Social Work - BA (Hons)

Begin your journey to become a social worker making positive changes in people’s lives. Support diverse groups of people of all ages, and promote human rights and social justice in a flexible, varied and challenging career in which you will learn to be autonomous so you can progress in your chosen field.

Year of entry

Course type

  • Single Honours

Location

Subject area / School

UCAS code

  • L500

Duration of study

  • 3 years

Why study Social Work at Keele University?

Regulated by Social Work England with all core academic staff registered as social workers
Member of the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership
Wide range of social work career specialisms
Part of Keele's exceptional School of Medicine which has an excellent reputation in both education and research
An international profession offering potential global career opportunities
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Social Work England

Social Work England

Our programme is regulated by Social Work England. When you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible to apply to join their register as a qualified social worker.

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

Keele TEF Gold 2023
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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBC in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.

Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher Levels or 27 points.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

70% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.4 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

12 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate / Baccalauréat Français International.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

75% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBC in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBC in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

70% overall.

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module and grade A in EAP for Nursing courses.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Additional information

Under normal circumstances, students must be 18 years old when they commence the course, or by 1 October of the first Semester.

Health checks and DBS Clearance
Offers are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

Whilst there is not a formal health check completed by all candidates, prospective students are required to sign a Declaration of Suitability/Fitness to Practice for Social Work form. Depending on the information supplied by candidates, the programme director may seek clarification on any potential health concerns and this may also require further consultation with your GP or the university’s Occupational Health department.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

Admissions Tests/Institutions Own Test (IOT)

Candidates for the social work programme will be selected through a two-part process. Firstly, the candidate’s application form and personal statement will be assessed. As well as reaching the required academic standards, the candidate’s personal statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of social work and its values. If this is achieved, candidates will then proceed to part two of the process and be invited to a selection day, which will include a written task, a group discussion, and an individual interview with academic staff, a social work practitioner and a service user (in most cases). Candidates who successfully pass both parts of the selection process will then be offered a place. Candidates must also complete a written declaration of their suitability to undertake social work training in respect of health status, criminal convictions and other matters.

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Sian Holland Griffiths

"Keele has smaller group sizes, a beautiful campus and the staff are friendly and helpful. If you have a problem, even if it is not university related, you can turn up at their office door, they are happy to help."

Sian, Social Work

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Evie Daniel

"The course layout and placement opportunities were the main reasons why I chose to study at Keele, as they allow for me to develop my skills whilst being supported by the University."

Evie, Social Work

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Studying Social Work at Keele

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

Our Foundation Year  allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our  Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Social Work. For example, in the Academic and Professional Development for Health module you will begin to develop an awareness of professional standards that you will be working to in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

You will gain a greater appreciation of historical and contemporary approaches to health and social care within the UK, considering key health issues and challenges facing health and science services. We will develop your understanding of  the concept of social inclusion, the factors that lead to exclusion and the impact this may have on individuals, families and communities. At the same time, you will develop academic and professional standards, attributes, knowledge, skills and values, both as a current learner and future healthcare worker.

You will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, including information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage. 

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. We regularly review our teaching to ensure that the modules we offer are up-to-date; therefore, the modules available to study are liable to change.

Semester one modules

FYO-00273 Foundations of Law  15 credits
FYO-00201 Foundations of Psychology 15 credits
FYO-00263 Foundations of Social Sciences 1 15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00269 Advancing Social Sciences 30 credits
FYO-00245 Foundations in Health and Society 15 credits

Year long modules (semesters one and two)

FYO-00181 Academic and Professional Development 30 credits

Entry requirements

Whether you have non-traditional qualifications, want to change your subjects, have had a break from education and wish to return or want a change of career – the foundation years at Keele provide an opportunity for those with diverse backgrounds to access an honours degree.

  • 40 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.   

How to apply

UCAS Applications

Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for Social Work with Foundation Year

UCAS code: L502

Direct entry students

If you are already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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Discover the Keele difference

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Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.