Course details may be subject to change.
This programme will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to face the demands of this rewarding industry.
You will be eligible for the NHS Undergraduate Social Work Bursary. The basic bursary rate is £4,862.50 and provides additional funding whilst you train and gain professional registration. The supplementary financial assistance supports with living costs and tuition fees from your second year of study. In the first year of the course, funding may be available through Student Finance.
The programme is regulated by Social Work England. We only accept applications for Social Work through UCAS - Apply now
Our expert lecturers have worked in the field and have first-hand knowledge of the social work sector. They will guide you through modules from psychology, human growth and development, to law and mental health. They will also keep you up-to-date with the constantly changing social work policies and legislation.
You will have the opportunity to complete a range of social work placements to demonstrate and develop your social work skills, fully preparing you for employment.
Entry Criteria
You must:
- Hold GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
- Hold the relevant UCAS tariff points (120 points) which can be obtained from A-Levels, Access to HE courses, or other University qualifications
- Have the appropriate personal/intellectual skills and qualities to be a social worker
- Have a clear Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS)
Additional Costs
It is advised you purchase the publications recommended on the reading list.
What are the next steps?
Your interview will include a welcome and introduction to the course and a tour of the College.
The interview will be in three parts:
- A written test
- An assessed group discussion
- An individual interview.
Please report to the NCD University Cenrtre reception 15 minutes before the start time. You will be greeted by one of the team.
9.30am – Welcome and introduction
10am – Written test
11am – Tour of college
12pm – Group discussion
1.30pm onwards – Individual interviews.
Please bring certificates for any educational qualifications you have, along with a form of identification (such as passport, driving licence or birth certificate). You will also require a second personal reference.
Study Aims
This programme aims to:
- Develop the skills and knowledge you need to face the demands of this rewarding industry.
- Opportunity to complete a range of social work placements to demonstrate and develop your social work skills, fully preparing you for employment.
- Enable graduate social workers to demonstrate fitness to practice in line with the recognized professional standards.
- Produce autonomous practitioners with a focus on evidence-based practice.
- Enhance your employability and career prospects.
- Develop critically reflective practitioners.
- Ensure study is influenced throughout by the experiences of service users and carers.
- Ensure you are eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with Social Work England.
- Prepare you for the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment in your role as a newly qualified social worker.
Modules Studied
At Level 4:
- Communication & Research Skills for Professional Practice - you will develop your communication and research skills within Social Work.
- Relating Social Work Theory & Practice - you will be introduced to theories of Social Work practice, e.g. Task Centred Approach and how this works within Social Work.
- Law for Social Workers - this module will introduce relevant and up-to-date legislation linked to Social Work.
- Human Growth and Development – you will learn more about behaviours which impact upon decision making within Social Work.
- Introduction to Sociology for Social Work - this module will look at sociological aspects linked to social work such as community.
- Introduction to Social Policy for Social Work – you will be introduced to the ever changing policies within Social Work practice.
- Relating Social Work Theory and Practice – you will further develop your understanding of theory and its importance within Social Work practice.
- Mental Health for Social Workers - this module introduces and discusses the mental health legislation and best practice within Social Work.
- Working with Children, Young People and their Families - this module introduces and discusses how Social Workers interact with Children and Childcare legislation.
- Working with Adults – you will further develop your understanding of Adult legislation and the impact of this on Social Work.
- Placement – you will undertake a 70 day work placement, to demonstrate you can apply what you have learnt in the classroom to practice.
- Relating Social Work Theory and Practice – you will further develop your knowledge learnt at Level 4 and Level 5, and will look at the importance of social work theory and practice.
- Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare – you will investigate the latest research and best practice.
- Research for Social Work
- Dissertation
- Placement - you will undertake a work placement of 100 days.
Times of Delivery
- Monday - 9am - 5pm
- Tuesday - 9am - 5pm
- Wednesday - 9am - 5pm
- Thursday - 9am - 5pm
- Friday - 9am - 5pm
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
Each module will include the following methods of teaching:
- Planned workshops
- Seminars
- Presentations
- Guest speakers
- Role play.
- Examination
- Written assignment
- Written report
- Case study
- Presentation
- Attendance
- Participation in sessions.
Industry Links
You will benefit from strong links with service users, local authorities, guest speakers from practice, placement providers and voluntary independent sectors.Our social work degree programme is part of the NESWA partnership (North East Social Work Alliance) and also part of SWENE partnership (Social Work Education North East).
Placement
Placement is a mandatory part of the programme at Level 5 and Level 6.At Level 5, you will undertake a 70 day placement with a suitable provider. You will be assessed during the placement and will be expected to demonstrate your skills and knowledge as a social worker. You will work with a range of service users, carers, families and other professionals.At Level 6, you will undertake a work placement of 100 days. You will be supported by a Qualified Practice Educator throughout both placements. You will be marked pass or fail.
You will be qualified to pursue a career as a Social Worker, however, it is possible to further embed your understanding of the industry by studying a Masters qualification.