BSc (Hons) Social Work

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: L500
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
Find out more

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS	A Level	BTEC
120-128	BBB-ABB	DDM - BTEC National Extended Diploma in a Health or Social Care related subject

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 3/D in Mathematics.

IB: 120-128 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).

Access: Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3. Of the 45 credits at level 3, the combination of pass/merit/distinctions must equate to 120 UCAS points. Candidates without GCSE maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must complete equivalents contained within the Access course (normally 6 level 2 credits in numeracy and 6 in literacy).

All offers are subject to an interview, written assessment, group discussion and enhanced DBS check.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any one band.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
120 - 128	BBB - ABB	DDM - BTEC National Extended Diploma in a Health or Social Care related subject	Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3. Of the 45 credits at level 3, the combination of pass/merit/distinctions must equate to 120 UCAS points. Candidates without GCSE maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must complete equivalents contained within the Access course (normally 6 level 2 credits in numeracy and 6 in literacy)	120 - 128 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 3/D in Mathematics.

All offers are subject to an interview, written assessment, group discussion, enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health (OH) Screening on commencement of the programme.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any one band.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

You are eligible for registration with Social Work England as a professional social worker.

Why choose this course?

1st in the East of England for Social Work (Complete University Guide, 2024)
7th in the UK for Social Work (Guardian University Guide, 2024)
Social Work has a 94.5% overall student positivity* score (NSS, 2023 )

Social work is a regulated profession. The BSc (Hons) Social Work degree leads to eligibility to apply to the Social Work England Register and practice as a social worker in England
An emphasis on small group practice prepares you for practice in a modern multi-professional workforce
Interactive learning in and out of the classroom will help you to understand concepts fully
Academic teaching is supported by social work practitioners from the newly constituted Teaching Partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and the Tavistock and Portman Foundation Trust, service users, and carers enabling you to link theory to practice throughout the programme

*based on an average of questions 1-25 of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023.

What's the course about?

Social workers empower people to find solutions to their problems and live more successfully in their communities. Sometimes this includes helping them confront and manage behaviours that put themselves and others at risk. To succeed, social workers must work not only with service users, but also with their service user’s families and friends, as well as other organisations including the police, NHS and schools. This course covers subjects such as law, partnership working, assessment and interventions, social science, mental health, disabilities, and families and children.

During the three years on this course, you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the social worker role.

In your first year of study you will undertake modules which provide core knowledge and skills, including human development across the lifespan, working with diverse communities and service users, key methods and interventions and the policy and legislation which underpins practice.

The second year and third years of teaching build on this to explore ideas in depth including issues of risk and need which social workers manage. The programme concludes with the writing of a research proposal on a topic area of interest to you. Your learning will be supported by a total of 170 placement days and 30 skills development days.

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  

What will I study?

The programme is taught through face to face classroom-based learning and practice-based learning where students have the support of a practice assessor. This is complemented by a virtue learning environment (Canvas on StudyNet) and small group tutorial support. You will be taught by lecturers who constantly develop their own knowledge through research, publications, and other scholarly activities, and crucially by experienced social work practitioners, service users and carers.

Social work is a regulated profession. As a social work student you will be expected to register with Social Work England, the social work profession's regulator, and adhere to the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Social Workers.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
The Enquiring Practitioner	15 Credits	Compulsory
- Finding credible information - Email etiquette and making the most of it - Principles of peer assessment - Using the grading criteria and constructive feedback - Different types of academic writing e.g. Descriptive and reflective writing - Referencing, citations and quotations - Note-taking, summarising and paraphrasing - How to avoid plagiarism and collusion, and using turnitin
Human Growth and Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
Throughout the module, the significance of different research methods employed by a range of developmental psychologists will be underlined and discussed. The empirical nature of developmental psychology will be stressed, and students will be expected to understand the difference between theory and evidence. Students will engage in observational opportunities and deliver presentations related to the application of developmental theories to explain human development from differing perspectives. Normative and affected development in humans will be explored through seminars, small groups and formal online lecture presentations. Socio-economic factors, parenting and learning environments will be explored throughout the module. Links will be made with social work practice in the contexts of safeguarding, preventative approaches and promoting wellbeing of those at different stages in the life course.
Theories and Methods 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will address the social work theories and methods that underpin social work practice in a range of statutory, private, voluntary, and independent settings, both in the UK and abroad. This includes: task centred work, crisis intervention, person centred approaches, behavioural methods, solution focused approaches, systems approaches, assessment, group-work and community work. Current policy and practice will be explored, including working with children and adults in areas such as safeguarding, mental health, domestic violence, drugs, and alcohol. This module prepares students for their first placement when they will have the opportunity to apply the theories/interventions they have learnt. Classroom simulation will be applied during sessions to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to real world scenarios in preparation for their first placement and future practice. Students will be encouraged to use analytic and research skills to enable them to critique the theories and methods discussed. The process will aid in the development of effective learning and research abilities. This will give students the capability to consider multiple perspectives as they apply intellectual rigour and innovative thinking to the practical and theoretical challenges they will face in social work practice. Independent study and group working opportunities will be used to create a space where students can develop skills of communication, autonomy, team-working, and problem-solving. This will prepare them for the creativity needed in the various roles they will encounter in their future profession. Professional practitioners, service users and carers will be included in the design, and delivery of this module.
Skills for Practice 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module content will support students to develop their understanding of key social work principles and techniques that they can draw upon to establish professional relationships with people across a range of diverse user groups. Formative tasks such as community work, presentations, communicating at various levels, interviews, interaction with individual service users and carers will allow opportunity for students to practice and develop essential people skills at a basic level. With support, students will be able to evaluate their practice through feedback and self-reflection. They will apply observational and theoretical knowledge to role play, problem-based scenarios, group and case work situations to demonstrate their understanding of interventions that empower and promote partnership approaches to working with vulnerable people. Students will opportunity to demonstrate their professional and reflective written skills and improve their organisational and administration aptitude. Professionals from practice, service users and carers will be involved in the design, delivery and assessment of this module.
Law and Policy 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The course will define well-being, social policy, social work and the relationships between each of these dimensions. It will explore different determinants of wellbeing and the policy responses informing social work intervention and practice. A research informed and research tutored approach, will enable students to begin to develop a research-based approach to the assessment for this module and crucially, lay a foundation for a research-based approach to social work practice in their second year. Explore the English legal system, the relationship between law and social work, the human rights and anti-discrimination law, confidentiality and data protection, mental capacity and consent, and its application to social work practice.
Inter-Professional Practice for Social Workers	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to give students the opportunity to work in multi-professional groups in order to improve understanding of a range of professional roles and encourage co-operative learning and working. The rationale for and benefits of inter-professional working are explored. Learning will be through multi-professional group seminars and tutorials that require students to access and gather appropriate data from a range of sources and apply this to a series of practice-based, simulated scenarios and exercises.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Ethics, Values and Anti-Discriminatory Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
This 15 credits module offered at level 5 will provide students with opportunities to develop and explore their understanding and knowledge of diversity ethics and values in social work recognising professional responsibilities and reflecting on personal values. The module uses theoretical considerations and knowledge to develop models for understanding forms of disadvantage, exclusion, discrimination and oppression. Students are offered the opportunity to create strategies for developing anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive social work practice. It does this in the context of critically exploring personal values, ethics and moral concepts whilst making links to social work practice. Aspects of philosophical thinking will be explored in order to develop wider thinking of context and issues of worth whilst identifying the considerable dilemmas for professionals within the field. In addition sociological considerations will be addressed in order for students to identify with wider societal perspectives. It is envisaged that the module will draw on service user led teaching.
Skills for Practice 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
Building on the foundational skills developed in the first year of study and practice placement, this module will prepare students for working in situations of increased complexity, in preparation for their final placement. Students will have the opportunity to consolidate their skills across a range of areas, in an environment that is risk-free for students and service users. Students will develop sophisticated communication skills to work with challenge and resistance; students will analyse information to assess needs, risk and harm; students will build skills to safeguard and affect change using a range of methods; and students will develop their understanding of the authority of the social work role and the use of the law in practice. The curriculum for this module will complement the areas of study in Practice Contexts.
Practice Contexts 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
Social workers help people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems. This module introduces the range of contexts in which social work is practiced. Students will consider the role of the social worker in these settings and examine how this affects intervention. The module will explore theories of intervention, skills and values, underpinned by exploration of the research base that informs best practice.
Law and Policy 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
A research-tutored approach will encourage students to evaluate certain contemporary social problems and the importance of the policy frameworks in informing social work knowledge and interventions in these 'problem' areas. A research-informed and research-tutored approach will enable students to develop a research-based approach to the assessment for this module and crucially, a research-based approach to social work practice. The importance of obtaining and using legal practice is instilled within the law teaching together with an understanding of the centrality of legality to decision-making.
Practice Learning 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will support students to identify the theories and interventions that support social work practice in a range of statutory, private, voluntary, and independent settings. This includes task centred work, crisis intervention, person centred, behavioural, solution focused, and systemic approaches, assessment, group-work and community work. Current policy and evidence-based practice in relation to a range of social work settings will be explored, including safeguarding adults and children, mental health, domestic violence, substance misuse and working with older adults. During the first placement students will have the opportunity to put into practice the theories they have learnt in year one and from the various taught modules. They will gain experience of supervision with qualified social workers and have the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the social work role, knowledge, values and skills. Professional practitioners, service users and carers are expected to be involved in the design, provision and delivery of the module.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Research-Informed Practice	45 Credits	Compulsory
• Writing up of a scientific research proposal • Identification of research problems and research questions • What is a literature review? • Appreciation of quantitative research methodology • Appreciation of qualitative research methodology • Research ethics in social work / applied social science research
Practice Contexts 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
Building on the knowledge base from Practice Contexts 1 this module will explore the ways in which social workers manage complex and conflicting needs. Students will consider the ethical dilemmas which are experienced in practice as social workers respond to complexity in their work. The support and limitations of policy as it relates to a variety of practice settings will be articulated, exploring and critiquing research. Students will integrate new theoretical knowledge to identify best practice and respond creatively to need and risk.
Practice Learning 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will build on Practice Learning 1 and academic modules to enable students to work effectively with people with complex needs. Students will undertake a 100-day practice placement; settings include working with older adults, child safeguarding, CAMHS, mental health services and learning disability services. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the Professional Regulator and Professional Capability Framework, and to work in partnership with service users and carers. This module will prepare students to enter the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment with the required level of skills and knowledge. It is expected that professional practitioners, service users and cares are actively involved in the design, provision and delivery of the module.
Interprofessional Practice for Social Work 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to give students further opportunities of working in multi-professional groups in order to improve understanding across professional boundaries and encourage collaborative learning and working that will bring benefit to service-users. The justification for inclusion of inter-professional working within health and social care is addressed. The module requires students to bring specialist in-depth knowledge of their profession and professional standards and codes of conduct to a group setting so that health and social care pathways are critically reviewed in the context of professional practice.
Research Methods for Social Work	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide students with an understanding of Identifying research problems, research questions and what is a literature review. Provide an appreciation of quantitative and qualitative research methodology. Delivery of the significance of research ethics in social work and applied social science research. Aligned with SWE Professional Standards 3.10

Work placement

A distinct feature of the programme is an emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills through reflective practice.

The placement days in statutory organisations enables you to develop competence in these areas by applying theory, methods and values to your practice. There are excellent student support strategies in place to help you with your progress in these areas.

Alumni Stories

Ramatu Nguru

Meet Ramutu Nguru who has excelled as a Registered Nutritionist since graduating in 2016. She currently works as a School Food Nutritionist for Herts Catering Limited (HCL).

Current job role	School Food Nutritionist
Year of graduation	2016
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Nutrition

Essential skills for the future

Ramatu graduated having studied Nutrition and has now entered her chosen career as a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN). She currently works as a School Food Nutritionist for Herts Catering Limited (HCL). Her course enabled Ramatu to achieve her career aspirations, providing invaluable experience which included work shadowing, volunteering and practical work placement opportunities alongside various registered nutritionists and dieticians.

Ramatu says, 'Many employers advertise for nutritionists who are already registered with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). In order to register, you would need to be able to demonstrate that you meet the underpinning knowledge and professional skills required.' Studying a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition or related bioscience degree provides students with an abundance of practicable and transferable experience which will enable you to make crucial inroads into the profession.'

Experience is crucial

Experience is crucial and Ramatu attests that it is even more beneficial than good grades. She advises students to seek out as much opportunity as possible to gain professional experience and says, 'My priority is to continually develop professionally as a Registered Nutritionist as there is always room to improve my own practice and service delivery.' The University provides fantastic opportunities for students through work placements, study abroad schemes as well as the fantastic industry led practical elements embedded into the courses themselves.

Alumni Stories

Khan Asghar Iqbal

Meet Khan Asghar Iqbal who is saving lives everyday as a Newly Qualified Paramedic (NQP). He is currently working for the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust.

Current job role	Newly Qualified Paramedic
Year of graduation	2018
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

A unique degree and experience

Khan says his ambition to work in London and move out of his hometown in Cardiff was a key factor in choosing to study at the University of Hertfordshire. However, his course also provided a unique combination of theoretical and practical study which Khan says, 'prepared me to put my knowledge into practice while out on placement each term. The course also gave me a glimpse of future opportunities for paramedics such as teaching, management and advanced practice.'

The vocational nature of the degree enabled him to transition smoothly into his chosen career providing him with the essential professional skills and hands on experience he required to excel as a paramedic. He says, 'The course gives you the knowledge to make lifesaving decisions but also gives you more advanced knowledge regarding complicated conditions and the various medicines that come with each patient.'

Khan speaks fondly of his time at the University and says, 'I truly miss everyone I became friends with on my degree. Some of the nights out in the Forum were the best I've ever had and they will be everlasting memories, with friends both on and off of my course. I really came out of my shell and comfort zone and it has made me into the confident and outgoing person I am today.'

Get your dream job

Khan says that being a paramedic is the 'best job in the World' and, although he has just started his career, he hopes to go onto postgraduate study and experience new cultures by travelling.

What's next for my career?
On graduation you’ll be eligible to register as a social worker with Social Work England. You’ll also be qualified to work in the wide range of statutory, private and voluntary agencies that employ social workers.

After successful completion of your studies, you will be qualified to work in the wide range of statutory and private and voluntary agencies which employ social workers. These areas include, for example,
- Children and their families, either to avoid family breakdown or where there is a risk of abuse of neglect
- Children with disabilities
- Young offenders
- Foster carers
- Adults with physical or mental health difficulties
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Older people
- Carers
100% of our social work graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating from their 1st degree (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2018/19)

Our programme will equip you with knowledge and skills to practice with children and adults throughout their lives.
- Did you know a British Prime Minister was a social worker and social work lecturer? (Clement Attlee PM 1945-1951)
View our Alumni profiles

Ramatu Nguru Khan Asghar Iqbal

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Social Work (Revised 2024)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Social Work	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Part Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Link
22/09/2026	31/05/2027	Apply online (Full Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

BSc (Hons) Social Work

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: L500

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Alumni Stories

Meet Ramutu Nguru who has excelled as a Registered Nutritionist since graduating in 2016. She currently works as a School Food Nutritionist for Herts Catering Limited (HCL).

Essential skills for the future

Experience is crucial

Alumni Stories

Meet Khan Asghar Iqbal who is saving lives everyday as a Newly Qualified Paramedic (NQP). He is currently working for the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust.

A unique degree and experience

Get your dream job

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  