build an understanding of social work practice by increasingly looking at the complexity and specialist nature of social work. You will encounter key aspects of safeguarding adults and children and build your practical experience through the Level 2 (100 days) placement. Your undergraduate learning journey ends with a literature-based dissertation answering a question you set on an area of social work that you are passionate about.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year ranges from 10 hours per week during teaching periods to 37 ½ hours per week during your level 2 placement. The course concludes with self-directed study as you complete your dissertation.
Independent study
As a degree student, you will also study independently, with the support and guidance of your module organisers. This helps you prepare for a career where you will never stop learning. In your final year, you will complete an individual dissertation, which will involve a significant amount of library-based research. Once again, you’ll be supported and guided in this process, to help you achieve the best possible final mark.
Student voice
We are totally committed to the continued development of our teaching quality. We provide you with a number of ways to feedback on teaching and the course, for example through module reviews, debriefing meetings, and the Staff-Student Liaison Committee. Each helps us monitor, evaluate and develop our programme.
Assessment
Assessment
In each module, you will undertake a formative assessment, on which you will receive feedback. This will help prepare you for your summative assessment which contributes to your overall mark. All summative assessments must be passed before a student can complete and progress.
You will experience a range of assessment methods including essays, presentations, a case study, dissertation and practice-based portfolio.
Feedback
You will receive constructive feedback on your formative and summative assessments to encourage your development. We aim to return feedback within 20 working days.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- BBB
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding Public Services , Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BCC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AABBBB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- CCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 31
- GCSE
You are required to English Language at a minimim of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE. We will accept GCSE Mathematics 4 or C or a pass in Functional Skills numeracy. We can accept overseas high school qualifications for Mathematics. Due to the level of English required most overseas applicants will need to have recent English Language test, this is also to meet Social Work England standards.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading)
IELTS 7.0 overall due to the Social Work England our preferred test is IELTS.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
International Requirements:
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
- Interviews
Applicants living within the UK will be invited to attend to an interview on campus. Overseas applicants or UK applicants living overseas will be invited to attend an interview day online.
The format for both is the same. The first part of the admissions day consists of an observed group activity. The activity will be observed by members of the interview panel and will involve a university lecturer, social work practitioner or manager and a person with lived experience and gives you an opportunity to participate and communicate in a group. The group will consist of 2 – 6 social work applicants and your group members may vary in age and experience. However, the focus of the activity is on how you participate and communicate during the task and not your specific knowledge or experience and there is no ‘right’ answer for this activity.
Later in the day the interview will last around 40 minutes and the interview panel is made up of a University lecturer, a Social Work practitioner or manager and a person with lived experience where possible. The interview will enable the panel to look at your personal background and circumstances, essay and group activity participation and your understanding of Social Work, your current studies and your suitability for the programme.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
The BA Social Work course is open to UK and overseas applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Overseas applicants should check to ensure they can drive in the UK for the second year onwards of their studies. Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) You may be required to take a test in the UK and you will need access to a car for placements for your second and third year.
Social Work England is the new, specialist regulator for all social workers in England. It is an independent public protection body, setting professional, education and training standards for social workers. In its role, Social Work England also investigates and manages 'fitness to practice' cases brought against social workers.
Social work England’s professional standards are specialist to the social work profession. The standards are the threshold standards necessary for safe and effective practice. It also reflects the value and diversity of social work practice and the positive impact it has on people’s lives, families and communities. The professional standards apply to registered social workers and social work students in all roles and settings.
Social work is a regulated profession. This means that to be able to practise as a social worker in England, individuals must be registered with Social Work England. Once registered, all social workers are listed on a public register. The register is a statutory list of individual social workers who practise in England. It provides assurance that the people who practise as social workers in England have the right skills and qualifications and are capable of safe and effective practice.
You can apply to join the register when you have received official confirmation from the University that you have successfully completed your course. Further also evidenced by the University submitting the list of people who passed the course. However, it is important to know that there is no guarantee of entry onto the registration once the course has been completed, because Social Work England is the regulator and makes the final decision.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM .
Diploma: DD in related subject plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D in related subject plus BB at A-Level.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Additional Entry Requirements
Application Process:
Following the initial screening an 800-1000 word essay will be requested and has to be submitted prior to consideration to interview. Full essay guidance will be sent to applicants at the time of the request. We also require a Declaration of Suitability form to be completed which will be sent to you at the same as the essay request.
Experience
All applicants are required to have gained some paid or voluntary work experience of helping people and working with others in a Social Work/Social Care environment. Further information about work experience can be found in our Work Experience Leaflet. We recognise that work experience opportunities may have been limited, please do contact Admissions to discuss your experience.
If shortlisted and invited to interview, applicants will be required to provide an additional reference. This should typically be a professional reference providing details of your ability in a caring/helping capacity, to complement your academic reference provided on the UCAS application.
We advise you review Research - School of Social Work - About - UEA to assist you with your decision of studying Social Work.
Disclosure and Barring Service
The course you are applying for is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) on your UCAS application.
The amendments to the Exceptions Order provide that certain ‘spent’ convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service Website. Further information can also be found on the Nacro website https://www.nacro.org.uk Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check during the first year after commencement of the course.
Placements
As this course includes client facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition. Placements are compulsory as part of the course.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
All students will be required to complete DBS before they undertake their placement, and we recommend that students sign up to the update service.
Additional costs can also be expected when travelling to and from placement.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You will graduate with a professional qualification and an academic degree from a course accredited by Social Work England. You will have the knowledge, skills and practice experience to work with children, adults and carers in various social work settings. In time, you could become a leader in the field as an innovator, practice leader, senior manager, policy maker, researcher or lecturer.
Our high employability rates reflect the success of our students.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Career destinations related to your degree include:
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Local Authorities e.g., Norfolk and Suffolk County Council
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Fostering and adoption agencies
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NHS hospitals and mental health trusts e.g., NSFT
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Advocacy services
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Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)
Discover more on our Careers webpages.