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BSc (Hons) Social Work

Name: BSc (Hons) Social Work
Price: £9790.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

UCAS CODE: L504 (Full-time) or L505 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 104 - 128 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

As a Social Worker, you’ll play a vital role in supporting some of the most marginalised groups in society, helping them in overcoming barriers to a fulfilled life. Our Social Work degree is designed to prepare you for this impactful journey with a focus on hands-on, high-quality placements, expert-led teaching, and the essential skills you need to thrive from day one.

This course is approved by Social Work England, meaning upon graduating from this course, you’ll be able to register as a qualified Social Worker with this regulatory board. Step into a career that changes lives and start making a difference with BNU.

3rd in the UK for student satisfaction for Social Work*

*Complete University Guide 2026

Top 10 for Teaching Quality*

*The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

University of the Year for South East England*

*WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025

Top 5 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from taught BNU students (NSS 2025)

Embarking on a Social Work degree with BNU was the best decision of my life. I received a high standard of education and guidance from course tutors and other university staff.

Zerbrina Peel

Why study BSc (Hons) Social Work?

Practice Placements

During your time on this course, you’ll take part in two placements in practice. Here you’ll further your development, put learnt skills and knowledge into practice and get a real feel for the career you will be stepping into.

We offer placement opportunities with a wide range of partners, including local authorities, healthcare trusts, and organisations in the voluntary and independent sectors, all within a 25-mile radius of our High Wycombe campus.

On placement you’ll have the support and guidance of a BNU placement tutor and a practice educator who will support your development in practice, as well as the team and management of the placement you are in.

These placements not only give you real-world experience but also open doors to future employment in the areas you’ve trained in.

You will have one placement working within the adults, and the other will be with children and families. This is because you will be succeeding with a generic qualification, giving you the freedom and choice to work in the practice area of your choice when you qualify.

Build valuable local connections

This BSc (Hons) Social Work course has strong ties to local employers and organisations. These connections help us stay informed about the latest developments in the field, and more importantly, they help you stay connected to real opportunities.

We regularly host career fairs where you'll meet employers actively looking for graduates with your skills. We also offer a recruitment event in your final year where you’re able to meet with employers to explore the next steps in terms of your first year of newly qualified status.

Theory paired with experience

Throughout your time with us you’ll gain a comprehensive knowledge and skillset, study will combine classroom theory with applied practical, some of which involves working alongside current social workers and users of the social work system - we work closely with People with Lived Experience so you can hear first-hand about the impact you could make with individuals and communities.

Our lecturers, all of whom are registered Social Workers, have rich experience and a wealth of knowledge from which to draw on. They’ll help to make sense of the theoretical elements of your studies by introducing their practice wisdom to lectures. Our tutors remain up to date with the latest sector changes, many of them lead and are involved with external forums, discussing, and influencing the future of the sector.

One to one support

We recognise that social work is an incredibly rewarding profession, but one that also comes with emotional and personal challenges. That’s why we place your wellbeing and development at the heart of our programme - equipping you with the support and guidance needed to grow into a confident, capable social worker.

Some days may be emotionally demanding, which makes having a supportive environment essential. At BNU, we foster a close-knit, encouraging community where you can turn to both your peers and our dedicated teaching staff for support and reassurance through shared and individual challenges.

We take pride in truly getting to know our students. Throughout your course, you’ll benefit from personalised, one-to-one support from your tutors and the wider academic team.

We also understand that everyone learns differently. If you encounter difficulties at any point, we offer flexible learning approaches tailored to your individual needs - ensuring you stay on track and feel supported every step of the way.

What will I study?

Social work is a challenging yet rewarding profession which involves professionals from a range of roles working together with some of the most vulnerable groups in society, whether that’s children and families, or adults.

Our social work course helps you become a qualified social worker who has the knowledge, skills and discipline required to practice in a challenging environment. You’ll gain the necessary skills that employer’s value, like teamwork, communication, problem solving, analysis and evaluative skills.

The modules you study will enable you to have greater self-awareness, which includes the ability to manage your emotions and the emotions of others. Modules also offer you the opportunity to gain relevant knowledge in theory, law, and policy and how to implement this knowledge in practice. The experiences of people who have used social work support services will also be explored and examined, both from a theoretical perspective and a practice perspective, linking up to your placement experience.

Our modules also cover important topics like ethics and values, society and social work. You’ll also learn about how social work is framed by legislation and policy in England.

Developed in consultation with local employers, at the end of our social work degree you will have gained the skills, knowledge, and ability to pursue social work roles both locally, nationally, and abroad.

Upon graduating from the degree, you’ll also be able to register with Social Work England as a qualified Social Worker, ready for your new career as a social worker and able to tackle any challenges along the way.

I chose to study at BNU because of a range of different career prospects, high reputation in health and and social care courses and work experience opportunities.

Remi Baganza

How will I be taught and assessed?

Our Social Work programmes are full-time. Modules are taught to encourage independent study and to enable you to develop your own critical thinking, reflection, and research skills – all of which will assist you in practice as an autonomous worker.

As well as group workshops, simulations, presentations, and tutorials led by industry experts, you’ll also complete two placements where you’ll further develop your learning and understanding. You’ll be required to work the hours of the agency you’re placed with, while receiving on-going support and guidance from your Practice Educator and/or Onsite Supervisor, as well as your personal tutor.

You’ll be assessed through time constrained assessments, essays, presentations, and personal and professional portfolios, all to ensure you’ve grasped the key concepts in this important field. In your final year, you’ll explore a specific subject of interest through your dissertation project, meaning you can focus on an area of social work you’re particularly passionate about.

My course offers bespoke teaching, good employment prospects and help with personal and professional development. My final year placement has been very challenging and I do not believe I would have made it through without the support of my tutor and the Practice Learning Lead.

Collett Small

Useful Documents

BSc (Hons) Social Work Programme Specification

BSc (Hons) Social Work Additional Course Costs

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 104 - 128 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

You must have GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification such as Level 2 Functional Skills.

Social Work is both an academic and vocational course so it's important you evidence any relevant experience you have, either in paid employment or as a volunteer.

Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Selection days

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to attend a Selection Event. This will include completing a written test to assess your written English ability, a group activity to assess your verbal English ability, and an individual interview.

Information about health, criminal, employment and personal history will be collected as part of the Selection Event but will not be disclosed to the interview team or used to make a decision about making you an offer.

If you disclose something that needs further exploration, this will be done separately from the interview process and any offer of a place will be made on a conditional basis, while your circumstances are assessed further.

All offers are subject to passing the Social Work Selection Event and you will be informed of the outcome either via UCAS Track or directly by us.

You will also require a clear occupational health assessment alongside the declaration of suitability for social work and satisfactory DBS checks (an admissions requirement).

You can also find information and guidance about applying for the Social Work Bursary here: Social Work - Apply for Undergraduate Bursary | NHSBSA

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Credits

Core Academic Skills for Health and Social Care

The module covers fundamental academic skills. You’ll engage in interactive sessions that emphasise academic writing, research techniques, and the ability to evaluate relevant literature. Practical exercises will enhance numerical literacy, a skill integral to understanding health and social care-related data.

Personal Development and Teamworking in Health and Social Care

The course covers self-awareness, goal setting, and resilience. There’s a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration within appropriate care settings. Practical scenarios and group projects facilitate the development of effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Communication in Health and Social Care

This is designed to prepare you to communicate effectively as health & social care professionals. We’ll consider anti-discriminatory language, conflict resolution and communicating with patients, service users and people with lived experience who are disengaged. Models in relation to verbal, non-verbal and written communication will be covered.

Evidence within Health and Social Care

This module emphasises the importance of evidence-based practice in delivering high-quality care. You’ll learn principles of evidence-based care and develop the ability to identify and to appraise reliable literature. Ethical considerations, inherent in the utilisation of evidence within health and social care settings, are also explored.

Enquiry Based Care

Building upon previously acquired academic skills and taught sessions during the module, you’ll work in discipline specific action learning sets to complete a project. You’ll need to collaborate to investigate, understand and analyse issues arising from a discipline-specific person-centred scenario. 

Introduction to Ethics in Health and Social Care

You’ll explore ethical theories and principles, examining their practical application in real-world scenarios across different care disciplines and their impact on patient/client care. You’ll gain an awareness of the moral responsibilities inherent in professional practice care, considering the diverse ethical challenges that may arise.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Social Work and Social Policy

20

Credits: 20

The module is designed to give you an understanding of welfare ideologies and their influence on contemporary social policy in England, focusing specifically on social care policy and policies that relate to social work. In addition, the historical development of social work in England post 1945 and current and contemporary developments will be exp...

Context of Social Work

20

Credits: 20

The module aims to provide you with an understanding of social work as a professional and welfare activity. It provides an exploration of the core nature of contemporary social work in England and Wales. It aims to provide you with the understanding of the impact on social work profession of the changing political and economic landscape.

Ethics and Values in Social Work

20

Credits: 20

This module aims to develop your skills in ethical reasoning. It will foster an understanding of social work values in relation to your own value base. You will consider any resulting dilemmas and reflect on the processes involved in applying values to social work practice.

Introduction to Sociology and Psychology

20

Credits: 20

This module aims to introduce you to sociology and the ways in which sociological theories and perspectives can contribute to an understanding of society and social work. The module will also help to explore and explain the nature of inequality and the construction of advantage and disadvantage for certain groups in society. You will be provided wi...

Developing Self and Skills for Practice

20

Credits: 20

The module focuses on developing knowledge of key Social Work skills, including basic communication skills, ability to develop reflective writing and practice, and to also consider professional Social Work values. By the readiness-for-practice assessment (prior to the first placement), you are expected to demonstrate the ability to engage meaningfu...

Social Work Theory and Processes

20

Credits: 20

This module introduces you to key theoretical approaches underpinning social work practice, framed within the core phases of practice: assessment, planning, intervention, and review. Attention is also given to processes of closure and termination of contact. Drawing on established social work models, the module supports you in developing effective ...

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Research Methods

20

Credits: 20

This module is designed to introduce you to primary and secondary research, including research design and research methodology. The module will enable you to critically analyse research that helps inform Social Work practice.

Working with Adults and Mental Health

20

Credits: 20

This module is designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills involved in working with adults who have diagnosed mental health conditions and illnesses.

Social Work Law

20

Credits: 20

This module aims to develop your understanding of the legal and policy frameworks and guidance that inform and mandate social work and their application to practice. The module will begin with an examination of the current UK Legal system and legislation. This will then be followed by exploration of social workers’ legal duties and powers.

Working with children and families

20

Credits: 20

This module is designed to provide you with the knowledge of legislation, policies, guidance and theories which provide the framework for social work with Children and Families.

Practice learning 1

40

Credits: 40

By the end of the first placement you should demonstrate effective use of knowledge, skills and commitment to core values in social work in a given setting in predominantly fewer complex situations, with supervision and support.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Collaborative Practice

20

Credits: 20

This module will develop skills and knowledge of contemporary leadership and management. It will offer the potential for self-development as a leader and enable you to challenge assumptions and think in new and innovative ways.

Practice Learning 2

40

Credits: 40

During this placement, you are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the organisational context of the social work agency, alongside the application of theoretical concepts and relevant legislation, policies, and procedures. You should integrate this knowledge with appropriate methods, skills, and theories when working with specific groups of...

Dissertation

40

Credits: 40

This module is a solo final year project, undertaken with supervision, that fulfils the independent study requirement for Honours. You will develop the skills of critical analysis and evaluation of research you gained in the foundation module “Research Methods”.

Leadership and Management

20

Credits: 20

This module will support learners to critically analyse management, change and organisations within the current context of the social work profession. You will develop an understanding of the need for continuous professional development in changing organisations.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 *
Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 per year *

Please note all of the 2026/27 academic year fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.

What are my career prospects?

We see your journey with us as much more than a degree, and we are committed to supporting you to carve out the route to your chosen career and life beyond university. We will help you develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable, and good business leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Our employer partners are committed to supporting the next generation of social workers and are eager to offer opportunities to our successful graduates each year. We’re proud of our consistently high employability rate among Social Work graduates—a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the quality of our programme.

During your both your first and final year placement, we actively encourage you to begin building professional networks. These placements often serve as a valuable springboard into future employment, with many of our graduates going on to secure roles with the very organisations they trained with or one of our employer partners.

We recognise that your journey to becoming a Social Worker does not simply end with graduation and we strive to provide a clear path from your education to your new career. You are also well-placed, on successful completion of our degree, to pursue further academic development via postgraduate routes such as our MSc Social Work course or MSc Child Protection and Adult Safeguarding.

A career in Social Work is a rewarding and worthwhile profession, with no day being the same, make sure you’re properly prepared for the future with a Social Work degree from BNU.

Bespoke teaching, good employment prospects, and support with personal and professional development are just a few reasons why I would recommend this course.

Collett Small