“The lecturers showed us how to navigate the reality of social work with patience, resilience and curiosity.”
Adam Virani
Child Contact Officer, and Male Domestic Violence Case Worker
Relationships Australia NSW
BA (Hons)Social Work
Apply on UCAS
- 2026
- 2027
UCAS code: L501
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
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.
- 0%positivity measure for teaching (NSS 2026)
- 0ndin the UK for teaching quality in social work, out of 74 institutions (Times Good University Guide 2027)
- Top0%nationally for graduate earnings and sustained employment (LEO 2025)
- The course is ranked 11th in the UK for teaching satisfaction in social work, out of 77 institutions (Guardian University Guide 2027).
- 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.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call: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 such as Chief Social Worker for Adults, Lyn Romeo, giving valuable insight into the industry and the career opportunities available. The culmination of your degree will be at our annual wellbeing conference where you can showcase your final major project to industry practitioners.
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." Add: These include social care settings for children and families, social care settings for adults, residential care for people with disabilities, community mental health teams, hospital social work departments, voluntary organisations working with both children and adults, advocacy agencies, drug and alcohol treatment centres, homelessness projects.
The course also provides opportunities for optional international placement experience through the Turing Scheme.
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.
If you’re looking to study our social work degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the social sciences foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the social sciences foundation year.
Approvals
Approved by:
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.
Our graduates have gone on to roles such as:
- social worker
- care manager
- missing children and child exploitation coordinator
- family support worker
- housing adviser
- domestic abuse adviser
- adult wellbeing manager
- primary mental health worker
- learning disability practitioner.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet 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.
What you'll study
Core modules
People, Society and the Human Experience
This module identifies and explores a range of behaviours and the diversity of the human experience that is a core skill in social work, along with understanding of the historical and societal context in which social work operates and its evolution to contemporary practice as it helps to seek a way forward when working with people. You'll develop insight into a timeline of knowledge of human growth and development and explore the dynamics of social interactions, relationships, behaviour and the impact of discrimination and oppression. It will also introduce foundational knowledge of sociological and psychological theory within the context of lived experience and its importance to understand why and how people develop in the environments in which they live.
Introduction to Social Work Theory and Skills
In this module you'll develop your understanding of key models and approaches underpinning social work theory and practice, with a particular focus on communication theory and its application in professional and interprofessional contexts. You'll explore how theoretical frameworks inform effective engagement, assessment, and intervention with individuals, families, and communities, building your foundational knowledge of social work theory and methods while fostering essential skills such as active listening, empathy, professional communication and partnership working.
Introduction to Law, Policy and Social Work Practice
In this module you will be introduced to the key legislative and regulative framework within which social work practice is conducted in England and develop functional understanding of the legal, policy and regulatory framework which shape social work practice in the real world. You'll be familiarised with the basic principles of English Law and the systems through which the legal process operates. You'll also be encouraged to apply legal and policy knowledge to social work contexts, recognising how law informs decision making, rights and statutory duties across services.
The Professional Social Worker
This module introduces and explores the real-world challenges of defining and maintaining professionalism in social work, including ethical dilemmas, accountability, and the need for effective communication in diverse contexts. You will examine the values and standards that underpin practice and consider how professional boundaries and reflective supervision supports ethical decision-making. Through practice-led learning such as case studies, role-play, and simulated scenarios, you will develop confidence in applying theory to practice, preparing you for employment in social work and related sectors.
Social Work England Level 4 Skills Days
The level 4 skills days/half day sessions for social work students are a requirement of the accrediting body, Social Work England. These skills days are part of the mandatory 200 practice placement learning days for social work students in England, allowing a total of 30 focused days (7 hours each) for practical skill development, which are timetabled across all three years of this social work degree. No academic credits are awarded for this module, however, you will need to evidence your engagement on the module by uploading reflective summaries of learning.
Core modules
First Mandatory Placement: Part A
This is the first half of the first of two formal placement modules in year 2 of this programme and represents a key milestone in your studies. This is also your first opportunity to begin to demonstrate a combination of your knowledge, skills, values and aspirations. Put simply, you now have your first formal opportunity to ‘do’ social work. Practice placement is a required element of the social work programme and the first explicit step towards becoming a social work practitioner. To achieve your goal of becoming professionally qualified, you must successfully complete your placement modules.
First Mandatory Placement: Part B
This is the second half of the first of two formal placements for the social work programme and represents a principal milestone in your studies. This is also your first opportunity to demonstrate the combination of your knowledge, skills, values and aspirations - you now can ‘do’ social work, drawing from the experience of Part A. Practice placement is a required element of the social work programme and an explicit step towards becoming a social work practitioner. To achieve your goal of becoming professionally qualified, you must successfully complete all of your placement modules.
Linking Legislative and Practice Frameworks
All social workers must have a working knowledge of the law and social policy they work within, while also upholding professional ethics and values. This module builds on the Introduction to Law, Policy and Social Work Practice module in your first year, and the knowledge of law and policy gained during your first placement. You'll concentrate on specific areas of practice such as law and citizenship, Care Act, mental health and mental capacity, Children Act, private and public law, and court skills, as well as the realities of the impact of the law on people which can sometimes cause ethical dilemmas.
Research Exploration Lab
In this module you'll be introduced to the role of research in shaping effective and accountable social work practice and policy. You'll explore real‑world issues arising from placement experience or areas of professional interest, using these as a basis for engaging with relevant evidence. You'll develop confidence in locating credible research sources and using digital tools to retrieve, organise and present information, as well as understand how different research designs address social work questions. By analysing and interpreting research findings, you will consider how evidence can inform assessment, intervention, and decision‑making in practice settings.
Social Work England Level 5 Skills Days
The level 5 skills days/half day sessions for social work students are a requirement of the accrediting body, Social Work England. These skills days are part of the mandatory 200 practice placement learning days for social work students in England, allowing a total of 30 focused days (7 hours each) for practical skill development, which are timetabled across all three years of this social work degree. No academic credits are awarded for this module, however, you will need to evidence your engagement on the module by uploading reflective summaries of learning.
Core modules
Risky Business: Engagement, Assessment and Management
In this module you'll consider what constitutes risk and how social workers should respond to it both in the context of working with children and families, and adults. The module builds on learning throughout the course and is designed to enable you to apply best evidence in your social work practice, within the parameters stipulated by legal and policy frameworks. You will particularly focus on concepts of risk assessment, risk management and defensible decision-making, while exploring ethics, conflicts, debates, and dilemmas in social work practice. Throughout the module, you will enhance your skills in critical reflection and appraisal of social work practice, and understand the principles and illustrate the use of evidence-based practice in social work processes.
Getting Research Off the Ground
In this module you'll design and plan a research‑informed social work change project that addresses a clearly defined practice issue. Through critical engagement with research, theory, policy and legislative frameworks, you'll learn to appraise evidence, apply integrated professional knowledge and develop ethically grounded, context‑appropriate proposals for innovation in social work practice. The module emphasises the use of digital tools for data collection, analysis and presentation, alongside effective collaboration with people with lived experience, practitioners and multi‑agency partners. You'll also refine your professional judgement by assessing risk, anticipating implementation challenges and proposing proportionate, evidence‑based responses.
Second Mandatory Placement: Part A
In this final practice placement, you can explore, challenge and extend your professional knowledge, skills, values and aspirations. Now you are within touching distance of your goal to becoming a qualified social worker and the onus is upon you to ‘walk the professional walk’ and demonstrate your capabilities to a level that will enable your transition to a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) role. This practice placement is a required element of the social work programme and to achieve your goal of becoming a qualified social worker, you must successfully complete this final placement module.
Second Mandatory Placement: Part B
This is the second half of your final practice placement. During this experience you can explore, challenge and extend your professional knowledge, skills, values and aspirations – drawing upon your learning from the mandatory placement modules from the previous year. Now you are honing your skills, knowledge and practice wisdom with a keen eye to becoming a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW). This practice placement is a required element of the social work programme and to achieve your goal of becoming a qualified social worker, you must successfully complete this placement module.
Social Work England Level 6 Skills Days
The level 6 skills days/half day sessions for social work students are a requirement of the accrediting body, Social Work England. These skills days are part of the mandatory 200 practice placement learning days for social work students in England, allowing a total of 30 focused days (7 hours each) for practical skill development, which are timetabled across all three years of this social work degree. No academic credits are awarded for this module, however, you will need to evidence your engagement on the module by uploading reflective summaries of learning.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Essays
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Case studies
- Project work
- Portfolios
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career as a social worker?
Social workers are becoming more sought after and the industry is looking for committed individuals who can enable change in a child or vulnerable adult which will help them achieve a new lease of life and positive possibilities for the future.
Many social workers work with children and their families, but you may also work with the elderly, people with learning difficulties, young offenders, people with mental health conditions, drug and alcohol abusers, and the homeless.
This course provides up-to-the-minute training that incorporates the latest developments in social care and teaches students the underpinning values and ethics needed to become a qualified social worker capable of working in a variety of settings.
You could work in areas such as social care settings, rehabilitation services, criminal justice, voluntary organisations, advocacy agencies, housing advice, and education settings, such as schools and colleges.
Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Mind
- Southampton City Council
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
- Dorset County Council
- Hampshire County Council
- Southern Advocacy Services
- The Armed Forces
You could earn:
Social worker
Starting salary: £33,000
for newly-qualified social workers, rising to approximately £37,000. Salaries are determined by individual local authorities. In the NHS, you would typically start on AfC Band 6 with a salary scale of £35,392 to £42,618.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“The lecturers showed us how to navigate the reality of social work with patience, resilience and curiosity.”
Adam Virani
Child Contact Officer, and Male Domestic Violence Case Worker
Relationships Australia NSW
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Top 25%
of UK unis for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2025
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
PGDip/MA Social Work (master's exit route only)
Looking for a career change to social worker? You’ll work with some of the most marginalised groups in society, helping them to overcome barriers in order to lead a fulfilled life.
Find out more
LLM Professional Legal Practice
Embark on your journey to becoming a solicitor with full SQE 1 and 2 preparation.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2026/27 fees were:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,790 per year
- International full-time fees: £19,081 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Compulsory costs
- Year one
Travel costs to the 18-hour volunteering opportunity. - Year two
Travel to and from your placement. - Year three
Travel to and from your placement.
Printing of an academic poster: approx £5-£7
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D*, a T-Level Merit, or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- Grade 4 or above in English (previously grade C)
- If you would like to be considered for Social Sciences Foundation Year entry, please contact Admissions either by telephone: 023 8201 5066, or email for further information.
- Applicants are required to apply for an enhanced disclosure DBS as part of enrolment and confirmation on the course. This must be a new DBS disclosure and if paid for by the University. If you need to apply for a DBS during your study on the course, you will be liable for the renewal cost.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to attend an interview over Teams or Zoom.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to attend an interview over Teams or Zoom.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 14 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each individual component
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 4.5, with at least 4 in each individual component.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
