Social Work BA

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB. General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

GCSE: GCSEs: Five GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (Language or Literature) and mathematics. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C. Courses requiring a higher grade in GCSE maths or English may not accept Level 2 Functional Skills in its place. Please check with the course admissions team before applying.

Other course specific tests:

• In your application, you will need to show evidence of study in the last five years.
• You are also required to provide an academic reference, which includes a statement which attests to your character and good standing, and suitability to enter the profession for which you have applied.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. All successful applicants will also need to pass disclosure and barring screening. The University has a policy statement on students with criminal records. For the vast majority of students who are resident in the UK the record will be checked via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The DBS check can only include background checks on your time in the UK. A criminal record check from other countries in addition to the UK DBS check may be required. Abroad this may be referred to as a "Certificate of Good Conduct" (CoGC), but the name varies.
• What prospective students / candidates should demonstrate at the point of entry to Social Work programmes are examples of the 'competence standards' from the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). During our interview process we explore these capabilities with candidates through their communication, group participation, knowing yourself, and awareness of the wider society context as well as the Social Work role itself. It is important that you look through these to assure yourself and us that you can demonstrate your awareness of this professional and at times difficult role which you are interested in applying for. For example, candidates have to complete a group task in which they discuss a short video shown during the interview process, where you will be required to speak within a small online group and contribute towards the discussion, which will be assessed (along with the written task and individual interview). Here are the 'point of entry' PCFs which apply to the level you are currently at. There are other higher levels which you are welcome to look through to see how your abilities will be expected to develop - but these are the important PCFs for before you apply.
• Occupational health assessment. Any offer of a place to study Social Work BA is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment, which will include a health questionnaire, and if necessary further telephone consultation and/or an appointment with an occupational health clinician. Screening for serious communicable disease, (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and a review of immunisation status and needs, which includes COVID-19, will also be arranged before beginning your studies.

You can find out more about our application and interview process on our Applicant Journey page.

International Baccalaureate