Overview
Become a Social Work England accredited social worker, equipped to practice in a range of settings, with the BA (Hons) in Social Work.
You’ll learn the latest theory and gain hands-on practical experience, in a research-led learning environment. The programme has been developed in close collaboration with partner social work agencies to ensure you develop the skills you need to excel in this challenging profession.
You will study subjects such as:
- human rights
- social justice
- ethics and values in social work
- effective communication
- social policy and legislation
- psychology and sociology
You will learn a range of practice skills to ensure you can work effectively with individuals, families and groups, including the use of art, play and role play.
In years two and three you will develop real-world experience on practice learning modules, enabling you to apply your knowledge in social work settings.
On graduation you will have a wide range of career opportunities open to you in both the public and private sector. You will also have the tools you need to go on to further study, teaching, and research.
Professional accreditation
The professional status of social worker is conferred by Social Work England. Successful graduates are eligible to register with Social Work England as a qualified social worker.
Placement Year
We offer hands-on practical skill development sessions on top of your academic modules.
These sessions prepare you for your first placement, providing structured opportunities to practice key skills and to develop your understanding of the social work role, without the immediate pressure of assessment, and without the need to be in a social worker role with service users and carers.
We also provide opportunities later in the course to develop more advanced skills.
In years two and three you will undertake two assessed practice placements in contrasting settings, one of which must include statutory tasks.
The first will run for 70 days in year two and the second for 100 days in year three.
Placements are full-time. The first placement (70 days) will take place in Year 2 between January and May.
The second placement (100 days) will take place in Year 3 between November and May.
We have a dedicated team of Practice Learning Tutors who will manage and support you on your placement.
You will need to be prepared to travel to practice placements within a 30-mile radius of the University of Bradford, and many placement providers will expect students to possess a full UK driving licence.
Learning and assessment
We recognise that students all learn in different ways and our teaching and assessment methods reflect this.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
You will be allocated a personal academic tutor who will support you in your studies. Assessment methods include academic essays, group presentations, poster presentations and portfolios.
In addition to your academic studies, the Division of Social Work and Social Care has a strong history of supporting our students to develop their employability skills.