BSc (Hons) Social Work

Discover how, on this social work course, you can empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive in their communities. Explore essential skills in law, partnership working, and mental health, and be prepared to make a real difference.

Typical offer: 120–128
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: L500
Course length: three years
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36

The Janice Ann McNaughton Bursary.

£3,000 (paid in the first year of study) is awarded every year to two first year students studying on this course. Students are eligible to apply if they are care-leavers or care-experienced students aged 18-24. If the cohort does not include two students who meet the above criteria, students under the age of 25 who are the first in their family to attend university may be considered. Applicants must fill in a short application form.

Find out more about scholarships, grants and bursaries

1st in the East of England for social work (Complete University Guide, 2026)

5th in the UK for social work (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

91% satisfaction for learning opportunities (NSS, 2024)¹

Course overview

On this social work course, you will learn to collaborate effectively with service users, their families, and various organisations, including the police, NHS, and schools, to create comprehensive support networks that facilitate positive change and promote well-being. This course covers subjects such as law, partnership working, assessment and interventions, social science, mental health, disabilities, and families and children.

You will engage in diverse placements, developing practical skills in assessment, intervention, and advocacy to effectively address social issues and improve well-being. Plus, you will have the opportunity gain valuable hands-on experience through work placements, preparing you for a successful career in social work.

Why choose this course?

Studying BSc (Hons) Social Work at Herts will provide you with the skills, insights, and confidence required to succeed in social work.

Industry regulation: Social work is a regulated profession and completing a BSc (Hons) Social Work degree leads to eligibility to apply to the Social Work England Register and practise as a social worker in England.

Benefit from group projects: Throughout the social work course you will have the opportunity to work in group setting that encourages collaboration and growth. An emphasis on small group practice prepares you for practice in a modern multi-professional workforce.

Interactive learning in and out of the classroom: Academic teaching is supported by social work practitioners from the newly constituted Teaching Partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and the Tavistock and Portman Foundation Trust, service users, and carers enabling you to link theory to practice throughout the programme.

Strong employment prospects: 98% of Herts health and social care undergraduates are in work/study (Graduate Outcomes, 2024)².

Professional accreditations

Social Work England Register

Social work is a regulated profession. The BSc (Hons) Social Work degree leads to eligibility to apply to the Social Work England Register and practise as a social worker in England.

Your future career

An impressive 98% of Herts health and social care undergraduates are in work/study (Graduate Outcomes, 2024)².

Typical areas of work for social work graduates include:

social worker
education mental health practitioner
family support worker
social worker
carer
community development worker.

After successful completion of your studies, you will be eligible to register as a social worker with Social Work England. You will also be qualified to work in the wide range of statutory, private and voluntary agencies that employ social workers.

What you'll study

Throughout this social work degree, you will benefit from a combination of theoretical and practical experience.

In your first year of your BSc Social Work degree, you will undertake modules which provide core knowledge and skills, including human development across the lifespan, working with diverse communities and service users, key methods and interventions and the policy and legislation which underpins practice. You will develop the fundamentals critical thinking and research skills, enabling you to reflect on practice and enhance your understanding of social work.

In your second year, you will deepen your understanding of social work principles and enhance your practical skills through a combination of theoretical and experiential learning. Your learning will be supported by a total of 170 placement days and 30 skills development days that will take place in the second year of study.

In your third year of the social work degree, you will refine your skills and knowledge, preparing you for a successful career in social work through advanced learning and practical application. Your placement and skills development days will continue in the third year of study. Each placement will allow you to learn in a practical setting while receiving support and feedback form experienced practitioners.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
The Enquiring Practitioner	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will provide students with an understanding of the development of social work practice and training. It will demonstrate the relationship between social sciences, sociological perspectives and social work. The module provides a focus on academic skills such as the different types of academic writing e.g. descriptive and reflective writing, and professional writing needs. Further preparation for academic writing skills includes referencing, citations, and quotations, note-taking, summarising and paraphrasing text. How to avoid plagiarism, collusion, and using Turnitin is also provided. Finally, email etiquette, use of social media and principles of peer assessment are considered. Aligned with SWE Professional Standards 3.5/3.10/4.1/4.6/4.8
Human Growth and Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
Throughout the module, the significance of different research methods employed by a range of developmental psychologists will be underlined and discussed. The empirical nature of developmental psychology will be stressed, and students will be expected to understand the difference between theory and evidence. Students will engage in observational opportunities and deliver presentations related to the application of developmental theories to explain human development from differing perspectives. Normative and affected development in humans will be explored through seminars, small groups and some online lecture presentations. Socio−economic factors, parenting and learning environments will be explored throughout the module. Links will be made with social work practice in the contexts of safeguarding, preventative approaches and promoting wellbeing of those at different stages in the life course. Aligned with SWE Professional Standards 1.7/3.14
Theories and Methods 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will address the social work theories and methods that underpin social work practice in a range of statutory, private, voluntary, and independent settings, both in the UK and abroad. This includes: task centred work, crisis intervention, person centred approaches, behavioural methods, solution focused approaches, systems approaches, assessment, group- work and community work. Current policy and practice will be explored, including working with children and adults in areas such as safeguarding, mental health, domestic violence, drugs, and alcohol. This module prepares students for their first placement when they will have the opportunity to apply the theories/interventions they have learnt. Classroom simulation will be applied during sessions to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to real world scenarios in preparation for their first placement and future practice. Professional practitioners, service users and carers will be included in the design, and delivery of this module. Aligned with SWE Professional Standards 3.2/3.10/4.5/4.6/4.7
Skills for Practice 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module content will support students to develop their understanding of key social work principles and techniques that they can draw upon to establish professional relationships with people across a range of diverse user groups. Formative tasks such as community work, presentations, communicating at various levels, interviews, interaction with individual service users and carers will allow opportunity for students to practice and develop essential people skills at a basic level. Students will be able to evaluate their practice through feedback and self−reflection. Application of observational and theoretical knowledge to role play, problem−based scenarios, group and case work situations to demonstrate their understanding of interventions that empower and promote partnership approaches to working with vulnerable people. Opportunities to demonstrate their professional and reflective written skills and improve their organisational and administration aptitude. Professionals from practice, service users and carers will be involved in the design, delivery and assessment of this module. Aligned to SWE Professional Standards 1.7/2.2/2.3/2.4/2.5/2.6/3.8/3.13/3.14/4.1/4.3/4.5/4.7/5.2/5.3/5.4/6.1
Law and Policy 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce the students to the relevant law in social work practice, the law applicable for their stage of study and preparation for placement. Students will explore the English legal system, the relationship between law and social work, human rights, anti−discrimination law, confidentiality, data protection, mental capacity, consent, mental health and child protection law. Social Policy will include Adults Social Work (to support with the teaching of the adults safeguarding). Children and Families Social Policy (to support with the teaching of children's safeguarding) Introduction into sociological theories (to introduce students to a critical approach to law and social policy). Support students to develop the ability to think sociologically about dilemmas and issues in society. Introduce students to evidence-based approaches to tackle social problems. Exploring how social problems are measured and understood in the context of social policy. Aligned to SWE Professional Standards 1.2/1.5/1.6/2.2/2.6/3.1/3.5/3.14/4.4/5.5
Inter-Professional Practice for Social Workers	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to give students the opportunity to work in multi−professional groups in order to improve understanding of a range of professional roles and encourage co−operative learning and working. The rationale for and benefits of inter−professional working are explored. Learning will be through multi−professional group seminars and tutorials that require students to access and gather appropriate data from a range of sources and apply this to a series of practice− based, simulated scenarios and exercises. The professions include occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Aligned with SWE Professional Standards 1.4/2.5/3.6

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Ethics, Values and Anti-Discriminatory Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide students with opportunities to develop and explore their understanding and of diversity ethics and values in social work, recognising professional responsibilities and reflecting on personal values. It will expose students to the historical evolution, political context and global influences on social work ethics. Use of theoretical considerations and knowledge to develop models for understanding forms of disadvantage, exclusion, discrimination and oppression. There is opportunity to create strategies for developing anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive social work practice. Through critically exploring personal values, ethics and moral concepts whilst making links to social work practice. Philosophical thinking will be explored in order to develop wider thinking of context and issues of worth whilst identifying the considerable dilemmas for professionals within the field. Sociological considerations will be addressed in order for students to identify with wider societal perspectives. The module will draw on service user led teaching. Aligned with SWE professional standards 1.1/1.2/1.5/1.6/3.1/3.7/3.15
Skills for Practice 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
Building on the foundational skills developed in the first year of study and practice placement, this module will prepare students for working in situations of increased complexity, in preparation for their final placement. Students will have the opportunity to consolidate their skills across a range of areas, in an environment that is of a reduced risk for students and service users. Students will develop sophisticated communication skills to work with challenge and resistance; students will analyse information to assess needs, risk and harm; students will build skills to safeguard and affect change using a range of methods; and students will develop their understanding of the authority of the social work role and the use of the law in practice. The curriculum for this module will complement the areas of study in Practice Contexts. Aligned to SWE Professional Standards 1.3/1.4/1.7/2.3/2.4/3.1/3.3/3.4/3.5/3.7/3.15
Practice Contexts 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
Social workers help people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems. This module introduces the range of contexts in which social work is practiced. Students will consider the role of the social worker in these settings and examine how this affects intervention. The module will explore theories of intervention, skills and values, underpinned by exploration of the research base that informs best practice. Aligned with SWE Professional Standards 1.3/1.4/3.2/3.5
Law and Policy 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
A research−tutored approach will encourage students to evaluate certain contemporary social problems and the importance of the policy frameworks in informing social work knowledge and interventions in these 'problem' areas. A research−informed and research−tutored approach will enable students to develop a research−based approach to the assessment for this module and crucially, a research−based approach to social work practice. The importance of obtaining and using legal practice is instilled within the law teaching together with an understanding of the centrality of legality to decision−making. Aligned to SWE Professional Standards 1.5/1.6/1.7/2.4/3.1/3.5/3.14/4.4
Practice Learning 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will support students to identify the theories and interventions that support social work practice in a range of statutory, private, voluntary, and independent settings. This includes task centred work, crisis intervention, person centred, behavioural, solution focused, and systemic approaches, assessment, group−work and community work. Current policy and evidence−based practice in relation to a range of social work settings will be explored, including safeguarding adults and children, mental health, domestic violence, substance misuse and working with older adults. During the first placement students will have the opportunity to put into practice the theories they have learnt in year one and from the various taught modules. They will gain experience of supervision with qualified social workers and have the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the social work role, knowledge, values and skills. Professional practitioners, service users and carers are expected to be involved in the design, provision and delivery of the module. Aligned to SWE Professional Standards 1.7/2.5/3.6/3.10/4.3/6.3

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Research-Informed Practice	45 Credits	Compulsory
This module will enable an understanding of a rationale for a research proposal. Provide writing skills for a research proposal. Develop critical appraisal of literature, evaluation of research methodology and methods. Introduce students to research ethics in social work and applied social science research. Aligned to SWE Professional Standards 4.2
Practice Contexts 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
Building on the knowledge base from Practice Contexts 1 this module will explore the ways in which social workers manage complex and conflicting needs. Students will consider the legal and ethical dilemmas which are experienced in practice as social workers respond to complexity in their work. Students will integrate new theoretical knowledge to identify best practice and respond creatively to need and risk. Aligned with SWE Professional Standards 1.2/1.6/1.7/3.1/3.2/3.6

What if I need support?

You will have a personal tutor to guide you throughout your course, all the way to graduation. If you need additional support during your time with us, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you will have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.

Where you'll study

Your main campus is College Lane. This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, doctors, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus bar or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

Who you'll learn from

The programme is taught through face-to-face classroom-based learning and practice-based learning where students have the support of a practice assessor. This is complemented by a virtue learning environment (Canvas on StudyNet) and small group tutorial support. You will be taught by lecturers who constantly develop their own knowledge through research, publications, and other scholarly activities, and crucially by experienced social work practitioners, service users and carers.

You will be taught by our team of highly qualified academics, experienced in the field of social work. Additionally, you have access to an academic support team, a well-being team, and a personal tutor who will help you navigate university learning and living. Working together, your teaching and support team is committed to assisting you in realising and achieving your full potential.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	120–128
Typical A Level offer	BBB–ABB
Typical IB offer	120–128 From a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).
Typical BTEC offer	DDM Mandatory subjects: Extended Diploma in a health or social care related subject.
Typical T Level offer	120–128 UCAS points Accepted subjects: Healthcare Science (minimum of merit with grade B required in core component); Health (minimum of merit with grade B required in core component); Science (minimum of merit with grade B required in core component).
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and 3/D Mathematics.
Access courses	Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3. Of the 45 credits at level 3, the combination of pass/merit/distinctions must equate to 112 UCAS points. Candidates without GCSE maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must complete equivalents contained within the Access course (normally 6 level 2 credits in numeracy and 6 in literacy).
Additional information	All offers are subject to an interview, enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health (OH) Screening on commencement of the programme. Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band or accepted OS qualification at grade C or above. (No PSE allowed). If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	120
Typical A Level offer	BBB
Typical IB offer	120 Mandatory subjects: A minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).
Typical BTEC offer	DDM Mandatory subjects: Extended Diploma in a health or social care related subject.
Typical T Level offer	120–128 UCAS points Accepted T levels: Healthcare Science (minimum of merit with grade B required in core component); Health (minimum of merit with grade B required in core component); Science (minimum of merit with grade B required in core component).
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and 3/D Mathematics.
Access courses	Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3. Of the 45 credits at level 3, the combination of pass/merit/distinctions must equate to 112 UCAS points. Candidates without GCSE maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must complete equivalents contained within the Access course (normally 6 level 2 credits in numeracy and 6 in literacy).
Additional information	All offers are subject to an interview, enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health (OH) Screening on commencement of the programme. Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band or accepted OS qualification at grade C or above. (No PSE allowed). If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2026	Full time	Apply via UCAS
September 2026	Part time	Apply with Herts
September 2027	Full time	Apply via UCAS
September 2027	Part time	Apply with Herts

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

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Our Clearing hotline is open for support, Monday - Thursday 9.00-16.45 and Friday 9.00-15.45. You can apply online at any time.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,790 for the 2026/2027 academic year
UK students	Part time	£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU students	Part time	£2,180 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year
International students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year
International students	Part time	£2,180 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Social Work - Part time, Sem A	Download PDF
BSc (Hons) Social Work - Full time, Sem A	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

BSc (Hons) Social Work

Discover how, on this social work course, you can empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive in their communities. Explore essential skills in law, partnership working, and mental health, and be prepared to make a real difference.

What type of applicant are you?

Sign up for Clearing VIP Access

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Typical offer: 120–128

Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)

UCAS code: L500

Course length: three years

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Scholarships available on this course

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Social Work England Register

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate courses and degrees

Experience

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield