Social Work BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Social workers deal with some of the most vulnerable people in society at times of heightened stress. By the end of the BA Social Work course, you will have been assessed against the Professional Capabilities Framework and Social Work England (SWE) Professional Standards and will be able to apply to Social Work England for registration.

  Competent practice is essential for the award and you will undertake 200 days of practice learning (placement and skills for practice) during the programme. Practice learning through placement experience is undertaken in blocks throughout the course. You will complete 30 days of experiential skills for practice at level four (in the University); 70 days (in placement) at level five and 100 days (in placement) at level six.

  Throughout this social work degree, the value base of social work is emphasised, and you will engage in teaching designed to support your learning and understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice in a model that promotes social justice. In the first year, you will attend a practice knowledge development week where you will meet and hear from a variety of organisations, learn about the many different settings in which social work takes place and gain a better understanding of the placements you will undertake in years two and three of the programme.

  Partnership

  The University of Northampton is central to the Northamptonshire Social Work Teaching Partnership. This Department of Education led initiative ensures that there is a close working relationship between the University of Northampton, as education providers of qualifying Social Work programmes (BA (Hons) Social Work and MA Social Work) and the statutory services of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and Northamptonshire Adult Social Services, who provide services for a wide range of identified need in the county.

  This also means that as a University, we work closely with our partners to develop the Social Work curriculum to ensure it is current, innovative and reflective of practice, identify practice placement opportunities within statutory settings (Children, Mental Health, Adult Services) and prepare  graduates for employment.

  The Teaching Partnership will additionally progress partnership working between a range of programmes at The University of Northampton that offer training and education in  Health and Social Care, Youth Work and a range of statutory and non-statutory service providers.

  List of modules:

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1

    You will be introduced to the knowledge and skills required for best social work practice which will continue to be developed throughout the duration of the social work degree. The Skills for Practice module is designed to develop your skills and understanding of social work through teaching and learning that takes place in the University and is delivered by a range of qualified social work academics, service users and social work practitioners.

    • Interprofessional Education (IPE)
      Module code: FHS_IPE20

      Status: Compulsory
    • Understanding Law and Policy in Social Work (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK1067

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for Social Work students to understand and be able to apply legislation and social policy appropriately when working with adults, children and families. The module will introduce students to contemporary legislation, social policy, guidance and codes of practice relevant to current professional Social Work interventions and will be tested through a formal examination and a written essay.
    • An Introduction to Professional Social Work Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK1084

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to prepare students for their 70-day practice placement at Level 5. It focuses on a range of core skills, including rapport building, communication and interviewing. The module incorporates the requirements for skills practice set out by the relevant regulatory bodies.
    • Preparing for Professional Social Work Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK1085

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to prepare students for their 70-day practice placement at Level 5. It focuses on a range of core skills and tools, including reflective practice, professional curiosity, self-awareness, emotional inteligence and personal resilience. The module incorporates the requirements for skills practice set out by the relevant regulatory bodies.
    • Theories and Models for Social Work Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK1086

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide social work students with a sound understanding of different models of social work practice and the social work process, and to equip them with a range of theoretical perspectives needed to to be ready for practice.
    • Understanding the Life Span in the Social Context (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK1087

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a broad understanding and appreciation of the relevance of sociological and psychological theories and approaches in understanding human behaviour within contemporary professional practice. It offers students the opportunity to consider human and growth development across the life course from a number of perspectives.
    • Understanding Contemporary Social Work (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK1091

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students understanding of contemporary social issues and their relevance to social work practice. It focuses on developing an initial understanding of social issues, social policy,relevant theory and interventions.
  • Stage 2

    You will develop your understanding of different service user groups and service provision in social work settings. You will be provided with opportunities to work in small learning sets developing your reflective critical thinking skills, and develop your understanding of oppression, discrimination and inequality of gender. A 70-day assessed placement learning opportunity will be completed in a social work setting or other appropriate area of practice.

    • Research for Social Workers (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK2010

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop research mindedness for social work practice and enable learners to interrogate the utility of different types of empirical evidence, both for developing practice prepareness and evaluating the outcomes of social work interventions.
    • 70 Day Practice Placement (40 Credits)
      Module code: SWK2011P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the opportunity to work under supervision in a professional practice setting. Students will be suppoorted to extend and develop learning and practical skills developed at level 4 with specific reference to SWK1049 (Skills for Practice). Students will also draw upon academic learning at Levels 4 and 5 to apply theoretical perspectives, application of legsialtion, anti-oppressive practice and promrote social justice to practice.
    • Assessing and Managing Risk in Social Work (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK2070

      Status: Compulsory
      This module aims to develop students understanding of the theory and application of assessing and managing risk in the arena of safeguarding.It will offer the students the opportunity to explore principles of social work practice within a multi agency context, service provision/delivery as well as the outcomes for service users. It develops learning on social work values, the nature of power and anti-oppressive practice and the context of discrimination and Human Rights Law. Students are encouraged to explore and draw on their own attitudes and values and apply this to complex cases. Students will be encouraged to explore the role of an individuals identity to include gender, race, sex, sexuality etc when assessing and managing risk. Social Justice, human rights and problem solving are at the heart of this module.
    • Social Work with Individuals, Groups and Families (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK2085

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to prepare students for direct work with individuals, groups and families developing an understanding of statutory responsibilities, effective work outcomes and application of assessment tools. The module will also explore the diverse range of contexts in which Social Workers are employed and the implications of multidisciplinary working with other professionals, service users, carers and families. The module also offers opportunities for individual development through group work sessions focusing upon professional interventions.
    • Social Justice, Power and Professional Judgement in an Inter-professional Context (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK2086

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding about Social Work Practice in the field of mental health, disability, working with refugees, asylum seekers and substance misuse issues. Students will develop a broader understanding of social justice with regard to poverty, dislocation, inclusion and equality.
  • Stage 3

    You will undertake a 100-day assessed placement learning opportunity in a social work setting or other appropriate areas of practice. The teaching and learning at this stage of the course will focus on helping you to understand the importance of managing the professional task of social work. There will be opportunities to explore how services are provided with an emphasis on understanding risk and uncertainty in the assessment process.

    • 100 Day Practice Placement (60 Credits)
      Module code: SWK3005P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the opportunity to work under supervision for a sustained period in a professional practice setting. Students will be suppoorted to extend and develop learning and practical skills developed at level 4, 5 & 6 with specific reference to SWK2011P (70 day placement). Students will also draw upon, analyse and apply academic learning from level 4, 5 and 6 to apply critical understanding, evaluation and reflection to the professional social work task.
    • Professional Identity and Transition into Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: SWK3042

      Status: Compulsory
      This module engages students in advanced level learning in respect of service users with complex needs, advanced skills for practice and skills for managing stress and difficult situations. It builds on skill development at Levels 4 and 5 and supports the extended 100-day practice placement, at the end of which students must demonstrate the attributes of a newly qualified worker.
    • Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: SWK4007

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to study and interrogate one aspect of social work practice in depth. The dissertation is an opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge of a particular area of social work and to contribute to the knowledge base for social work practice. The module builds on all previous learning but in particular links to Research for Social Work at level 5. The dissertation is literature review based.

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• Entry Requirements

  All social work university applicants must have:

  • GCSE in Maths and English Language grade C/4 (or equivalent).
  • BBC at A-Level, DDM at BTEC, or 30 Merits and 15 Distinctions on an Access Course.

  In addition to standard entry requirements, you must demonstrate that you possess the entry level requirements under the Professional Capabilities Framework. This framework includes:

  • awareness of social context for social work practice,
  • self-awareness,
  • ability to develop rapport and potential to develop relevant knowledge,
  • skills and values through professional training.

  You will need to have had experience of working with people who are experiencing challenges. This can be through volunteering or in paid employment. This experience should be over a period of at least six months and have totalled at least 250 hours.

  All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

  • satisfactory health declaration
  • successful Occupational Health Screening
  • enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and
  • successful interview by the University.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £14,750

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2022/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £14,000

  Additional Costs

  Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.

  • Placements are located within a 65-mile radius of the University.
  • There is also a five day ‘shadow’ placement in the first year which may lead to you incurring additional transport costs.
  • Living away from home may incur additional accommodation costs.

  You are not required to purchase any textbooks as we endeavour to ensure that all necessary material is available for free in the University library or online.

  Social Work Bursary

  The Social Work degree course attracts a very limited number of Social Work bursaries, which you may be eligible to apply for at the start of your course. However, the number of these bursaries allocated are minimal and you should therefore make appropriate financial arrangements to support your study.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time social work degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• Interview Information

  After applying via UCAS and meeting the entry requirements, you will be invited to an interview. You will be interviewed by a panel which may consist of a social work academic, service users, carers and practitioners or other stakeholders.

  You will receive further information and the interview preparation instructions from us by email before your interview. If you have any questions, please email us at: interviews@northampton.ac.uk

  In preparation for your interview, you may want to look at:

  • The British Association of Social  Workers
  • The Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work
  • Definition of Social Work
  • The Community Care website.

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• FAQs

  What will I be taught?

  BA Social Work prepares you for professional social work practice by developing your practice skills and your skills and knowledge in working with other professions. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to develop a range of  communication skills through experiential teaching and learning facilitated by Service Users and Social Work Practitioners in readiness for direct practice. The course raises your political awareness and encourages you to be creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

  The Social Work subject team are committed to the International Federation of Social Workers definition of social work and the curriculum is informed by it.

  How will I learn?

  Our social work degree promotes an approach to learning that actively engages you with key issues and themes in Social Work practice. Teaching methods that are used on this course include group work, role play, individual skills development, enquiry-based learning, seminars and lectures.

  You will be able to incorporate your academic learning to two supervised and assessed placement learning opportunities. Over the three years you will experience a range of social work services and work with service users.

  How will I be assessed?

  Assessment of learning during the course takes many forms and covers both theory and practice. Each module is assessed against the learning outcomes for the module. The format of the assessments includes essays, posters, reports, presentation, and workbooks of evidence.

  There is only one exam in the course, a law exam in the first year. Second and third-year placements are assessed through portfolios. In your third year you will complete a dissertation.

  How will I be supported to develop my academic skills on the course?

  Throughout your programme of study you will have access to the Social Work Online Workbook. This workbook is designed to support you to:

  • improve your academic study skills;
  • develop your academic confidence;
  • gain a greater understanding of what is expected of you as you study for your degree;
  • learn more about how to learn, and develop greater autonomy as a learner.

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Careers and Employability

Employment prospects for Social Work university graduates are excellent and you will be able to pursue various social work careers across the country.

Successful graduates will need to apply to Social Work England for registration. As Social Worker is a protected title, you need to have this registration before you can practice as a social worker. Only those graduating from a social work course can apply for this.

If you leave the course before completion, you may be able to be awarded an intermediate award, but you will not be able to register as a social worker.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Successful completion of the BA social work degree could lead on to a postgraduate study.

Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees.

• MA Youth and Community Leadership
• MSc Public Health
• MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• MSc Counselling