A new three-year degree level qualification, the BA (Hons) Social Work was introduced in September 2003 to replace the Diploma in Social Work. Within the new degree level qualification, post-graduate programmes and accreditation of previous learning continues, as do full time, part time and distance learning routes. Practice in social work is central to the degree with academic learning supporting this.
The award rigorously assesses:
- knowledge of social work theory;
- research and analysis skills;
- practical application of skills and knowledge to deliver a service which creates good opportunities for service users;
- ability to function effectively and confidently in multi-disciplinary teams.
Social work attracts people from a wide variety of backgrounds. In the past a substantial percentage of people training for social work were mature students; the Department of Health (DoH) aims to widen the age range of students who are attracted to social work to include those who are in younger age groups.
All degree programmes will require candidates to take part in an interview as part of their selection procedure.
The entry requirements for the social work degree are:
- All entrants must have the capability to meet the standard required of social workers by the GSCC by the end of their training and possess the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be social workers.
- In addition to the university's own admission requirements for the degree, all entrants must have achieved the equivalent to Grade C GCSE English and Mathematics.
- Entrants must be able to understand and use written material and to be able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English.
The learning requirements state that in addition to a minimum of 200 days (or 1,200 hours) in structured academic learning, social work students should spend at least 200 days gaining required experience and learning in practice settings. Each student must have experience in at least two practice settings, of statutory work tasks involving legal interventions, and in providing social work services to at least two different user groups during the course of their study