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Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

BA (Hons)Social Work

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Starting in2024
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UCAS code: L501
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a social work degree at Solent University

Make a positive change and pursue a fulfilling career in social work: on this degree you will gain the knowledge and practical experience key to making a difference to the lives of vulnerable people.

  • Top0
    in the UK for employability (HESA 2023)
  • 0%
    positive responses for teaching (NSS 2023)
  • Top0
    for University of the Year at the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2022
  • The course is led and taught by qualified and registered social workers.
  • The course is designed in partnership with social work practitioners, service users and carers, ensuring you’re up to date with the latest developments in the field.
  • You will complete two significant periods of work experience thanks to our partnerships with local authorities, as well as many other social care organisations.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

The first two years of this degree concentrate on learning the basis of social work theory as well as looking at subjects such as law and sociology. For their final year, students can choose to specialise in adults or children and families to help focus their career path upon graduation.

You’ll complete two significant periods of work experience in either local authorities or voluntary, private and independent organisations in the region. We have partnership arrangements for practice learning placements with four local authorities (Southampton City, Hampshire, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight), as well as many other social care organisations.

The course team’s strong links with local employers, service users and carers within the industry have allowed previous students the opportunity to practice the theory they’ve learnt in work placements, enabling them to build their skills and confidence as a social worker and develop their professional network.

These established links with the industry have also allowed past students to attend regular guest lectures where they have benefitted from talks delivered by social work professionals giving valuable insight into the industry and the career opportunities available.

Both an academic qualification and, importantly, a professional qualification, this course is approved by Social Work England – this means that you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker on successful completion of your degree.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Approved by:

Approved by Social Work England, logo

Course features

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Professional membership

    You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

This BA (Hons) Social Work programme prepares students for a wide range of social work and community care roles. You’ll need a non-judgemental attitude, an appreciation of diversity, self-awareness, flexibility and openness to new ideas. In addition, you’ll be able to demonstrate relevant skills such as empathy, active listening, negotiating and advocacy. Ideal candidates should aspire to work with vulnerable members of the community. Applicants typically come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

What does this course lead to?

Social workers have opportunities to work with other professionals such as the police and doctors, to plan support and offer services to those in need of care and support.

If a social worker is successful in enabling change, it can mean that a child or vulnerable adult may achieve a new lease of life and positive possibilities for the future.

Solent stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

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Meet the team

On this course you will usually be taught by a team of qualified and registered social workers, with knowledge and expertise relevant to the content of the module. This includes academic staff and qualified professional practitioners, whose specialisms include children and families, relationships, reflective practice and supervision, diversity and ethnicity, as well as law and social work methods. You will also benefit from 'Skills Days' which includes regular guest sessions with experts in the sector. The course team ensure they are up to date with the latest research and theory and are committed to preparing students to have the knowledge and skills to be confident post degree, and to enable them to act effectively and professionally.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.

Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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