Social Work BSc Hons (Bedford campus and Luton campus)

Course title:	BSc (Hons) Social Work
Apply:	via UCAS
Code:	L501 Bedford campus / L501 Luton campus
Start (ft):	September
Mode:	full-time
Duration:	3 years full-time
Location:	Bedford and Luton campus
Faculty:	Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Department:	Department of Applied Social Studies

Summary

The degree in Social Work is the new qualifying award for professional Social Work practice. The programme was developed in conjunction with a range of statutory and voluntary partner agencies to reflect the changing needs of Social Work as a profession.

Combining practical experience and academic study, the course prepares you for practice in the rapidly changing and challenging field of social work.

The programme is designed around the Department of Health/General Social Care Council prescribed curriculum for Social Work and incorporates the professional qualifying award allowing graduates to enter employment as qualified Social Workers.

You will study a mixture of theoretical and skills based modules with a focus on application to practice.

You will be taught by a diverse teaching team including professionally qualified social workers, practitioners and leading academics in the field.

Areas of study include:

Social Work Processes
Human Growth and Development
Diversity and Difference
Professional Practice
Law for Social Work Practice
Inter-Professional Working
Reflective Practice

Why choose this course?

Specially commended by the General Social Care Council for its commitment to providing a student-centred learning environment and for enabling students from non-traditional backgrounds to grow and develop in their studies
Each student has a tutor who is a professionally qualified social worker
Dedicated practice learning team with four members of staff working on finding and developing practice learning opportunities
Practice placements for students in the innovative Centre for the Development of Social Care Practice on Luton campus, in partnership with Luton Borough Council. Provides professional development opportunities for qualified practitioners

Career Opportunities

Social work in a range of statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations.

Assessment

Essays, computer workshops, presentations and a very small number of exams.

Entry requirements

Applications for the full-time route are through the UCAS system (www.ucas.ac.uk or telephone 01242 544600 for an application pack).

Applicants will need two A levels or equivalent (e.g. AVCE, BTEC Certificate, NVQ Level 3 or a recognised Access course). (Mature students having relevant experience but without formal qualifications will be considered and their ability to study at Higher Education level will be tested as part of the selection process).

The Department of Health requirements for the Social Work degree require applicants to have achieved Key Skills Level 2 or above in English and Maths. This means GCSE grade C or above, or an equivalent qualification which includes an assessment of these skills (e.g. Access course).

Mature candidates without these formal qualifications may still apply and will be asked to demonstrate, before entering the programme, their suitability for academic study.

Special entry requirements

Applicants will also be required, through the selection process, to demonstrate substantial relevant experience and an aptitude to work with people in need, i.e. the appropriate personal qualities, values and skills to be a social worker.

All applicants selected for interview will be required to undertake a written task for which advance notice and a reading list will be provided.

All applicants will be required to declare any previous offences (including cautions and formal warnings) and, if selected, successful applicants will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check to ensure their suitability for working with vulnerable groups.

In addition applicants will need to complete a health check questionnaire and give permission for contact with their GP, where necessary, to confirm their suitability for Social Work training.

As a significant proportion of this programme of study is conducted in Practice Learning agencies, the ability and willingness to travel to placements is an expectation. (The General Social Care Council Bursary includes a component to cover travel costs for placements).

Fees, Bursaries, Scholarships, Costs

The General Social Care Council administers a bursary available to students ordinarily resident in England studying on an approved non-graduate or undergraduate course (full-time or part-time). Amongst other eligibility criteria, students must also meet certain residency criteria.

The social work bursary is non-income-assessed, which means that earnings, savings and other sources of income, such as local authority (LA) funding, are not taken into consideration. It includes a basic grant that varies in value, a contribution towards practice learning opportunity-related expenses and tuition fees up to a capped amount. Financial awards are dependant on individual circumstances.

For full details on eligibility criteria, the financial value of the bursaries and availability of application packs, please contact the NHSBSA

www.ppa.org.uk/swb
E: swb@ppa.nhs.uk
T: 0845 6101122
F: 0191 2035507

NHS Business Services Authority
Social Work Bursary
Sandyford House
Archbold Terrace
Newcastle
NE2 1DB

Related Links

• NHS Business Service Authority (for bursary information)
• The Department of Applied Social Studies
• Centre for the Development of Social Care Practice (Practice Learning Opportunities)
• The Institute of Applied Social Research

General Enquiries

• www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply for information about standard entry requirements, application routes, open days, fees and funding.
• T: +44 (0)1582 489286 UK/EU Admissions
• T: +44 (0)1582 489326 International Admissions
• Order a prospectus form. Enquire about courses and order a printed undergraduate or postgraduate prospectus.
• T: +44 (0)1234 400 400 University switchboard