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Social Work at Southampton, Solent University - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Designed for those who already hold an undergraduate degree in something other than social work, this course is a gateway for those wishing to qualify as a social worker. If you love the idea of working with people in a truly meaningful way, you can have a valuable career as a social worker providing help and support for individuals and families, and work closely with communities, health professionals and other agencies. The course offers two routes to qualification: PGDip - completed on an 18 months' full-time basis and students do not complete the final dissertation module to be awarded the PGDip. MA - completed on a two-year full-time basis and students must complete the final dissertation module to be awarded the MA. The two routes to qualification offer students a degree of flexibility. PGDip students could decide to continue with the MA by completing the dissertation module; MA students could decide not to complete the dissertation module and revert back to the PGDip route. This can be discussed and agreed upon with the course leader during your studies. The course team’s strong links with our regional statutory, independent, voluntary and private sector partners within the industry, provides you with the opportunity to apply the theory you'll learn at university in work practice placements, enabling you to build the skills and confidence needed to be an effective social worker, as well as developing a professional network. Your learning will include an exploration of the scope and complexity of social work and a holistic appreciation of the wide-ranging needs of people with lived experiences, and in need of social work. You will also explore the psychosocial and political processes that lead to marginalisation, isolation, exclusion and inequality, as well as critically evaluate evidence from a range of sources in order to make informed decisions and to evaluate welfare outcomes. Upon successful completion you will gain a professional qualification, meaning you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker. The qualification can also be used as a gateway to other careers for example, in leadership, teaching and management. This course is for: This course prepares you for a wide range of social work, community care and leadership roles. You’ll need a non-judgemental attitude, an appreciation of diversity, self-awareness, flexibility, and openness to new ideas. In addition, you’ll be able to demonstrate relevant skills such as teamwork, empathy, active listening, negotiating and advocacy. Ideal candidates aspire to work with vulnerable members of the community. Applicants are diverse and typically come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

Modules

YEAR ONE - Core Modules

  • Social Work England - Skills Days Year One
This module facilities Skills Days/sessions a requirement of the social work regulator for England, Social Work England. Skills Days/sessions form part of the 200-day mandatory practice placement attendance requirement across the social work degree, as laid down by Social Work England.
  • First Substantive Practice Placement
This is the first of the two formal placement modules for the course and represents a key milestone in your programme of study. This is the first bespoke opportunity where you can begin to demonstrate a combination of your Professional Knowledge, Skills, Values and Aspirations.
  • Interprofessional Communication and Practice
This module is about the inter-related skills of interpersonal communication and working in partnership. The module looks at how we communicate with People with Lived Experience (also described as service users) and how we work with other professionals. The abilities to both communicate and work in partnership are core to the social work role, including the ability to work in organisations and overcome challenges to partnership working with other agencies.
  • Law and Social Policy for Social Work Practice
This module introduces you to the key legislative and regulative framework within which social work practice is conducted in England. You will be familiarised with the basic principles of English Law and the systems through which the legal process operates. You will be enabled to develop a sound understanding of the key legislation relevant to professional social work practice.
  • Models and Methods of the Professional Social Worker
It is important for social workers to identify, understand and be able to analyse and evaluate a range of different theory, models and methods used when working with people with lived experience and in need of social work. This module will introduce you to a range of different theories, models and methods of intervention that can be used in a variety of areas of social work practice underpinned by direct linking to the Professional Capabilities Framework.
  • Psychosocial Perspectives For Social Work
This module identifies and explores a range of behaviours is a core skill in social work, along with understanding of the historical and societal context in which social work operates as it helps to seek a way forward when working with people. Develop your insight into human growth, development, social interactions, relationships, behaviour and the impact of discrimination and oppression. (Optional - International placement) YEAR TWO - Core Modules
  • Skills Days Year Two
This module facilities Skills Days for postgraduate social work students, a requirement of the social work regulator for England, Social Work England. Skills Days form part of the 200-day mandatory practice placement attendance requirement across the social work degree, as laid down by Social Work England.
  • Final Substantive Practice Placement
This is the final placement. You can explore, challenge, and extend your professional knowledge, skills, values and aspirations, and hone your understanding of yourself as a professional Social Worker – building directly upon your learning from the First Substantive Placement last year.
  • Research in development of Social Work Practice
This module is designed to promote the development of independent study and critical thinking. Through this module, you will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to proficiently undertake a critical literature review in the field of social work. By honing your research literacy skills and cultivating a research minded approach, this module serves as an introduction to sound research principles within the social sciences.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Social Work England

How to apply

International applicants

Note to all international students requiring a visa: All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.

Entry requirements

* An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any subject other than social work * All applicants will be invited to attend a values-based interview. * Applicants will be required to complete a written task before attending the interview. * Applicants are required to apply for an enhanced disclosure DBS as part of enrolment and confirmation on the course. This must be a new DBS disclosure and is paid for by the University. If you need to reapply for a DBS during your study on the course, you will be liable for the renewal cost. * Grade 4 or above in English (previously grade C), or equivalent. Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: - IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with no component score below 5.5 - TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking - Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent. Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees for 2025/26 will be available shortly. While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected]. Compulsory costs: Any immunisations you may require. Travel to and from your placements.

Sponsorship information

Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.

Social Work at Southampton, Solent University - UCAS