Social Work BA

Course overview

NHS funding is available for social work students. Find out more here.

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

The Leeds Social Work course is committed to supporting you to become a reflective social work practitioner. Our teaching partnership supports a range of placements in both the Adults and Children and Families sectors: these placements are an integral part of your training so you can become the best social worker you can be.

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

Course details

We need students who want to make a difference to society, help people find solutions to their problems and live more successfully. As social work students at the University of Leeds we recognise the importance of applying diversity and anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice.

Our dynamic Social Work Team of active practitioners, innovative academics and experienced professionals create a rich and fulfilling degree experience.

Throughout your degree, we’ll help you develop the qualities that define a University of Leeds social worker, and to become a perceptive, astute problem solver and advocate for service users and their families and carers.

On this course you’ll learn through innovative methods, such as engaging in a simulated experience of being in court 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.

Studying at Leeds means you’ll experience innovative teaching using virtual reality techniques and scenario planning in our in-house community flat to prepare for our stimulating and rewarding range of placements. These can include assessment and child protection, working with people with complex needs, and adult care management.

As a research intensive school, you’ll have access to our cutting-edge social care research before it enters the public domain, giving you a distinct advantage in your professional life.

Year 1

You’ll learn about the legal basis of social work, and sociology and social policy. You’ll examine the impact of disability and mental health on all people who use services including adults, and children and families. You’ll develop professional competence in areas such as decision making, ethics and values, and working with diversity all preparing you for your placements in years 2 and 3.

You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of Discovery Modules from all the Schools within the University. Discovery Modules give you the opportunity to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability.

Year 2

In year two, you’ll undertake a range of different modules, which are focused on social work with children and families and adults, further strengthening your understanding of social work theory and practice. You’ll undertake a placement within either the voluntary or statutory sector to help you develop the key skills and understanding required in social work and the ability to apply theory to practice.

Year 3

In your third year you’ll study both child and family and adult social work and undertake a final year placement. In this year you will complete the Social Work and Technology module which helps you explore digital technologies in social work, including both the benefits and ethical dilemmas. In addition, you’ll complete a dissertation which includes a case study that enables you to focus on a topic that interests you from your learning on placement.

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

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our methods of training are highly participative, 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 and training which fully meets the changing needs of the sector. This helps you to develop the appropriate knowledge and skills, enabling you to develop professional skills and knowledge for social work practice.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, supported by current practitioners from the social work 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 programme throughout, sharing their lived experiences of social work practice.

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

We use a range of assessment methods, including essays, posters, practical skills, examinations and multiple-choice questions.

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. You’ll need to demonstrate the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques, as well as your emerging abilities, skills and competencies.

You’ll need to produce work that is typically both evaluative and creative and show you can conduct independent, in-depth enquiry within the discipline. Throughout your course both in university, and practice, you will be supported by skilled academics, and practitioners and you will have access to a range of study skills support services.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Not general studies or critical thinking.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (English Language or English Literature) and Mathematics

Other course specific tests:

You will need to show evidence of study in the last 5 years.

You are required to provide an academic reference, which also includes a statement which attests to (your) character and good standing.

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

Disclosure and barring screening

All successful applicants will also need to pass disclosure and barring screening.

The University has a policy statement on students with criminal records. For the vast majority of students who are resident in the UK the record will be checked via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The DBS check can only include background checks on your time in the UK. A criminal record check from other countries in addition to the UK DBS check may be required. Abroad this may be referred to as a "Certificate of Good Conduct" (CoGC), but the name varies.

Any offer of a place to study Social Work BA is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment, which will include a health questionnaire, and if necessary further telephone consultation and/or an appointment with an occupational health clinician. Screening for serious communicable disease, (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and a review of immunisation status and needs, which includes COVID-19, will also be arranged before beginning your studies.

Alternative qualification

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 an alternative 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.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

A level: BBC

GCSE: At least 5 GCSEs at grade 5 (C) or above/ 4 or 5 (if taken after 2016) including Maths and English Language or English Literature.

Access to Leeds: Pass

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 Practise'.

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: £9,250 (per year)

International: £22,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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.

The course length is 3 years. Students will have to pay for Occupational Health clearance and immunisations (cost will vary dependent on individual needs of student and course requirements as well as any additional Occupational Health appointments and treatment needed during the programme. Other additional 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.

Additional cost information

All students will have to pay for their travel costs to and from placement and may also have to pay for their own travel costs whilst on placement, although some agencies reimburse these. Students will be required to pay for printing of assessment work and photocopying of articles.

DBS update service (currently £13 per year) – while this is not compulsory, as a student Social Worker, you’ll need a new DBS check every year. Subscribing to the Update Service will save you the inconvenience of completing this each year, plus you can also use your clearance for any part-time or voluntary work you choose to do in health or social care alongside your studies. If you do subscribe and remain on the service for the duration of your studies, you will be reimbursed by the School of Healthcare for your subscription in your final year.

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 about additional costs.

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.

Social work bursaries

Find out about the funding available for social work students and how to apply by visiting the NHS Social Work Bursaries website.

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.

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.

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 and students.

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 may be conducted face-to-face or remotely (usually via Microsoft Teams) and will be arranged with the applicant for a specific date and time. For social work, where an entry test is equired, 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

School of Healthcare Undergraduate School Policy 2023

This course is taught by

School of Healthcare

Contact us

School of Healthcare Admissions Team

Email: admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

This course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to become a competent social worker. On successfully completing the course 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. As a social worker you can work in a range of different settings in the private, voluntary, or statutory sectors. Most of our students at the end of the course 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

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

Horizon study abroad year: think outside the box

There’s also the option to undertake a year out of the programme (year 3) and study in another country as part of the Horizon programme. 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, Israel, South Korea, Japan and China. The year abroad does not count towards any of the SWE requirements for registration.

Visit Horizon year abroad to find out more.

Work placements

Placements are an integral part of your training.

You’ll be required to undertake 170 days of direct placement, supported by practice educators.

You’ll undertake 3 ‘Professional Practice’ modules (1 in each year). These consist of the following placements:

Professional Practice 1: This normally involves skills development through a 2-day shadowing experience and 20 days within a local voluntary or independent sector agency.

Professional Practice 2: This is an assessed 70-day placement within the Leeds and Wakefield Teaching Partnership or the private, voluntary, and independent sector.

Professional Practice 3: This is a 100-day statutory placement within the Leeds and Wakefield Teaching Partnership.

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