BA (Honours) Social Work

"There's a real sense of community between students and lecturers. Studying social work can be quite demanding but rewarding at the same time. The practice placements make it all worthwhile."
Liane McGovern, from Middlesbrough, 2nd year student - BA Social Work, University of Dundee

What is it about?

Social workers' day-to-day work supporting individuals, families and communities is fundamental to the operation of successful, just and participative societies. At the University of Dundee, we approach social work from a social justice perspective, always aware of issues of human rights and of the disadvantages many people encounter in our society.

Social workers are often involved in complex and sometimes difficult situations. They are also involved in rewarding and meaningful work. At the University of Dundee you will learn the skills to equip you to successfully work with the wide range of social problems encountered in social work settings as well as the skills to engage far more widely with people in all sorts of circumstances.

Our programme draws heavily on the expertise of users of social work services and carers, as well as wider stakeholders such as local authority, third and private sector staff. Users of social work services inform many aspects of the programme including recruitment, teaching and assessment.

Our exciting and vibrant 4 year honours degree programme is endorsed by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and on successful completion of the programme you will graduate with a professionally recognised qualification allowing you to work in, and beyond, any social work setting.

Our programme offers a range of practice learning opportunities in various settings and with various service-user groups including children and families, offenders, older adults, people with physical and learning disabilities, people with mental ill health and people who misuse substances. Students often tell us that the learning and experience they gain from practice learning remains with them forever.

Within the university setting, you will engage in collaborative group work, with colleagues from social work and other disciplines, traditional lectures, tutorials and seminars and have abundant opportunities for rigorous, lively, and challenging discussion and debate!

Who is it for?

• Do you enjoy working with people?
• Do you care about living in a just and fair society?
• Do you want to help people who are struggling with life's challenges?
• Do you believe that people have potential and can make successful changes?
• Are you unafraid of challenging, complex and emotional situations?

If your answer is 'yes', then the BA (Hons) in Social Work might well be for you! You need to be able to analyse situations and to recognise complexity and competing tensions - and be able to see the world not as black or white but in shades of grey where problems and solutions are not always straightforward. Social workers are employed in many different settings, and the profession needs people from all walks of life.

How is it delivered?

The programme is delivered on a full-time basis. You will spend time both on campus and in practice settings, learning in a variety of different ways. You will be expected to be a self-directed learner - using our library facilities, reading, thinking and managing your varied personal and professional commitments. Strong emphasis is placed on supporting students through these four demanding yet fulfilling years.

To apply

To apply for entry, you will require Highers at ABB or BBBC, or an HNC in Social Care. Please see our webpage for other variations in acceptable entry requirements and details about direct entry into year 2.

How do I obtain further information?

Further information is available on the Social Work (BA Hons) prospectus page. Or you can contact:

Avril Bowe
Tel: +44 (0)1382 381469
Email: a.bowe@dundee.ac.uk