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Social Work at Birmingham City University - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

As one of the largest providers of social workers in the UK, our Social Work BSc (Hons) degree is regulated by Social Work England and is well known for producing excellent practitioners capable of operating in local authority, voluntary or private settings. Our specially-designed degree will give you the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference to people's lives as a professional and registered social worker. You will learn about the social work profession and the needs of the people social workers support. We link theory and practice through a combination of academic learning and on the job placement opportunities. You will gain a first-hand insight into a wide range of issues that you will face in social work practice, such as:

  • The care needs of vulnerable people
  • Safeguarding children and adults
  • The impact of poverty
  • Domestic violence
  • Substance misuse
  • Mental health issues
Through expert teaching and quality placements, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of different service user groups and the skills needed to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable people. This social work degree course is among the most innovative of its kind, placing you where you will benefit the most - among the people and communities you will go on to support.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
L501
Institution code:
B25
Campus name:
City South Campus, Edgbaston
Campus code:
E

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Welsh Baccalaureate: 120 UCAS tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Required subjects: Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science. OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points. Accepted subjects: Health or Science-related subject. NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points. Accepted subjects: Childcare and Education; Health and Social Care. Required subjects: Either this qualification or an accompanying A Level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science. WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s). Required subjects: Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science. UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall. Applicants must have evidence of study within the last five years and/or current relevant practice experience in a social care setting. Prior to enrolling on this course, successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory occupational health check and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) via the Faculty, as well as a Social Work declaration check. Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, references, interview, group and written exercise all form part of the selection criteria for this course. Portfolio route: A Portfolio route has been devised for those applicants who have significant relevant experience of working with vulnerable people but do not meet the formal entry requirements. To follow this route you will need to: - Have three or more years' relevant experience in a role which involves experience of undertaking work with vulnerable people, and which can be transferable into social work practice. This involves work such as assessment, care/support planning, co-ordination of services with other professionals, and reviewing. - Have GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent. The portfolio is made up of the following: - A reflective account reviewing your own role, skills and areas for development in relation to your practice - 1,000 words. - An analysis of a case that you have worked on - 1,000 words. - A reflection on your performance during the direct observation and the feedback given by the social worker - 500 words. - A report by a social worker on the direct observation of your current practice. - Two references/testimonials - one from your line manager and one from a qualified social worker (again, preferably a senior social worker or above). To apply via the portfolio route, you will need to put the items above together in a folder (portfolio) and send it to the admissions tutor with an application form. The portfolio is then looked at by academic staff at the university, who will evaluate the work and make a judgement about your suitability for the Social Work programme. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an admissions day where they will undertake a written test, group exercise and individual interview.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

Health checks

Interview

Applicants are required to complete an interview. Interviews may be online via Microsoft Teams. Applicants are required to complete a written exercise on attendance at the selection day. Applicants will be required to participate in a group work exercise.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7overall with no less than 6.5 in each band.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course.


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
85%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
EU £17690 Year 1
International £17690 Year 1

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

* The Government is proposing to increase the cap on full-time regulated tuition fees to £9,535 for 2025/26 and the University is planning on increasing fees to that maximum level once legislation is enacted. Part-time fees are charged pro-rata, where applicable.
Social Work at Birmingham City University - UCAS