Social Work, BSc (Hons)

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Key Course Details

UCAS Code: L500
Mode of Study: Blended Study
Typical Offer (view equivalents): BCC
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 9,535

3 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: L500
Mode of Study: Blended Study
Typical Offer: BCC - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 17,650

Course Overview

If you want a career where you can make a real, positive difference to the lives of people and communities in vulnerable circumstances, then our Social Work degree is the ideal springboard.

This professionally accredited course will give you the academic knowledge and practical experience to begin a career as a registered social worker.

You will spend half of your time on placement with social work agencies, learning through observation and practice, and the other half being taught on our Singleton Park campus.

You will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to communicate your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.

Why Social Work at Swansea University?

Our course is accredited by Social Care Wales and recognised by the regulatory bodies in the other UK nations, so on completion, you can register as a qualified social worker.

We have very good links with social services agencies in south and west Wales, and in local authority and voluntary sectors, offering placements in a range of settings.

You can study some modules through the medium of Welsh and may be eligible for internal scholarships or financial support through Coleg Cymraeg.

Your Social Work experience

Being based in the School of Health and Social Care, Wales’s largest provider of healthcare education, you will be immersed in a dynamic research and learning environment with many opportunities to build links with students from related disciplines.

Social Work Careers

As a newly qualified social worker, you can expect a starting salary of around £36,648. Senior practitioners and team managers can earn up to £52,516.

As a Social Work graduate, you will also be well placed to pursue further study or research.

Modules

This is a tightly structured degree comprising compulsory modules. In your first year, you will have a comprehensive introduction to social work in practice, conducting and using effective research, and law in relation to social work. As you progress, you will build on this knowledge, along with studying theories and perspectives on social work.

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human Growth and Development	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ104
Undertaking and Using Social Work Research for Practice	January-June (TB2)	20	ASQ103

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Introduction to Social Work	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ101
Cyflwyniad i Waith Cymdeithasol	The College - Autumn Term (Sep - Dec)	20	ASQ101W

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Social Work Services in a Diverse Society: Ethics, Values and Anti-Discriminatory Practice	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ102
Gwasanaethau Gwaith Cymdeithasol mewn Cymdeithas Amrywiol: Moeseg, Gwerthoedd a Gwrth-wahaniaethol	January-June (TB2)	20	ASQ102W

AND

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Introduction to Social Work Law	January-June (TB2)	10	ASQ105
Cyflwyniad i Gyfraith Gwaith Cymdeithasol	January-June (TB2)	10	ASQ105W

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Social Work in Practice 1	January-June (TB2)	20	ASQ106
Gwaith Cymdeithasol yn ymarfer 1	January-June (TB2)	20	ASQ106W

AND

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practice Learning Level 1	January-June (TB2)	10	SW-101
Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 1	January-June (TB2)	10	SW-101W

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

None found.

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Theories and Perspectives in Social Work	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ201
Damcaniaethau a Safbwyntiau mewn Gwaith Cymdeithasol	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ201W

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Social Work in Practice 2	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ202
Gwaith cymdeithasol ar waith 2	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ202W

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Legal issues in Social Work and Social Care	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ204
Materion cyfreithiol mewn Gwaith Cymdeithasol a Gofal	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ204W

AND

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practice Learning Level 2	January-June (TB2)	40	SW-201
Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 2	January-June (TB2)	40	SW-201W

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Preparation for Practice Learning Level 2	September-January (TB1)	20	SW-202
Paratoi ar gyfer Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 2	September-January (TB1)	20	SW-202W

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Critical Practice in Child Care	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ301
Applying Knowledge to Enhance Practice	September-June (TB1+2)	20	ASQ309

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practice Learning Level 3	September-June (TB1+2)	40	SW-301
Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 3	September-June (TB1+2)	40	SW-301W

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Preparation for Practice Learning Level 3	September-January (TB1)	20	SW-302
Paratoi ar gyfer Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 3	September-January (TB1)	20	SW-302W

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Critical Practice in Adult Community Care	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ302
Ymarfer critigol mewn Gofal yn y gydag i Oedolion	September-January (TB1)	20	ASQ302W

Entry Requirements

Currently, we require 104 UCAS points.

A-levels/Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales*: Minimum BCC

GCSE Grade A*- C, in English/ Welsh or the equivalent Key Skills 2 qualifications.

*We welcome applications from Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Diploma students. Requirements are as for A-levels where you can substitute the same non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Core Grade.

Alternative Requirements

Access Diploma: For Distinction and Merit profile contact, please email our admissions team via swadmissions@swansea.ac.uk
BTEC: DDM
Irish leaving certificate: 330
International Baccalaureate: 33-34 points

All applicants will need a satisfactory educational and practice-related reference.

You will need appropriate personal and intellectual qualities; sufficient relevant experience of social care that you can demonstrate the values and basic skills that correspond to those generally expected of social workers; have an understanding of the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care ; and be able to understand and communicate effectively in written and spoken English or Welsh. On entry, you will also need to register with Social Care Wales as a student social worker.

Applicants who meet the entry requirements and selection criteria will be invited to interview, which may take place in person or via telephone/video call. Our Interview Tips explain more about what to expect.

If you are successful at interview, any offer of a place will be conditional upon a satisfactory DBS/police check or equivalent from your home country as well as an occupational health declaration and assessment prior to starting your studies. Further details will be provided if you receive an offer.

Any concerns arising from these may be considered at the School of Health and Social Care’s Professional Suitability and Fitness to Practise Panel and may result in admission to the programme being withdrawn.

How You're Taught

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

During your degree, you will have 33 hours of teaching contact time for each 20 credit module. We teach through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Practice is an integral part of the course with 50% of the course, or 200 days, spent in practice with social work agencies, where you will have the opportunity to learn through observation, rehearsal and performance.

We assess your learning through written essays, oral presentations, group work tasks, IT-based exercises and portfolio work.

Practice placements are assessed by a combination of written work and professional assessments using the National Occupational Standards for Social Work.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh. Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

Professional Body Accreditation

Social Care Wales

Meet Your Lecturers

Dr Tracey Maegusuku-Hewitt
Dr Paul Rees
Dr Wahida Kent
Dr Jo Pye
Beth Pearl
Carla Dewitt
Dr Clive Diaz
Allison Hulmes
Dr Christian Beech

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	£ 9,000	N/A
September 2025	£ 9,535	£ 17,650

Fees for full time undergraduate UK students may increase in subsequent years of study in line with the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government

Fees for full time Undergraduate International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Social Care Wales - Social Work Bursary:

Choosing to follow your passion for healthcare could pay.

You may be eligible for a Social Care Wales Social Work Bursary of £11,250 (£3,750 a year for three years) To find out more about this and other financial support available, go to the Social Care Wales website.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants will be invited to interview and interviews for this course take place via Zoom. Check out our Interview Tips for more information on what to expect

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.