Admissions Criteria
Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework together with the following programme requirements:
SQA National Qualifications:
Standard Entry Requirements: BBBB plus English and Maths at National 5 Grade C or equivalent (Int 2 Maths and English C or above) Standard Grade Maths and English Grade 1 or 2 only)
Minimum entry Requirements: CCCC plus English and Maths at National 5 Grade C or equivalent (Int 2 Maths and English C or above Standard Grade Maths and English Grade 1 or 2 only)
Or GCE A Levels
- BBC plus GCSE English and Maths at Grade C
Or SQA National Qualifications / Edexcel Foundation
SQA HNC/HND / BTEC Level 4:
- Social Sciences
- Social Care
- Social Studies
- Early Education & Childcare
- Working with Communities
- Counselling
- Health Care
- Social Services
- Additional Support Needs: Managing & Supporting the Services
- Childhood Practice
All HNCs and HNDs must include Maths and English at National 5 Grade C or equivalent and must have achieved minimum of B in graded units.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:
24 points (to include 2 Higher subjects at 4 points plus Mathematics and English at Standard Level Grade 5 or above).
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:
28 points for consideration to second-year entry (to include 2 Higher subjects at 4 points plus Mathematics and English at Standard Level Grade 5 or above).
Articulated entry:
For entry into Year 2 (Level 8) of the GA pathway through RPL, applicants must have a HNC/HND or relevant degree in social care, social services or other relevant discipline, such as social sciences. All HNCs require an A in the Graded Unit. All HNDs require a minimum of B/A in graded units. All HNCs and HNDs must include Maths at National 5 Grade C (SCQF Level 5) or equivalent. Applicants without the Maths requirement will be able to sit a numeracy test mapped against SCQF Level 5 to ensure that Scottish Requirements for Social Work Education (SSSC, 2024) are met.
For entry into Year 2 (Level 8) of the GA pathway through APEL, applicants will produce evidence to show how they have met learning outcomes for Year 1 (Level 7) through their prior learning and work experience. This will be done through a written submission mapped to learning outcomes and by a Structured Professional Discussion which involves a presentation by the applicant on the skills and knowledge they bring from work experience, their reasons for applying, and how they plan to balance competing demands of academic and professional commitments during the course of the programme. Capacity in literacy will be assessed through their written submission. As with the RPL process, applicants will be able to sit a numeracy test mapped against SCQF Level 5 to ensure that Scottish Requirements for Social Work Education (SSSC, 2024) are met.
Due to the nature of the programme structure and placement requirements of the social work education accrediting body, candidates are not eligible for articulation beyond level 8.
Other Required Qualifications/Experience
All GA students must have a contract of employment (minimum of 21 hours per week) and approval from their employer to apply for the programme.
All social work students must be registered with the SSSC as social work students and maintain this registration for the duration of study.
- Students will not be able to progress to the following year of study without active registration.
- If SSSC declines to register a student for whatever reason, or withdraws registration, this will result in suspension and withdrawal from the social work programme.
English language proficiency is a requirement, with candidates expected to achieve IELTs average standard of 7.0.
Students cannot transfer into this programme without satisfying the programme entry requirements. As above, all GA students must have a contract of employment and approval from their employer to apply for the programme. Transfers from other GA programmes will be at the discretion of the Programme Leader.
Students must disclose any previous convictions during the application process.
Students must disclose any current criminal charges or convictions during study to the programme leader immediately. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Further desirable skills pre-application
Due to the competitive nature of the admissions process:
- candidates that evidence experience of social care relevant employment or voluntary experience, or those who are carer experienced, will be preferred.
- ability to demonstrate clear understanding of the social work role, compassionate attributes and professional values and preparation for academic study, will be favoured.
- candidates must have sufficient communication skills, including IT literacy, written communication skills and verbal communication.