Social Work BSc Hons

at University of Bedfordshire

Approved by Social Work England, this degree offers graduates eligibility to join the professional register, after which you can pursue a career in social work across a range of settings.

The course prepares you to work in a rapidly changing, complex and unpredictable sector, offering the most up-to-the-minute knowledge, skills and practice. It combines work-placement experience, practical skills development and academic study with a focus on applying theory to practice.

You first study the foundations of social work including social policy; human growth and development; relevant legislation for professional practice; and working with people. Later units explore issues, contexts and interventions in social work along with two work-placement opportunities and a final-year research project.

Why choose this course?
Join a course with a 92% satisfaction rate (National Student Survey, 2020)
Explore every aspect of the professional social work role; how it relates to other areas; and the ethical challenges of balancing initiative with accountability
Progress with the support of academic staff who have all been practising social workers, some of whom continue to practise alongside their academic work
Benefit from the University of Bedfordshire’s new Health & Social Care Academy, run in partnership with local councils and NHS Trusts to recruit and train the next generation of health and social care workers
As a graduate, you can apply for professional registration as a qualified social worker with Social Work England
Open up career paths across a variety of sectors, including local authorities, the NHS, education authorities, prison service, private agencies and voluntary organisations

Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units
Developing Academic Skills (ASS086-1) Compulsory
Human Growth And Development Across The Lifespan (ASS087-1) Compulsory
Readiness For Social Work Practice (ASS089-1) Compulsory
Sociology And Social Policy In Practice (ASS092-1) Compulsory
The Legislative Framework For Professional Practice (ASS090-1) Compulsory
Working With People (ASS088-1) Compulsory
Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (ASS669-2) Compulsory
First 70 Day Placement (ASS667-2) Compulsory
Issues And Contexts: Authority And Control (ASS670-2) Compulsory
Issues And Contexts: Engagement And Partnership (ASS668-2) Compulsory
Social Work In Multi-Agency And Inter-Professional Teams (ASS671-2) Compulsory
Consolidation For Social Work Practice (ASS123-3) Compulsory
Critical Ethical Reflective Practice (ASS122-3) Compulsory
Last 100 Day Placement (ASS120-3) Compulsory
Research Project For Professional Social Work Practice (ASS124-3) Compulsory
Social Work Issues And Interventions (ASS121-3) Compulsory

How will I be assessed?
Your academic learning will be assessed using a range of methods including reflective assignments, case studies, presentations, research tasks, examinations and evidence drawn from learning in the work place. Assessments are designed to integrate theory and practice throughout the course and the variety of assessment methods used develops academic and professional skills in writing concisely and drawing on your knowledge with confidence, for different purposes and audiences. A summative assignment towards the beginning of the course complements input on expectations of study at M level and personal and unit tutors provide a range of assessment support including tutorials, seminars and workshops. Your practice learning will be supported by practice educators and on-site supervisors and assessed at each stage by the submission of a portfolio at the applicable level of the Professional Capabilities Framework (BASW, 2018). Your personal tutor will support your learning in each of your placements and facilitate learning needs identified at the end of the first placement being incorporated in planning your learning in the next. As you progress through the course, the assessments will become incrementally more challenging reflecting your increasing knowledge and skills of professional practice culminating with a viva which is designed to evidence your ability to critically reflect and make practice decisions informed by knowledge and best practice, under pressure. This reflects tasks given at interview and therefore gives you the opportunity to rehearse your employability skills. Overall, assessments throughout the course are designed to provide a range of varied opportunities for you to develop increasing confidence and autonomy and ultimately demonstrate your knowledge and skills in all areas necessary for competent practice as a newly qualified social worker. You will be assessed on practice by a suitably experienced Practice Educator who is a qualified Social worker.

English GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent)
Maths GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent)
Interview
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Health screening
12 months' relevant work experience

The cost of studying at University of Bedfordshire varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay £13,500 annually, to study in University of Bedfordshire.

How will this course improve my career prospects?
You will be undertaking a professional qualification to enable you to practice as a qualified and registered social worker in England. Most social workers are employed by local authority children's or adult social services.

Opportunities are available in other settings such as primary care trusts, local education authorities, prisons, private fostering agencies, voluntary organisations or charities.

You could be working in the following areas: child safeguarding, education welfare, healthcare, mental health, addiction, youth justice, asylum and refugees.