BA (Hons) Social & Community Work

Combine the academic study of social sciences with the opportunity to apply your newfound skills and knowledge in the real world.

• You will study everything from criminology to mental health, youth work, and community development. You can also specialise in your areas of interest, such as youth justice, global youth work or international development.
• The degree is responsive to changes in the wider political and policy context, and places emphasis on working with communities in ways which empower them to understand and address the contradictory implications.
• Learn to critically engage with policy, particularly as it affects vulnerable people from a wide range of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• You will have opportunities for vocational experience and a foundation in a range of employment fields - the housing sector, mental health services, criminal justice, community development, working with young people and management responsibilities in the social and public sectors.
• It will equip you to work with people in a range of contexts or to qualify in your chosen field of interest at postgraduate level.
• You will consider a range of issues including race and racism, disability, and LGBT discrimination, among others.
• You will be challenged to learn about yourself and develop into a self-reflexive professional worker.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Andy Turner or Lara Paquete Pereira.

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: CC
BTEC: MPP
International Baccalaureate: Successful completion

If you can't find your qualification here, then please visit our entry requirements page for a list of alternative qualifications.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

This programme will give you a strong foundation for moving into a career in the public and social professions, and the charity sector. You will be given a broad introduction to work with young people and communities without restricting to a career and combine academic study with placements in professional practice to equip you for your chosen profession.

The programme is also a gateway into social work, youth work, community work, other social care and public professions.

Postgraduate study

You will be well equipped to work with people in a range of contexts or to qualify in your chosen field of interest at MA level. The Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies (STaCS) offers a guaranteed interview for all graduates of this programme who meet the entry requirements for selected MA programmes in Community Development, Youth Work, and a range of Counselling and Therapies programmes.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.