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    Social Work - BA (Hons)

    Begin your journey to become a social worker who enables positive change in people’s lives. Support diverse groups of people of all ages, and promote human rights and social justice in a worthwhile and challenging career.

    Year of entry

    Course type

    • Single Honours

    Location

    Subject area / School

    UCAS code

    • L500

    Duration of study

    • 3 years
    Book an open day Chat to students

    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

    Course overview

    Improving lives

    Social work focuses on improving the lives and wellbeing of adults, children and families, and helping to protect the most vulnerable in society. You may have to make difficult decisions, sometimes when there are competing 'rights' and needs. You will work with a diverse range of individuals and groups to assist them through difficult circumstances. It could be helping them to address issues currently affecting their lives such as trauma, poverty or social disadvantage, organising specific support or making referrals to other services.

    Preparing for a career as a Social Worker

    Social Work at Keele gives you a solid grounding in this professional area of study and supports the development of key professional skills and values ready for your future career as a Social Worker. The programme has been carefully designed to allow you to apply the course theory into a range of exciting, varied and specialist social work occupations in the UK and potentially internationally.

    You will explore child, adult and family social work, and cover key elements of the profession including law, social policy, ethics and values, and the socio-economic contexts of social work. You will investigate the impact of inequality and the disadvantages in society around age, race and sexuality. You will examine anti-oppressive and non-discriminatory approaches in social work whilst developing your communication, assessment and decision making skills.

    Social Work at Keele is part of the Keele's highly rated School of Medicine, this provides you with a wealth of interprofessional and skills based learning opportunities. You will benefit from studying in an interdisciplinary environment learning alongside other health specialists such as nurses, occupational therapists, GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists.

     

    Professional experience

    We include 170 days of work placement opportunities within the course, enabling you to put the theory you have learnt into practice. You will engage with service users and carers throughout your studies in addition to your direct work with service users and carers on placement. This engagement helps you to develop your confidence, abilities and understanding of a social worker’s responsibilities. You will strengthen your practical knowledge through course activities to ensure you are well prepared for your social work placements. You will be encouraged to adopt reflective practice techniques to enable you to evaluate your progress and inform your future work.

    Our expertise

    Members of our teaching staff are professionally qualified and experienced social workers who are registered with Social Work England or with the appropriate regulatory body for their current location. We also have staff who are active researchers in the the area, with work published in academic journals, monographs and books. In addition we have staff who have received awards for teaching excellence, including a National Teaching Award / Fellowship holder.

    West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership (WMSWTP)

    We are a member of the WMSWTP which aims to strengthen the quality of education and training for social work students and qualified practitioners. It seeks to ensure teaching excellence and that what you learn is contemporary and reflects the needs of children, adults and families.

    Strengthening your employability

    Placements

    We have excellent relationships with our partners who provide us with placement opportunities. These include local authorities in the West Midlands and Staffordshire, and voluntary sector organisations.

    In year one you will spend three days shadowing social work professionals and will complete skills development workshops to assess your readiness for placement. Throughout the programme you will undertake a total of 170 days of practice learning in at least two settings. One of these will be in a service gaining important experience of statutory interventions such as within a local authority children and families department or in hospital social work teams. This will ensure you are ready to apply for jobs upon graduation in any social work setting.

    Before the first assessed placement, you will complete a written profile of your own study needs and begin to compile information relevant to your placement setting and service user group. This portfolio will be used in the pre-placement meeting between you, a tutor from the university and practice educator to develop a placement agreement. Before embarking on your work assignment, you must also demonstrate your readiness for direct practice. You also need to maintain your own suitability and fitness to practise throughout the course.

    Student Support

    Robust support is available to you during every stage of your programme. Tutors on the course are able to provide advice and guidance as well as reviewing your progress and where appropriate, identifying and dealing with areas of concern. We have recently improved tutorial support so that it closely mirrors professional practice. This ensures that you have both one to one and small group support alongside professional development opportunities throughout the course

    A Student Experience and Support team is based within our Faculty with a member of the team dedicated to the School of Medicine. As part of Student Services, they work closely with various teams across Keele so you can easily access the help you need.

    Extra assistance is available from the School's Disability Liaison Officer who provides an additional layer of support for all students, particularly for those who have additional learning needs.

    You will have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele which include;

    • Learning Support and Academic Guidance
    • Disability Services
    • English Language Unit
    • Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
    • Student Support Services
    • Occupational Health Department

    Next Steps

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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.

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    Additional opportunities

    Foundation year Explore more

    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

    Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and 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.

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers 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.

    Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

    A compulsory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (Enhanced plus Barring Lists) will need to be completed by anyone accepted on the course before they begin their placements with social work practice providers. Completing placements is mandatory for all students.

    The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

    Health checks

    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

    All prospective candidates need to complete an interview. This will usually be held at the university on the selection day where the candidate will be asked questions by a panel comprising a social work academic, a social work practitioner and a service user. Successful completion of this interview is required to be invited onto the course.

    Admissions Tests/Institutions Own Test (IOT)

    Candidates for the social work programme will be selected through a two-part process. Initially, the candidate’s application form and personal statement will be read and its suitability 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 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). Only those deemed competent via this process will 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.

    A LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

    • A Level requirement BBC

    GCSE REQUIREMENTS

    • Maths at C (or 4)
    • English Literature or Language at C (or 4)
    • Functional Skills or City & Guilds Adult Literacy and Numeracy at level 2 accepted as an alternative

    BTEC

    • BTEC requirements DMM

    INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

    • 29 points

    ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

    • Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 L3 credits at Distinction

    IELTS

    • An overall score of 7 is required with no less than 6.5 in each subtest taken in one sitting.

    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.

    Preparation programmes for international students

    International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

    These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

    Next Steps

    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.

    Additional information

    Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

    A compulsory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (Enhanced plus Barring Lists) will need to be completed by anyone accepted on the course before they begin their placements with social work practice providers. Completing placements is mandatory for all students.

    The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

    Health checks

    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

    All prospective candidates need to complete an interview. This will usually be held at the university on the selection day where the candidate will be asked questions by a panel comprising a social work academic, a social work practitioner and a service user. Successful completion of this interview is required to be invited onto the course.

    Admissions Tests/Institutions Own Test (IOT)

    Candidates for the social work programme will be selected through a two-part process. Initially, the candidate’s application form and personal statement will be read and its suitability 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 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). Only those deemed competent via this process will 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.

    A LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

    • A Level requirement BBC

    GCSE REQUIREMENTS

    • Maths at C (or 4)
    • English Literature or Language at C (or 4)
    • Functional Skills or City & Guilds Adult Literacy and Numeracy at level 2 accepted as an alternative

    BTEC

    • BTEC requirements DMM

    INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

    • 29 points

    ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

    • Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 L3 credits at Distinction

    IELTS

    • An overall score of 7 is required with no less than 6.5 in each subtest taken in one sitting.

    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 .

    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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    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees for 2023/24 academic year

    • UK: £9250
    • International: Band 5

    For details of our international fee bands please see our Undergraduate tuition fees web page.

    Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

    Our Student Financial Support team offers confidential advice and guidance to help you to manage your money, so that you can make the most of your time at Keele. We can help you to resolve issues with your Student Finance, create a budget, and help you to explore your options if you’re facing financial hardship. We are also able to ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible, such as bursaries and scholarships.

    For more information visit our undergraduate fees and funding section.

    Next Steps

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    Modules

    Next Steps

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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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    Your future career

    95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

    There are a range of social work career opportunities open to you once you qualify. You will be able to apply your knowledge and expertise acquired on the course to work for a local authority, the NHS or in the voluntary sector. You could undertake employment based, or employer sponsored further training or specialise in areas like child protection or mental health. Alternatively, you could use your academic and placement learning in a range of other settings such as in support or project worker roles, in management and leadership roles or undertake additional training to work as a qualified counsellor or complete further study.

    Enhance your employability

    Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

    From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

    Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

    Next Steps

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    We use a variety of teaching and learning methods on this programme including;

    • Lectures - these provide a framework for reading and independent study, and summaries of current social work knowledge. Some guest speakers with professional social work experience or of using social work services. Occasional specialist workshops.
    • Interactive learning - learn through group exercises, role play and simulation exercises, and discussions.
    • Independent study.
    • Skills Workshops - the opportunity to develop your basic and advanced social work skills. Organised and delivered by members of the academic staff, registered social workers, practice educators and people who use services.
    • Practice Placement - 170 days of the programme are devoted to supervised practice in a range of social work and health and social care agencies.
    • Final year project - a piece of independent research for final year students to integrate academic knowledge about social work with an understanding of professional practice.
    • E-Learning - using the Keele Learning Environment (KLE). The KLE is an online learning environment used to give students easy access to a wide range of resources and research tools, and as a platform for online discussions, quizzes, announcements and blogs.

    There are regular opportunities to talk through areas of your course with your academic mentor or lecturers on a one-to-one basis.

    Assessment

    To evaluate your progress we use different assessment techniques. You will receive regular, constructive feedback to help you clarify things you did not understand and to improve your performance. Assessment methods include;

    • Examinations
    • Essays
    • Research design projects, data analysis and short research papers
    • Oral presentations, poster presentations and reports
    • Practice reflection
    • Portfolios
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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

    A-levels

    Alternative Qualifications

    Additional GCSE requirements

    86 UCAS points 

    Further information

    GCSE English Language at grade C (or 4) and Maths at grade C (or 4). Functional Skills level 2 are accepted as equivalent qualifications

     

    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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