Change people's lives for the better. Protect vulnerable people in very challenging situations. Make the world a fairer place.
Overview
Studying for the BA (Hons) Social Work course is the essential first step to becoming a qualified social worker. When you graduate, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with Social Work England.
Social workers improve the lives of a huge range of people. For example, you could work with people with learning difficulties, children and families, older people, people who have problems with drug and alcohol misuse, people who experience mental health problems, or disabled people.
Why us?
- Our Social Work courses are 1st in the North East and 15th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024)
- This course has 100% Overall Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022)
- Approved by Social Work England
- Our small cohorts mean that almost all teaching is done in small groups, based primarily on discussion, debate, and group exercises, with opportunities for all students to get involved
- You will be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor who, if possible, will stay with you during your three years of study. We pride ourselves on the support we offer to students and feedback consistently identifies that staff are approachable and supportive.
Course structure
This Social Work course is taught via workshops, small group work, lectures, computer-based learning, presentations, and independent learning.
Your progress will be assessed with group projects/presentations, written assignments, portfolios of work, and exams at the end of some modules. Throughout the degree, you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.
You will learn about the role of a social worker and the legislation which is applicable to social work theory, research, ethics, and values.
Two practice learning opportunities (70 and 100 days) in your second and third year will help you to put your learning into practice.
You will develop skills in problem-solving, communication, working with others, and patience. You will also learn about law, partnership working, assessment, intervention, mental health, and disability issues.
The BA (Hons) Social Work course is also available to study on a part-time basis.
Facilities
You'll be based at the recently refurbished Wearside View, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.
Career ready
BA (Hons) Social Work is a highly practical qualification. After graduation, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with Social Work England.
Social work is a very broad discipline. You could work with older people, young offenders, people with mental health issues, foster carers, children at risk of abuse, or any other individuals at risk of harm to themselves or others.
Social workers work in a variety of organisations including local authorities, NHS Trusts, residential care, schools, and the voluntary and private sectors.
Read more about what you can do with a Social Science degree.
Centre for Applied Social Sciences
The University of Sunderland’s Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS) regularly hosts research seminars presented by faculty academics and also visiting speakers and it can be an excellent way to learn about current and up to date research on contemporary social care issues. You may also find opportunities to collaborate with the academic team.
Practice learning opportunities
Placements are an essential part of your Social Work degree, accounting for 70 credits in total. Placements allow you to apply your learning in a real-life context and get a sense of what type of social work you might want to specialise in. When you’re ready to start searching for a job in social work, you will already have a wide network of professional contacts who can help you find the right opportunities.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.