Social Work BA (Hons)

University of Chester

Make a difference as you prepare for a professional career within social work.

Course overview

We offer an exciting and stimulating three-year degree that, on completion, leads to eligibility to register with the professional regulator as a qualified social worker. This course aims to enable you to develop your knowledge, skills and values and demonstrate your professional capability.

Why study this course with us?

You will study and prepare yourself for a professional career with a supportive and qualified core staff team. As well as excellent Learning Resources and Student Support and Guidance provision at the University, staff on the course have a wide range of specialisms and expertise.

You will be provided with frequent opportunities to discuss issues that arise in learning about social work in small discussion groups/action learning sets with other students. We also offer high quality practice placements supported by the Cheshire & Merseyside Social Work Teaching Partnership (CMSWTP), which comprises four Higher Education Institutions, eight Local Authorities, three NHS Trusts and a voluntary sector organisation covering Liverpool City Region, West Lancashire, Warrington, Cheshire West and Chester.

Experienced practice teachers and assessors are committed to your personal and professional development. You will also benefit from input from partners who have used social work services, or cared for people who have.

Teaching methods

You will be taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, class discussions, seminars, case studies, tutorials, and audio and video material. You will also learn from practice placements with experienced Practice Educators and Practice Supervisors.

Assessment

Assessment methods include coursework assignments, essays, observations during practice placements, presentations, role play, open-book examinations, and observation of communication skills. The assessment of practice will reflect the professional capabilities framework for Social Work.

Job prospects

Our graduates go into careers in a number of social work settings, including child protection, social work with vulnerable adults and prison settings. The course embeds careers and employability sessions across all three years so that students feel confident of their strengths and abilities when they apply for work and attend interviews. Many of our students return to Chester as qualified social workers for continuing professional development, or to specialise in areas such as mental health social work and practice education.

Careers service

The University has an award winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum; through employer contact and through tailored group sessions and individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability - Student Futures aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.