Social Work BA (Hons)

University of the West of Scotland

Qualify as a social worker through this professionally accredited 4-year Honours programme, developing the practical skills and knowledge you need to play a crucial role in improving people’s lives.The programme is designed and delivered in collaboration with employers and service users to ensure you are equipped to make a difference in the field, and all lecturers are themselves registered social workers. Practice learning is an integral component of the degree and you will apply your learning through 200 days of practice in settings such as prisons, children’s units, addiction teams, women’s support and women’s aid. The programme meets the requirements of the Scottish Government. It has been approved by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and graduates will register with them.Course contentThe programme is designed and delivered in collaboration with employers and service users to ensure you are equipped to make a difference in the field, and all lecturers are themselves registered social workers. Practice learning is an integral component of the degree and you will apply your learning through 200 days of practice in settings such as prisons, children’s units, addiction teams, women’s support and women’s aid. The programme meets the requirements of the Scottish Government. It has been approved by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and graduates will register with them.• In Year 1 you will be introduced to key issues in social work as part of a broad based social science curriculum.• In Year 2 you will focus exclusively on social work, developing your practitioner communication skills and knowledge of social work law, and undertaking a 30-day practice placement• In Year 3 you will consolidate your knowledge of social work theory and practice across various service user groups, and undertake 85 days of practice placement. • In Year 4 (Honours) you will study the critical and radical social work tradition, carry out a research dissertation on a social work topic of your choice, and undertake 85 days of practice placement. Career prospectsGraduates enjoy excellent reputations with employers, working in local authority social services; the voluntary or independent sectors; and in health or education. Careers also include children and families, community care or criminal justice.Placement/Work-based learningPractice learning is integral to the programme, and you can apply your academic learning via 200 days practice learning in traditional and innovative settings. Placements are varied, including prisons, children’s units, hospices, addiction teams, women’s support and women’s aid. Students have also undertaken observational placements in organizations such as Alzheimer’s Scotland and Crossroads Youth and Community Association.Professional recognitionThe programme meets the requirements of the Scottish Government and has been approved by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and successful applicants will register with them.Useful Information96% student satisfaction (NSS 2015)95% of students in work/further study 6 months after graduating (HESA performance indicator 2014/15)Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVGs)Applicants will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme), managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. For more information please refer to www.scotland.gov.uk