Social Work

Why study Social Work at Dundee?

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, voluntary agency and private agency staff. Users of social work inform many aspects of the programme such as assessment and also work alongside lecturers to deepen your understanding of their needs.

Alongside developing knowledge, understanding, skills and abilities, the programme will provide you with an underpinning knowledge about ethical theory and will stimulate discussion and reflection on your own ethics.

There is a strong commitment within the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education to provide you with experience of working with other caring professions. You will be offered a strong inter-professional thread throughout the four years of the degree, including practice learning opportunities within inter-professional settings. The worth of this approach has been formally recognised by the award of a university prize for innovation.

What's so good about Social Work at Dundee?

Practical Experience

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.

Professional Accreditation

This programme is accredited by The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and is recognised by all the UK social work registering bodies.

Degree Combinations

• BA Social Work

Teaching & Assessment

This degree course is based in the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education.

A variety of teaching methods is used throughout the programme and the emphasis is on experience and participation.

Careers

The Times Good University Guide 2012 rated our social work programme as first out of the seven social work programmes in Scotland for graduates finding graduate level employment and/or further study.

• We have very strong links to local agency partners who provide us with Practice Learning Opportunities for students.
• We have a clear focus on looking ahead to finding employment in the final year.
• We have a reputation for producing good quality graduates.
• We collaborate closely with our Service Users and Carers group. Service users and carers are involved in the selection of students, in teaching and in many other aspects of the programme.

The current need for qualified social workers means that the vast majority of graduates find attractive posts within a short time of leaving university. You may find that you can secure employment within one of your placement agencies in advance of finishing your studies. Dundee graduates in recent years have risen to the highest professional levels in social work and related agencies.

Since social workers are employed in a wide range of community and group care settings, providing services for most social groups, there is scope to pursue a career in line with your particular interests. The programme provides you with a generic qualification which will allow you to work across all social work contexts.

Postgraduate Study

Some graduates have continued their studies with us at postgraduate level, studying one of a range of social work programmes on offer.

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Selection Notes

1. All successful applicants may be interviewed.
2. A PVG Scheme Disclosure Scotland Criminal Records check will be conducted along with registration with SSSC prior to final acceptance.
3. Experience of voluntary or paid work in social care or a related field is very desirable.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABB/BBBC
GCE A-Level	AB/CCC
ILC Higher	BBBC
IB Diploma	29 points (including 5, 5, 4 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	A literate subject (SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level) and Plus Mathematics at Standard Grade (grade 2), Intermediate 2 (grade C), GCSE (grade B), ILC Ordinary (grade A), IB Subsidiary Level (grade 5)
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC plus a relevant Mathematics qualification
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with CC at Advanced Higher with a literate subject at Higher C or above and Mathematics at Standard Grade 2 or Intermediate 2 at B.
SWAP Access Programmes	Relevant subjects with ABB grades to include English Literature/Language at SCQF Level 6 and Mathematics at Intermediate 2 grade C.
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DMM
Advanced Diploma	Grade C with an ASL A-Level in a literate subject at C and Mathematics at GCSE grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with CC at A-Level including a literate subject. Mathematics at GCSE grade B.
Relevant Access courses considered individually
All Applicants must meet the minimum Mathematics requirement for the course.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Advanced Entry (to Levels 2 and 3)

Direct entry to Levels 2 and 3 of the programme may be considered where the applicant can provide evidence of the appropriate level of qualifications and experience. This would be discussed at the point of application.

Disability

Further information on literacy/disability

Before taking forward your application for either of the social work courses at the University of Dundee, prospective students should consider the following information:

We are preparing graduate social workers to practise in any social work setting and, as such, there are some competence standards which all graduates must meet. These competence standards are required by the Scottish Social Services Council in relation to the Standards in Social Work Education and students can be supported to achieve them by a range of University services such as Disability Services, Counselling Service, Academic Achievement Teaching Unit, tutor support etc. The final work produced, however, must meet the required competence standards for the course and will be assessed as such.

All reasonable adjustments will be made to enable disabled students to have the same opportunity as their non-disabled peers to meet the required standards.

Examples of key skills/competence standards:

1. Clear and correct written expression
2. Ability to cope with a level of stress commensurate with social work practice
3. Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and precisely

If you have any questions about the level of support you can receive, please contact the following University Services:

• Disability Services
• Academic Achievement Teaching Unit
• Counselling Service
• Student Advice

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£9,700 per year.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
BA Social Work	L500	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: