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University of the West of Scotland


Courses

Social Work

Social workers play a crucial role in improving people’s lives – this 4-year professionally recognised programme will give you the practical skills and knowledge to operate in this dynamic and challenging field.

The University has offered professional social work education combined with an Honours degree for over three decades. The Social Work programme has been drafted in collaboration with employers and service users and combines academic and professional qualifications for entry into a rewarding and demanding career. The programme meets the requirements of the Scottish Government and has been approved by the Scottish Social Services Council.

Applicants who meet, or are working towards, the academic entry requirements will be interviewed by University lecturers and practising social workers to confirm their readiness for social work education in terms of experience and interpersonal skills.

The qualification promotes professional development in relation to knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, and ethical and personal commitment. In Year 1, as well as sociology, psychology and social policy, students begin the study of social work. Individual tutorials continue throughout the course.

The University is committed to providing social work education for mature students and those with caring commitments. We welcome applications from a wide range of people, including individuals from black and minority ethnic communities and people with disabilities.

Course Contents

Year 1

Year 1 includes sociology, psychology and social policy modules, and social work modules introducing ideas about the nature of social work, and discrimination and disadvantage. Students also undertake ten days in-practice learning.

Year 2

Year 2 includes lifespan development and issues in family life as well as introduction to social work practice and a module in communication skills. Students also complete 20 days in-practice learning.

Year 3

Year 3 includes modules dealing with reflective social work practice, social work law and disadvantage. An 80-day period of assessed practice learning is completed.

Year 4

Year 4 provides for students’ continuing development as professional workers through modules in critical social work practice and working in organisations. Students also complete a social work dissertation and undertake 90 days assessed practice learning.

Placement Opportunities

Each student will undertake a total of 200 days practice learning in both traditional and innovative settings. Many opportunities involve inter-professional learning. Assessed practice will be supervised by qualified practice teachers.

Career Prospects

The University’s social work graduates have an excellent reputation with employers. Professionally qualified social work graduates find employment in local authority social services; the voluntary or independent sectors; in health or education. They may work in a variety of settings providing services in relation to children and families; community care
or criminal justice.

Professional Recognition

The programme meets the requirements of the Scottish Government and has been approved by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

For September 2010 Entry visit www.uwsclearing.com

For entry in September 2011, please download a PDF copy of our 2011 Prospectus >>

CAMPUS

  • Dumfries
  • Paisley

UCAS CODE

  • Social Work 
  • Dumfries Campus - L500 D BA/SW  
  • Social Work 
  • Paisley Campus - L500 P BA/SW  

QUALIFICATION & DURATION

  • BA Hons - 4 Years

LINKS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Higher
    BBC plus English and Mathematics @ S Grade (at 1 or 2) or equivalent.
  • A-Level
    CD, plus GCSE English and Mathematics.
  • FE

    Mature Entrants: Normally HNC in a relevant subject (especially Social Care or Social Sciences) plus English and Mathematics at S Grade (at 1 or 2) or equivalent.

    Years 2 and 3: Exceptionally, entry may be possible if an applicant has completed the same or equivalent modules as the ones for which he or she is seeking exemption.

CONTACT