Social Work: University of Birmingham

Javascript is required to view this map.

Degree: BA
Address: Social Work: University of Birmingham, The Institute of Applied Social Studies, School of Social Sciences, The University of Birmingham, The Terrace Huts, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Ads
Subject: Sociology
Duration: 3 years
Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 2676
Fax: +44 (0)121 414 5726
E-mail: s.f....@bham.ac.uk
Website: http://www.socialwork.bham.ac.uk

The Social Work degree follows an exciting programme that draws on a number of disciplines that inform social work practice. It includes the study of social work values, knowledge, law, theories, methods and skills. Service users, carers and practitioners work alongside academics to create a dynamic learning environment both within the department and during 200 days of supervised practice.

About the department

The Social Work programme sits within the Institute of Applied Social Studies (IASS). IASS provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate social policy and social work programmes, including accredited post-qualifying awards in social work. The Institute has three research centres and staff within IASS have a strong national and international research profile. Information about the centres and about the research interests of staff can be found on the IASS website: www.iass.bham.ac.uk

IASS social work staff also play an active part in the University’s HEFCE-funded Centre of Excellence in Interdisciplinary Mental Health (CEIMH). Information about the CEIMH can be found at www.ceimh.bham.ac.uk

First year

In the first year there is a generic foundation of values, knowledge and skills within the wider organisation and policy context in which social work is practised. Towards the end of this year there is an assessment of your suitability to practise through videoed role-plays and e-learning scenarios. The modules you can study include: Applied Social Sciences, Social Processes and Identity, and Diversity in Social Work Practice.

Second year

Students engage in a short (85 days) supervised practice and study topics more specifically relevant to social work practice. These include: Approaches to Social Care and Health in Inter-professional Settings, and Human Development.

Third year

The final year contains core specialist areas with limited subject choice to equip students for the changing and challenging nature of a career in social work.

Teaching and assessment

They use a wide variety of participative learning methods, including the latest e-learning packages. Assessment is mainly through assignments, with some exams and live practice scenarios.

Career opportunities

Employment prospects are excellent, and there are opportunities for continuing professional and academic development through other programmes in the Institute of Applied Social Studies here at the University.

Professional accreditation

This programme leads to the Professional Qualification in Social Work approved by the General Social Care Council

Entry requirements

You will need one of the following:
BBC at A level (preferably including one related subject)
Access to HE qualification in a related area (social science based)
An equivalent further education certificate – eg, BTEC in a related subject (social science based) with distinction – ie, DMM
A combination of the above – ie, a six-unit BTEC award plus two A levels or two six-unit BTEC awards plus one A level (including one related subject)
An alternative equivalent qualification – eg, OCR National award

Plus:

O level Maths and English at grade C or above; or Key stage level 2 qualification in Maths and English; or English plus FSMQ in Maths (free-standing Maths qualification equivalent to GCSE A*–C grade)

Plus:

Three months related personal or social care work experience (this does not need to be a block of three months but must add up to a minimum of three months in total)

General Studies: accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 30–32 points