Social Work, BA Hons
Study a social work degree with strong work placements and good employment prospects. The majority of our graduates gain employment in local social work, voluntary and social welfare agencies.
This social work degree provides academic knowledge and practical skills you will need for a social work career. You will explore a range of social issues, within children and families and adult social work.
Our teaching staff are active in research and experts in their fields while social work placements with local authorities will give you the skills required to practise as a social worker. Graduates can apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council, and subsequently with Social Work England when the regulator changes in late 2019, to become a social worker.
UCAS points
120 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
L500 A BA/SW
Department
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 4 years part-time
Start month
September
Home/international fees
What you should know about this course
Greenwich was my first choice, as it had a reputation for high-quality teaching with research, as well as diverse statutory, voluntary and private-sector placement opportunities. From the moment I embarked on the programme, I have not been disappointed.
What you will study
About the course team
We are an experienced team of academics and industry professionals. Trained postgraduate researchers may also contribute to seminar teaching with latest research insight. Our teaching is informed by research and consultancy work and 97% of our faculty lecturers hold a teaching qualification.
Come and visit us
You can find out a lot about a university online, but to really get a feel for what it's like to live and study here you should come and visit. Come take a look at our historic campuses in London and Kent.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
Applicants from a UK educational background:
120 UCAS points from A-levels, of which no more than 12 points should come from AS-levels.
We also accept equivalent qualifications, including:
- BTEC/National Diploma
- CACHE Level 3 diploma
- International Baccalaureate
- Advanced and Progression Diplomas
- An approved Access Diploma in Higher Education (with a minimum of 2 distinctions in the course modules)
- IELTS score of 7 or more with no component being less than 6.5.
Plus at least three GCSEs including English Language and Mathematics with a minimum of grade 4 (C) or equivalent key skills level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy.
Plus experience of caring or supporting children or adults at risk. This may be in relation to paid or voluntary work and might be combined with caring in a personal capacity. The skills and understanding of social work gained from the experience should be discussed and reflected upon in your personal statement.
Applicants will also be required to attend an interview.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Further information about entry
Candidates will be required to:
- Provide recent evidence of caring or supporting vulnerable people in a working or voluntary capacity, this might be combined with caring in a personal capacity. This must be discussed and reflected upon in your personal statement.
- Attend an interview at a Selection Day.
- Undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check occupational health screening and meet residential regulations.
- Provide a current, valid passport or travel documents, if invited to a selection day.
Please note: if you are applying via UCAS, references will only be accepted from a professional email address.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
Enhanced disclosure
Applicants for this course are required to complete a suitability declaration, an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check, and an occupational health check.
How you will learn
Teaching
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- 1-to-1 tutorials
Further details to be confirmed.
Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Contact hours may fall between 9am and 9pm, depending on your elective courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Class sizes vary by module. Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees. All students will have opportunities for 1-to-1 time with their tutors.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate around 30 hours a week to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, and preparing for tests and exams. Our facilities are designed to support you in these activities.
We encourage you to join societies and participate in sporting and other activities to engage in the wider life of the university community.
Overall workload
Your overall workload may consist of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc.), independent learning, and assessments.
Each credit equates to around 10 hours of study. So, if you receive 50 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you will be expected to complete 250 hours of independent study to complete the module successfully. Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
Assessment
On this course, students are assessed by:
- Examinations
- Coursework
Further details to be confirmed.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include ‘practice’ assessments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assignments and to release examination results within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2019/2020 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
2020/2021 fees
TBA
* For full fees information please visit our fees information pages.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Further costs may include (but are not limited to):
- Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies (estimate, £100 per year)
- Memberships: applying for membership of a professional body may incur further costs (£4.55/month).
The NHS Bursary Office is separate to the University but offers funding for Social Work students. Students will need to apply for this separately.
Will I have a work placement?
Our relationship with our partner agencies and social welfare organisations was commended by the HCPC. Our degree has strong work placement arrangements with local authorities as well as the private and voluntary sectors.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
We offer you the chance to enhance your personal growth and develop further into a profession with competitive skills.This degree will prepare you to practice as a social worker, once registered with HCPC.
Do you provide employability services?
Our Employability & Careers Service (ECS) is committed to supporting our students and recent graduates in their transition towards a rewarding graduate destination. We aim to empower our students to achieve their potential, with support including:
- CV and cover letter checks
- Application support
- One-to-one careers advice
- Interview tips and support
- Careers fairs
- Internships
- Graduate jobs.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Some students may be eligible to participate in the +Erasmus student exchange course to spend a year abroad. Benefit from international experience and develop proficiency in a European language.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate prospectus or check our related courses below.
Social work at the University of Greenwich
Being a social worker takes compassion, resilience and strength. Gain all the skills, knowledge and practical experience you need at Greenwich on a social work degree with a 93% employability rate.
Visit our social work subject page.
Study Social Work at Greenwich
The University of Greenwich will provide you with the experience, knowledge and skills you'll need for a career in social work and social care. Our well-equipped facilities, creative teaching methods and in-depth assessment techniques will support and stimulate your learning.