Social Work BA (Hons)

Ready to make a difference? Train as a social worker to help people and their families. With support from our experienced team and visiting lecturers which include social workers currently in practice, you’ll prepare for this rewarding role and gain eligibility to register with Social Work England.

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, plus GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). No specific subjects are required but it is desirable to have studied Psychology or Sociology.

Applications will also be considered if you have 112 UCAS Tariff points and are from an under-represented group in Higher Education – that is: have caring responsibilities, considerable work experience, or are a care leaver. If you meet one or more of these widening participation criteria and can demonstrate that you have the desire or prior experience that is relevant to working with vulnerable children and families, or adults in social care, we will consider your application on an individual basis.

Eligible social work degree candidates must provide evidence of study within the three years prior to application. Alternatively, you should have some relevant paid or unpaid experience and be able both to evidence this and relate it to social work as an activity with due regard for appropriate values, and an understanding of the nature of social work in contemporary society. You should recognise the perspective of people who use services, their families and carers and have a clear commitment to becoming a social worker.

An interview forms part of the selection process.

If you are called for interview you will be assessed by a pre-prepared short presentation and an individual interview with emphasis on the ability to communicate with others/group-based skills. The interview will be conducted by a member of the academic team and a colleague with lived experience.

You will be expected to demonstrate the following general attributes aligned to the BASW PCF Level at the point of entry to training:

• Professional attitude
• Commitment to complete the degree and work as a social worker
• Commitment to equality and diversity
• Good communication skills including competence in written and spoken English
• Understanding of the social work role.

International students are encouraged to apply and are subject to the same processes as other candidates, with the addition of IELTS and visa requirements etc.

RP(E)L arrangements: If you are wishing to transfer from other institutions or programmes through RP(E)L, you will be considered for admission against the following criteria:

• Prior learning at the appropriate currency to demonstrate that you meet the necessary pre-requisites for study at the level required
• Adequate levels of achievement in order to succeed at the level required.

RP(E)L in respect of practice learning is not permitted under any circumstances for anyone applying to start the programme. However, in exceptional circumstances, you may apply to transfer from one UK, SWE approved undergraduate/qualifying programme to another, having already successfully completed practice learning requirements. In such circumstances, you must provide signed, verifiable practice learning documentation to evidence that all comparable practice requirements have been successfully completed, via the appropriate process and referral to the Practice Issues/RP(E)L panel. In addition, you will need to submit a short, written piece before the formal interview as a means of assessing comprehension etc, and to ascertain your possession of basic IT skills.

Social work is a regulated profession and you will be required to adhere to the standards set out by the regulator regarding Conduct & Ethics and Health & Character, while also adhering to other codes of professional conduct.

If you accept an offer of a place from Edge Hill University, you will be required to complete a Declaration of Suitability for Social Work. This is a Social Work England requirement where you must demonstrate fitness to practise in relation to your conduct, health and character. It includes applying for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

International students require IELTS 7.0, with a score no lower than 6.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, our Pre-Sessional English course might be for you.

Fair Entry Criteria

Our new Fair Entry Criteria is a Contextual Admissions Policy that takes an applicant’s personal and educational background into account. This policy will allow eligible applicants to receive up to a two-grade reduction in their entry requirements for this course. Find out more and see if you qualify.

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