BA Social Work

The BA Social Work degree programme, accredited by the General Social Care Council, introduces students to the range of social work theory, policy and practice. We aim to ensure that our students understand the theoretical foundations of social work, rooted in psychology and sociology; that they understand the social policy and legal context, especially the statutory provisions regarding child care, mental health and adult care; and that they are skilled in working with individuals, families, groups, fellow social workers and other professionals.

By the end of this programme you will have acquired the knowledge and skills to start work as a confident and competent 'beginning social worker'.

Teaching, Assessment and Feedback

Teaching methods are designed to provide an in-depth knowledge of Social Work, as well as developing the analytical, presentation, teamwork and communication skills sought by employers. The School employs a range of interesting and innovative teaching approaches and a careful balance of assessment methods including personal research projects and examination.

The academic year at UEA consists of two 12-week semesters, but on the social work programmes, attendance at University or on placement continues outside these dates. A typical Social Work degree module has two lectures and about one seminar per week. While lectures are attended by all students, seminars are held in smaller groups where you can interact more directly with the tutor and address any problems which have arisen.

Placement learning is central to social work education. Students on the BA Social Work course will spend approximately 200 days in practice-based learning, with placements undertaken with at least two different service user groups. We stress the role of personal tutors who will take an active interest in your development. Whilst on placement, you will work closely with a qualified 'practice educator', who will guide and assess your practice. University tutors maintain close links with students, and there are regular 'call back' days, when students return to the University to work on the links between theory and practice.

Career Opportunities

The School of Social Work works closely with the University Careers Centre and, together with the Schools Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to choose their career path and develop their employability skills.

The BA Social Work degree will equip students with a professional qualification and a body of knowledge and skills that will open a wide range of exciting, rewarding and challenging employment in human service professions. Skills you will acquire include:

• Communicating with service users, carers, colleagues and other professionals
• Understanding of human behaviour, social systems and welfare organisations
• Knowledge of legal responsibilities, powers and rights
• Assessing needs, risks, abilities and strengths
• Planning, providing, purchasing, co-ordinating and evaluating services
• Interdisciplinary and multi-agency working.

Many of our graduates will work in local authority children's services departments and adult services departments. However, there are many other options and social workers may be employed in a variety of settings - for example, in the voluntary sector (organisations like the NSPCC, Age UK, MIND), in schools, health trusts, hospitals, area-based programmes such as Ormiston, Connexions, Julian Support, and in private businesses (eg residential care for children or adults).

Social workers also have the opportunity to work with a wide range of service users and carers. They might undertake child protection work, work with young people in care, with care leavers, children with disabilities, foster carers or adopters, people with dementia, people with drug and alcohol addictions, or people with mental health problems. You will also encounter and work with a wide range of other professionals - teachers, health visitors, the police, doctors, psychiatrists and community nurses.

Course Organiser:Dr. Jane Dodsworth

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Entry Requirements A Level: BBB International Baccalaureate: 31 Scottish Advanced Highers: BBB (acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications Irish Leaving Certificate: BBBBBB Access Course: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 HND: Please contact swp.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for further information European Baccalaureate: 70% Entry Requirement

Candidates will be expected to have 3 A levels (see below for typical offer).

Candidates with equivalent qualifications to the A level requirement are encouraged to apply (eg International Baccalaureate; Access to Higher Education certificate). International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Students should have 5 GCSEs including English and Mathematics at grade C or above.

The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant and applications are actively encouraged from those who want to return to academic study.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 98 overall (minimum 20 in Listening component, 21 in Reading and Writing components and 22 in Speaking component)
• PTE: 70 overall (minimum 62 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

Applicants are requested to attend an interview prior to being offered a place on the course. The interview is expected to last about 45 minutes. The interview panel will consist of a University lecturer, a local Social Work practitioner or manager, and a person who uses Social Care Services or provides care and support to a family member/friend.

The interview will enable the panel to look at your personal background and circumstances, your understanding of Social Work and your suitability for the programme.

Applicants will also be required to write an essay of between 800 and 1000 words prior to the interview date. The essay topic is one chosen by the applicant, although it must be of current interest and relevant to social work. Full instructions for the essay will be sent to applicants with the invitation to interview.

Special Entry Requirements Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN: Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children
All applicants who have been offered a place to study the BA course will be required to obtain a fresh Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure.

An application pack will be sent from the University (this usually happens from April onwards). This should be completed and returned as soon as possible.

General information about this process can be obtained from the Criminal Records Bureau Website.

Experience

All applicants are required to have gained at least 6 months' experience of helping people and working with others in a Social Work/Social Care environment. This can be paid or voluntary work. On receiving your UCAS form, which will provide us with your academic reference, we will write to you requesting a second reference which should provide details of your ability in a caring/helping capacity.

Occupational Health Clearance

Applicants are required to provide evidence that they are of satisfactory physical and mental health.

Intakes

The course begins in September each year.

Assessment

Key factors used to assess an application include:

• Past and future achievement in examinations
• Academic interest in the subject
• Personal interests and extra-curricular activities
• The academic reference
• The paid/voluntary work experience reference (caring/helping capacity)
• The interview

All applications are considered on their own individual merits.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University of East Anglia will be charging International students £11,700 for all full-time School of Social Work undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.

University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

Further information on fees and funding for 2012 can be found here