Social Work, BSc (Hons)

Accredited by Social Care Cymru

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Make a difference to the lives of people and communities

Key Course Details

3 Year Full Time

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

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 9,000

Accredited by Social Care Cymru

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 Cymru 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 £28,000. Salaries for senior practitioners and team managers range from £33,000 to £45,000.

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
Undertaking and Using Social Work Research for Practice	September-January	20	ASQ103
Human Growth and Development	September-January	20	ASQ104

Optional Modules

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

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

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Social Work Services in a Diverse Society: Ethics, Values and Anti-Discriminatory Practice	January-June	20	ASQ102
Gwasanaethau Gwaith Cymdeithasol mewn Cymdeithas Amrywiol: Moeseg, Gwerthoedd a Gwrth-wahaniaethol	January-June	20	ASQ102W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Introduction to Social Work Law	January-June	10	ASQ105
Cyflwyniad i Gyfraith Gwaith Cymdeithasol	January-June	10	ASQ105W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Social Work in Practice 1	January-June	20	ASQ106
Gwaith Cymdeithasol yn ymarfer 1	January-June	20	ASQ106W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practice Learning Level 1	January-June	10	SW-101
Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 1	January-June	10	SW-101W

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Theories and Perspectives in Social Work	September-January	20	ASQ201
Damcaniaethau a Safbwyntiau mewn Gwaith Cymdeithasol	September-January	20	ASQ201W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Social Work in Practice 2	September-January	20	ASQ202
Gwaith cymdeithasol ar waith 2	September-January	20	ASQ202W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Legal issues in Social Work and Social Care	September-January	20	ASQ204
Materion cyfreithiol mewn Gwaith Cymdeithasol a Gofal	September-January	20	ASQ204W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practice Learning Level 2	January-June	40	SW-201
Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 2	January-June	40	SW-201W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Preparation for Practice Learning Level 2	September-January	20	SW-202
Paratoi ar gyfer Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 2	September-January	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	20	ASQ301
Critical Practice in Adult Community Care	September-January	20	ASQ302
Applying Knowledge to Enhance Practice	September-June	20	ASQ309

Optional Modules

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Practice Learning Level 3	September-June	40	SW-301
Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 3	September-June	40	SW-301W

AND

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Preparation for Practice Learning Level 3	September-January	20	SW-302
Paratoi ar gyfer Dysgu Ymarfer Lefel 3	September-January	20	SW-302W

Entry Requirements

Currently, we require 104 UCAS points.

A-levels/Welsh Baccalaureate*: Minimum BCC

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

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

Alternative Requirements

Access Diploma: For Distinction and Merit profile contact should contact the Admissions Tutor Joanne Pye or Rhael Thorton via swadmissions@swansea.ac.uk
BTEC: DDM
Irish leaving certificate: 330
International Baccalaureate: 33-34 points

Other

Applicants are required to have undertaken over 300 hours of direct social care work

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 offers 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 Academic Mentor.
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 Cymru

Meet Your Lecturers

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2022	£ 9,000	N/A
September 2023	£ 9,000	N/A

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

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.

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 academic mentor, 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 colleges. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as China, Zambia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

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.

Important Information for Welsh Speakers

There is a Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol scholarship available to Welsh speakers of up to £3000.

There is also a bursary of up to £400 in the first year of a BSc and another bursary of up to £400 in the following years.

You can request an interview in Welsh with Miriam Leigh or you can request a bilingual interview to enquire about the bursary.

For more information on the bursary, see the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol website and go to ‘Ysgoloriaethau’.

There is also information on the Swansea University App called Arwain which contains all relevant information provided by Academi Hywel Teifi.