Social Work BA

Course overview

Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of others?

We require students who want to make a difference to society, help people find solutions to their problems and live more successfully. At Leeds, we're are committed to supporting you to become a reflective social work practitioner.

We work collaboratively and in partnership with practitioners and people who use services to ensure social work students are provided with the skills and readiness needed for a rewarding, successful and long-term career in social work - and that our social workers are developed and challenged in their career.

Our Teaching Partnership supports a range of placements in both the adults and children and family sectors; these placements are an integral part of your education.

On this course, you will be able to learn through innovative methods such as engaging in a simulated experience of a child protection conference with nursing students and making home visits in our purpose-built campus facilities. We have a specialist module that prepares you for the realities of working within the digital social work world including an awareness of the benefits and the associated ethical dilemmas. You’ll also recognise the importance of applying diversity and anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice.

Being a Leeds graduate gives you an excellent springboard to build a rewarding career, caring, helping and improving the lives of others.

NHS funding is available for some Social Work students, depending on eligibility. Find out more here.

Course highlights 

• We work closely with experts by experience when recruiting students and to inform our approach to teaching. Our Social Work Team combines service user insight with that of active practitioners, innovative academics and experienced professionals to create a rich and fulfilling degree experience.  

• The University’s vibrant research environment ensures that what you learn (and what you later practice) is both research and evidence-informed, with access available to the very latest thinking and innovations. 

• Opportunity to spend a year abroad and expand your cultural perspectives via the Horizon programme at the University of Leeds. 

• Your placements will be with the Leeds and Wakefield Social Work Teaching Partnership or the private, voluntary, and independent sector. We are proud to be a founder member of this Teaching Partnership.

• Studying at Leeds means you’ll experience scenario planning in our in-house community flat and other realistic facilities to prepare for our stimulating and rewarding range of placements.   

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by Social Work England and students who successfully complete the course will be able to apply for registration with Social Work England.

Course details and modules

Studying at Leeds means you’ll experience innovative teaching, using active learning and authentic assessments to prepare for the realities and complexities of Social Work practice.

Practice placement and work experience are an integral part of your education. You’ll undertake 170 placement days, as well as 30 skills days, which is a requirement set out by Social Work England. our stimulating and rewarding range of placements include statutory and voluntary organisations, where you'll be working with people of all ages, often experiencing complex personal and social circumstances and challenges.

Throughout the course, we’ll help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that define a University of Leeds social worker and we’ll support you to become an effective and reflective Social Work professional.

Year 1

In your first year you will learn about the legal framework that shapes social work practice, start to understand key social justice principles such as equality, diversity , human rights and anti-oppressive practice and you will explore how the sociopolitical environment impacts people's lives. You'll also learn key social work theories and practice models for working with individuals and groups across the life course and start to develop your social work decision making skills. You'll complete 120 hours of work experience, preparing you for your first placement in Year 2.

Year 2

In your second year you’ll undertake an assessed 70-day placement in the voluntary or statutory sector, which focusses on your development of the key skills, knowledge and values required in Social Work, as well as your understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. You’ll also undertake academic modules on Social Work with Children and Families, Social Work with Adults (including Mental Health), Research for Social Work Practice and Ethical Dilemmas and Critical Reflection in Practice. These prepare you for your final year placement in a statutory service.

Year 3

In your final year you’ll undertake a 100-day placement in a statutory service which aims to prepare you for the complexity and challenge of professional Social Work practice. In your academic modules you will explore the legal, ethical and practical implications of assistive technologies in Social Work practice and complete a Capstone project, offering you the opportunity to research a problem related to Social Work, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. The module Transition into Qualified Practice focusses on complexity in Social Work practice and prepares you for your future ongoing professional development as a registered Social Worker, including the ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment).

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Social Work BA in the course catalogue.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Professional Practice 1 (40 credits)

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to social work practice, encompassing essential skills, values, and theoretical foundations. The module blends lectures, interactive workshops, group assignments, and simulated scenarios to develop practical knowledge and practice skills.

Social Justice and Social Work (20 credits)

This module provides students with the opportunity to explore the critical relationship between social justice principles and social work practice. Students will examine key concepts such as equality, diversity, human rights, and anti-oppressive practice, through engaging with diverse perspectives and real-world case studies.

Social Work Theory and Practice Across the Life Course (20 credits)

This module provides students with the opportunity to understand the application of theory to social work practice across the human lifespan. Students will examine key theories and concepts related to human growth and development within social contexts through interactive lectures, group discussions, and case study analyses.

Social Work Law (20 credits)

This module provides students with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin social work practice. Students will examine key legislation, including the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 1983 & 2007 through lectures, case studies, and simulated exercises.

Decision Making in Social Work (20 credits)

Decision Making in Social Work will provide you with the opportunity to develop your decision-making skills. You will examine key decision-making models and ethical frameworks within the context of social work through interactive workshops, case study analyses and practical tasks.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Professional Practice 2 (40 credits)

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their social work practice skills in a real-world setting. You will undertake a 70-day placement within the Leeds and Wakefield Teaching Partnership, gaining practical experience and applying their learning from Year 1.

Research for Social Work Practice (20 credits)

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop important research skills and knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research. You will begin to evaluate and present a summary of peer reviewed and published research, and consider how research can be incorporated into your future Social Work practice.

Social Work with Adults (including Mental Health) (20 credits)

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and skills for working with adults in diverse Social Work settings. You will explore key concepts and theories related to adult social work, including safeguarding, mental health, substance use, and strengths-based practice through interactive lectures, case studies, and engagement with practitioners and service users.

Social Work with Children and Families (20 credits)

This module aims to equip students with the specialist knowledge and skills required for working with children and families in Social Work. You will explore key concepts, theories, and legal frameworks relevant to child protection, child development, family support, and safeguarding through a blend of lectures, seminars, group projects, simulations (including meetings with service users), and presentations.

Ethical Dilemmas and Critical Reflection in Practice (20 credits)

This module provides an in-depth exploration of decision-making frameworks, reflective theories, and ethical models. You will apply these to real-world ethical dilemmas encountered during your 70-day practice placement, focusing on navigating multidisciplinary tensions while keeping service users at the centre of professional intervention. 

Year 3 compulsory modules

Professional Practice 3 (40 credits)

This module provides students with the opportunity to consolidate and refine their social work practice skills during a 100-day statutory placement. Further building on knowledge and skills gained in Year 1 and Year 2, you will engage in real-world practice, performing in placement under the guidance of experienced practice educators. Through reflective journals, case discussions, and the final practice educator's report, you will demonstrate your practice competency in accordance with Social Work England's Professional Standards.

Social Work and Technology (20 credits)

In this module, you will examine assistive technologies in Social Work and Health services with a focus on increasing autonomy and well-being. You will learn about the ethical, legal, and practical implications of these technologies. This will equip you to be am informed practitioner who can adapt to evolving professional demands.

Transition into Qualified Practice (20 credits)

This module supports students to critically evaluate their own practice and to support the transition into the workplace. You will link theoretical insights and reflection on your future practice development needs, to effectively address complex challenges in social work practice with adults, children, and families.

Capstone Final  Project (40 credits)

This module brings together everything students have learned, offering an opportunity to apply your knowledge to a meaningful, real-world problem encountered in your 100-day placement. This final-year project bridges your academic learning with current Social Work practice. 

Learning and teaching

Active learning plays an important part in how we teach and assess you on the social work course. This includes asking and answering questions during a lecture, collaborative projects with your fellow students, reflections on work placements, written assessments, role play and simulations.

Our teaching is highly participative, using blended learning with a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work and discussion both on campus and online.

We work in partnership with health and social care organisations, to make sure that we provide education which fully meets the changing needs of the sector. We'll help you to develop the appropriate professional knowledge and skills for social work practice.

You’ll be supported by current practitioners from the social work teaching partnership, who’ll be able to share their experience and current approaches to engaging with a range of service users. Our service users and carers support the social work course throughout, sharing their lived experiences of social work practice.

Throughout your course, both in university and in practice, you'll be supported by skilled academics and practitioners and have access to a range of study skills and support services.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll experience authentic assessments designed to utilise your knowledge, learning and experience and apply them in ways that are relevant to social work practice today.

This may include essays, group presentations, posters, practical skills, examinations and multiple-choice questions. Throughout the first and second year, you will undertake a range of simulations to prepare you for placements. These will include:

• engaging a service user
• door knocking
• a children and families and an adult care management simulation
• using case studies to examine in detail the different aspects to consider.

A significant part of your learning will be in practice, which is assessed by means of a portfolio of evidence against the Professional Capabilities Framework, including direct observation of your practice and feedback from professionals and people who use services.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB. General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

GCSE: Five GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (Language or Literature) and mathematics. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C.

Other course specific tests:

• In your application, you will need to show evidence of study in the last five years.
• You are also required to provide an academic reference, which includes a statement which attests to your character and good standing, and suitability to enter the profession for which you have applied.
• What prospective students / candidates should demonstrate at the point of entry to Social Work programmes are examples of the 'competence standards' from the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). During our interview process we explore these capabilities with candidates through their communication, group participation, knowing yourself, and awareness of the wider society context as well as the Social Work role itself. It is important that you look through these to assure yourself and us that you can demonstrate your awareness of this professional and at times difficult role which you are interested in applying for. For example, candidates have to complete a group task in which they discuss a short video shown during the interview process, where you will be required to speak within a small online group and contribute towards the discussion, which will be assessed (along with the written task and individual interview). Here are the 'point of entry' PCFs which apply to the level you are currently at. There are other higher levels which you are welcome to look through to see how your abilities will be expected to develop - but these are the important PCFs for before you apply.
• DBS Checks: As part of the student offer for our clinical programmes, an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate is required for students to undertake clinical placements as part of their studies within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. The certification process is undertaken on entry to the programme and repeated once every three years whilst they are still undertaking the same programme of study. The Enhanced DBS certificate can only include background checks for time in the UK. Students who have been resident outside the UK will require a criminal record check from each relevant country. The University of Leeds is obliged to refuse admission to applicants for certain courses, which are regulated by national or statutory bodies, where an Enhanced DBS certificate or International Criminality check reveals prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public. Clinical placements cannot be attended by those who fail to comply with the clearance processes.
• Occupational Health Clearance: All students will complete a pre-registration screening questionnaire which allows our occupational health team at the University support you to meet your true potential on the programme despite any pre-existing health concerns you may have. It is important that you notify us even if your symptoms are currently under control as we can ensure that you continue to be supported even if you are moving from different areas of the country.The process also allows our occupational health team to check your immunity requirements so we can ensure that both patients and you are protected and kept safe. This will involve understanding your immunisation record to date. Further details can be found here.
• HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

You can find out more about our application and interview process on our Applicant Journey page.

Alternative qualifications

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

A level: BBC

GCSE: Five GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (Language or Literature) and mathematics. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C.

Access to Leeds: Pass

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don't have the required A Levels, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this you would be asked to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

The University has an APEL process that the social work programme follows in the event of claims for prior learning with regards to specific modules.The social work programme will not APEL practice. However, it will be possible to APEL the 'shadowing practice' element of 'Suitability to Practice'.

International foundation year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £10,050

International: To be confirmed

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 are £10,050.  

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Additional Costs

All applicants need to ensure cognisance of the financial implications before applying to the School of Healthcare and that there may be a requirement to provide a financial guarantee of funding for three years. The status of a student as being a home or overseas student is based upon residential status and not nationality. Where a prospective student is an overseas citizen living within the UK they should contact the Admissions Team at the School of Healthcare, admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk regardless of their residential status, to verify their fees status.

Please note that international students are not eligible for the NHS Social Work Bursary.

Additional cost information

Most agencies reimburse practice-related travel costs accrued during the placement day. However, students must pay travel costs to and from placement (commuting) themselves. Furthermore, if students use their own car for placements, they will need insure their car for business use, which may incur an extra cost which will not be reimbursed.

NHS funding is available (depending on eligibility) to support students on Social Work programmes with the cost of transport to and from placement in the second and third year. Find out more here.

The university aims to provide learning materials electronically via the Virtual Learning Environment (Minerva) and libraries. Any printing and book purchases students choose to make are paid for by students.

Additionally international students will have to pay for placement and skills days during their programme. Year 1 current estimate - 20 skills days = £250. Year 2 current estimate - 70 placement days = £1400. Year 3 current estimate - 100 placement days = £2000.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Information for overseas students

All applicants need to ensure cognisance of the financial implications before applying to the School of Healthcare and that there may be a requirement to provide a financial guarantee of funding for three years. The status of a student as being a home or overseas student is based upon residential status and not nationality. Where a prospective student is an overseas citizen living within the UK they should contact the Admissions Team at the School of Healthcare, admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk regardless of their residential status, to verify their fees status.

The course length is 3 years. Costs associated with the programme, which require consideration include visas and travel to and from placement. Applicants for all Undergraduate programmes at the School of Healthcare require a Criminal Record check, which will be undertaken as part of the visa application.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

For a guide on how to apply for a place and what to expect, please read our Applicant journey page.

It is helpful to have a basic understanding of the social care context within which a lot of our teaching and student learning is based. If you are interested in applying to join our course - from within the UK or from abroad, you may find these two links useful:

• https://www.communitycare.co.uk/ for wider context and up to date news on health and social care in the UK
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ for more details about the support that may be available to many people we meet in Social Work

The School of Healthcare does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the Social Work degree course. You must tell us in your UCAS application if you want to defer entry and if you have any prior criminal convictions.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Selection

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information you submit on your UCAS form only. You must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme. Your academic background and personal statement help us to assess your interest in the academic subject and are an important part of the process. The reference you provide on the UCAS form must also support your application, this should be an academic reference, which also includes a statement which attests to (your) character and good standing.

Interviews

If your UCAS application meets our shortlisting criteria, you will be invited to undertake a virtual interview. This may take place via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate. You will also be asked to complete a piece of written work (online).

Shortlisted applicants are normally invited for interview between November and April.

This is an opportunity for you to find out more about the course and meet our staff.

The interview follows a structured format, whilst the questions asked may vary to some degree, they are all similarly devised to allow each candidate the same opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of, understanding of, and aptitude for social work. The interview panel will then score the applicant against agreed criteria.

International admissions process

All applicants for Social Work programmes must meet entry requirements, are required to be interviewed and may be required to undertake a short entry test. Interviews are conducted remotely (usually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams) and will be arranged with the applicant for a specific date and time. For social work, where an entry test is required, this will be a written exercise. Tests for social work may be taken remotely, but under advisement.

Following applicant shortlisting by the School of Healthcare Admissions Team, applicants will be invited to undertake an interview (+/- entry test) subject to relevant entry criteria attainment as identified below.

Information pertaining to the International English Language Testing System qualification “IELTS” is available above.

Admissions policy

Admissions Policy for Clinical and Practice Courses in the Faculty of Medicine and Health 2027-28

This course is taught by

School of Healthcare

Contact us

School of Healthcare Admissions Team

Email: admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

Our course is aligned to the Social Work England’s Professional Standards; on successful completion it will enable you to register with Social Work England, and you’ll be able to work in a variety of social work settings.

Career opportunities in social work are excellent. Social workers help people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them to find solutions to their problems. Graduates can choose to apply for posts in a range of different settings in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors. Please note: if you require a visa sponsorship to work in the UK, completion of this course and registration with Social Work England does not guarantee visa sponsorship.

At the end of the course most of our students are employed within Local Authority Social Services Teams in children or adult services to complete their Assessed and Supported First Year in Employment (ASYE).

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.

• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.

• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.

• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Study abroad and work placements

Horizon study abroad year: think outside the box

You'll have the option to undertake a year out of the course (Year 3) and study in another country as part of the Horizon programme (separate from the Social Work degree itself).

The Horizon study abroad year is a unique University of Leeds programme that allows you to develop key employability skills, such as linguistic and intercultural competencies at selected partner institutions in Morocco, South Korea, Japan and China. The year abroad does not count towards any of the SWE requirements for registration.

Work experience and practice placements

Placements and work experience are an integral part of your training. You’ll be required to undertake 170 practice placement days, as well as 30 skills days, which occur throughout the three years of the course.

• Year 1: you will complete a 2-day shadowing experience with a qualified social worker and 120 hours of work experience within a local voluntary or independent sector agency.
• Year 2: you will complete an assessed 70-day placement within the Leeds and Wakefield Teaching Partnership.
• Year 3: you will complete an assessed 100-day statutory placement within the Leeds and Wakefield Teaching Partnership.