TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BA (Hons)

Social Work

Make a difference – support children, families and adults through key challenges like safeguarding, mental health and justice. Graduate career-ready with over 170 days of hands-on experience in diverse real-life social work placements.

Our typical offer

96 UCAS points

Professional recognition

Graduate with a degree accredited by Social Work England - ready to apply for registration and begin a rewarding career. 95% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months.

Immersive real-world experience 

Gain practical skills through diverse placements across adult and childcare settings. Learn directly from service users and carers and work with professionals in partner agencies throughout your studies.

Innovative learning

 Benefit from integrated teaching, peer-assisted sessions (PALS), and expert staff with global perspectives. Train in the purpose-built InterCity Place and grow as a reflective, ethical, and internationally-aware practitioner.
BA (Hons) Social Work

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About

Jonathan Mair - First year BA (Hons) Social Work student (2023)

The importance of relationships is paramount to be a good social worker, as it’s very much a person-facing role. The University has a really good approach to getting people ready for practice and bring real service users into the course, which is a great way to break barriers down. You really get to experience behind the scenes work of social work, and to see the amount of support social workers offer each other in practice.

Jonathan
BA (Hons) Social Work graduate

This course is for you if...

you’re compassionate and driven to support people through life’s challenges
Hand with heart on palm
 you want to kick-start your career with eligibility to register as a qualified social worker upon graduation
Healthcare professional with arm around individual
you value learning directly from experienced professionals across a wide network of partner agencies covering every aspect of social work
Group of individuals, depicting community
you are looking to engage with actual service users and carers throughout your training.
Two hands holding each other, depicting support

Details

Year 1

In your first year, your work will cover the foundations of social work. You’ll start developing your professional identity in the complex environment of social work, learning about everything from the values that underpin theory and practice to the importance of self and identity, and the perspectives of users and carers to the connections between local and global issues. You’ll learn through doing, spending a minimum of 30 days in preparation for practice.
Social Work students

Core modules

SW401
What is Social Work? 20 credits

This module introduces students to the complexities of social work and professional practice. Students explore how social work has evolved into its current professional status. Students are introduced to key social work themes, identifying the multi-dimensional and changing contexts in which social work occurs, and the impacts on service user and carer experiences.

100% Coursework

SW402
Human Development and Wellbeing I 20 credits

This module provides a multi-dimensional perspective of human growth and wellbeing by considering various theoretical frameworks. It engages with concepts such as grief, trauma and loss, vulnerability, stress, resilience and coping. It explores the human life cycle as well as the impact of variables such as socio-cultural change and intergenerational issues.

100% Coursework

SW403
Values and Ethics in Practice 20 credits

Students are introduced to the importance, relevance and impact of values, attitudes and beliefs in social work. They explore key concepts and perspectives underpinning the development of belief systems. The relationship with professional practise, service users, professional regulation and law is considered. Students develop skills in critical self-reflection from a personal and professional viewpoint.

100% Coursework

SW404
Contexts for Social Work: Organisations, Policy and Law 20 credits

This module introduces students to key contemporary legislation and policy underpinning social work practice. Students explore the application of law and policy to anti-oppressive practice and the organisation and delivery of social care.

100% Coursework

SW405
Understanding the Social World 20 credits

This module introduces students to foundational social theory in order to assist them to engage in critical analysis of the person in context.

100% Coursework

SW406
Developing Professional Skills 20 credits

This module provides the opportunity to explore and develop skills relating to the social work role. Skills rehearsal in student groups develops communication skills central to social work. Students engage in teaching and learning activities related to social work assessment. They also undertake 30 days’ ‘readiness for direct practice’ to prepare them for practice learning in stages 2 and 3 of the programme.

HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1

Year 2

In your second year you’ll further your professional development, learning how to apply ethical and theoretical perspectives to human development, understanding social sciences in a social work setting and getting to grips with applying legal and social policy in the context of welfare. You’ll explore issues of diversity and difference, reflect on real-life issues that impact users and carers, and develop your skills in collaborative working. You’ll spend a minimum of 70 days on placement.
Social work students

Core modules

SW501
What is Social Work? II 20 credits

Students develop their understanding of contemporary social work by exploring critical themes and debates which serve to define notions of professional identity. Building on SCW451 content, students engage with knowledge and perspectives congruent with promoting the transition to a professional identity, incorporating global and national perspectives of social work practices.

SW502
Enhancing Professional Skills 20 credits

This module explores how knowledge is applied in direct work with children and families, adults and groups. Building on Stage One, specialist communication skills and assessment strategies are considered to understand how they can inform decision-making. Anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles, methods and models underpinning social work are explored to promote value-based assessment.

SW503
Contexts for Social Work: Organisations, Policy and Law II 20 credits

This module will explore the range of policies and laws that provide the mandate for social work intervention in relation to different service user and carer groups. The module explores organisational contexts and cultures and their relevance to the understanding and application of law and policy in practice

100% Examinations

SW504
Human Development and Wellbeing II 20 credits

Building on learning from the Stage One module ‘Human Development and Wellbeing’, this module will enable students to develop their knowledge base to critically analyse and understand the role of social work in promoting human development and the wellbeing of individuals and their families, groups and communities.

SW505
Evidence-Informed Social Work Practice with People who are Marginalised 20 credits

This module focuses on the social processes that combine to marginalise particular social groups and the impacts of this. Students will develop their skills of critically appraising research studies in relation to a marginalised group of their choice.

100% Coursework

SW506
Integrated Practice I 20 credits

This module will enable students to develop their professional identity through the integration of theory, methods, skills, knowledge and values within practice. Combining classroom and practice-based learning and opportunities it will provide students with a repertoire of critical knowledge, skills, evidenced based and informed responses and interventions congruent with working with people and situations across a plethora of society

Final year

In your final year, you’ll consolidate your learning, working towards becoming a safe, competent, ethical practitioner who demonstrates sound professional judgement. Learn how to analyse complex issues, and apply your knowledge and skills to resolve them. Gain a critical perspective on complex, uncertain and changing contexts in social work, further your skills working in multi-agency settings and develop your understanding of the international arena. You’ll spend a minimum of 100 days in complex social work settings.
Social work students simulate home visit to service users.

Core modules

SW601
Evidence-Informed Interventions in Social Work Practice 20 credits

The module will identify Evidence-Informed Social Work Practice, as the synthesis of practice wisdom; service user experience; and research evidence. The focus is on Social Workers as consumers of research accessing existing repositories of evidence such as systematic reviews and other research, reported in peer-reviewed journal articles. Students complete systematic literature searches to identify the current available evidence on a specific social work intervention.

100% Coursework

SW602
Wellbeing: Accountability, Risk and Professional Decision-Making 20 credits

The module is designed to enable students to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of professional social work accountability; risk assessment, risk management; and professional decision making in social work with adults, children and families.

100% Coursework

SW603
Social Work Methods and Approaches 20 credits

This module focuses on the dynamic nature of social work practice by exploring contemporary and emerging issues. Students will explore how social work adapts to new challenges while staying consistent to the ethics, values and compassion in social work practice. Students will consider how social work theories, methods, approaches and new ways of working are adapted in complex or emerging areas both now and in the future.

SW604
Social Work Dissertation 40 credits

This module enables students to build on skills established across the programme. Students will identify an area of social work practice that is pertinent to their current practice or to their professional development. They will identify the rationale for the choice of topic and develop a review of what constitutes Evidence Informed Practice in relation to that topic. They will highlight points of critical appraisal on relevant research studies

100% Coursework

SW605
Integrated Practice II 20 credits

The module enables students to consolidate their professional identity through integration of theory, methods, skills and values in practice. Teaching and practice learning provide students with a repertoire of evidenced informed responses congruent with complex practice situations. The module seeks to prepare students for the socio-legal and procedural aspects of statutory social work.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of the course, you are eligible to apply for registration with .
Placements
You’ll spend over 170 days on placement during the course. You’ll have the chance to experience what it’s like to work in a variety of settings, these may include community-based projects, fostering teams, a variety of mental health teams and services, drug and alcohol teams, older adults, hospital discharge, children and family work, young adults or working with asylum seekers.

Learning support

Our social work team is committed to providing you with the best possible learning experience during your time on the course. As well as the standard teaching, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in activities working with wider issues locally and globally – giving you a better understanding of the issues relevant to social workers around the world. Possibilities exist (subject to agreement) for undertaking placements in different countries such as Africa or accessing the Erasmus scheme for a European placement in the year following graduation.
Personal holidays
In order to successfully complete your course and be eligible to apply for a professional registration you must complete a specified number of practice placement hours along with your theoretical study. Therefore you’ll only be able to take personal holidays during the specified leave periods for your course. This includes induction week where it is vital you attend all sessions.
 
 
 

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

Hands-on learning

Over the course of your degree, you’ll complete more than 170 days of placements, gaining invaluable experience across a wide range of real-life settings. These may include community-based projects, fostering teams, mental health services, drug and alcohol support teams, older adult care, hospital discharge units, children and family services, young adult teams, and work with asylum seekers. 
You’ll engage directly with service users and carers at every stage of your learning, developing practical knowledge and confidence to apply effective strategies in the workplace. Placements take place across all three years, ensuring you graduate with well-rounded hands-on experience. Throughout your training, you’ll also refine your professional skills in an inspiring, purpose-built environment at InterCity Place.
Elderly care old and young - stock photo 897821744 Getty
 
 
 

The second year of university provided an eye-opening journey, I would have never expected to gain such a vast range of knowledge and experiences from a degree. My practice placement was at British Red Cross Refugee Services and my degree equipped me with the knowledge to engage with the service users and provide the support they required.

Greta
BA (Hons) Social Work graduate

Social work is a really versatile career and you can go into so many different sectors just from one generic degree. It's a really creative role so every day is different. When you're working with people in a really vulnerable time of their lives, you feel really privileged that they've let you in and they've trusted you and that is a really rewarding part of the role.

Enya
BA (Hons) Social Work graduate
 
 
 
 
 
 

Learn from experienced social work educators

Our social work team brings a wealth of expertise drawn from frontline practice, research and international engagement. Their work spans areas such as child protection, adult safeguarding, mental health, disability and youth justice. You’ll benefit from their deep understanding of the profession and develop a strong foundation across the diverse and evolving landscape of social work. Whatever your career aspirations, our academic staff will support your development through integrated learning, real-world placements and collaborative study – preparing you to make a meaningful impact from day one.
Dr Bartosz Zaniewski Lecturer in Social Work


Lecturer in Social Work

Academic Lead
Miss Katy Else Lecturer in Social Work


Lecturer in Social Work

BA Programme Lead
Mr Lawrence Badman-Richards Lecturer in Social Work


Lecturer in Social Work

Lecturer and Admissions Tutor
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Life in ҹèƵ

ҹèƵ's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

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Life in the city
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Careers

Social workers support individuals and families through challenging life changes, safeguarding rights and improving outcomes using social care legislation. Whether working with children, adults, or vulnerable groups, they provide advocacy, create safe environments, and ensure voices are heard.
They address diverse societal issues – from homelessness and addiction to mental health and safeguarding – and work with a wide range of clients including older people, refugees, those with disabilities, and young people in the justice system.
Career opportunities span statutory and non-statutory roles in settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries, children’s homes, charities and research. Social workers are united by a shared commitment: to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to live safe, independent, and fulfilled lives.
  • Ê

    97% of our social work graduates feel teaching staff supported their learning well

  • ]

    95% our social work graduates are using what they learnt during their studies in their current work

  • b

    95% our social work graduates go onto work or further study

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
On Monday 20 October 2025, the UK Government announced its intention to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.
Along with other universities in the UK, the ҹèƵ intends to apply this new fee. Whilst the exact details have not currently been announced, it is expected that the increase will be in the region of £400, increasing the annual tuition fee to £9,935 for 2026, which will then be subject to automatic inflationary increases thereafter. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to further Government guidance and legislation. 
The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as the Government has issued further information. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at ҹèƵ, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 
 
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
96 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
5 GCSE’s grade 4/C or above to include Mathematics and English.
Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics

A levels
Typical offer of 96 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or level 3 qualifications – social science preferred. General Studies not accepted.

International Baccalaureate
26–30 overall to include 5 at Higher Level. Social Science/Social Care, Psychology, Criminology profile preferred but not required.

Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE (Higher Education) Diploma with at least 33 Level 3 credits at merit/distinction level to include 15 level 3 credits in Science/Social Science (Social Work/Social Care/Psychology/Sociology/Criminology). Will need GCSE English at grade C/4 also Maths at grade C/4 (or equivalent).

T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be Pass overall with Grade C in Core Component.

BTEC
DMM-DDM – social science preferred.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Alternatively if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions Team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.
For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Extended entry requirements

  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade 4/C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
  • IELTS – 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all elements.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • English language requirements  
  • We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary . 
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

Further information
Further information

Direct entry to year 2
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access Moodle site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.

Deferred entry
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 
 
 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
L501
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years

Course type

Full-time
Study location
ҹèƵ
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    96 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
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    • UCAS course code
    L501
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years

    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    ҹèƵ
     
     
     

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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.