Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines taught modules with assessed practice placements to develop the knowledge, values and skills required for professional social work. Core areas include social work theory and values; safeguarding and risk assessment; law and policy for social work practice; assessment and care planning for children, adults and families; mental health and substance misuse interventions; and anti-oppressive, person-centred practice.

• Taught modules: research methods and evidence-informed practice, human growth and development, social policy and welfare rights, law relevant to social work, professional ethics and reflective practice.
• Practice learning: supervised placements in statutory and voluntary sector settings that provide direct work with service users across different client groups and levels of need.
• Research and synthesis (MA only): a substantial piece of applied research or practice-based project that demonstrates capacity to evaluate and reflect on practice and policy.
• Assessment: a mix of essays, case reports, presentations, practice learning assessments and, for the MA, a research dissertation or major project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK undergraduate degree (or an equivalent international qualification). Relevant professional or voluntary experience working with children, adults, families or communities is strongly preferred and often required to support an application.

• Applicants will normally be invited to attend a selection interview and may need to provide professional or character references.
• All offers are subject to satisfactory enhanced background checks (such as DBS), occupational health clearance and verification of identity and qualifications.
• International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency in line with UK professional training requirements; further guidance is provided by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the statutory regulator for social workers and typically move into qualified practitioner roles across children’s social care, adult social services, mental health teams, safeguarding, and community-based services. Career pathways include practice educator, team leader, social work manager, specialist practitioner roles (for example in substance misuse, mental health or children’s services), policy and research positions, and roles in the voluntary or independent sectors.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers a programme grounded in professional standards and close partnership with local authorities, health services and voluntary organisations across Dorset and the surrounding region. Students benefit from practice-focused learning environments, experienced academic staff with social work backgrounds, and co-ordinated placement support to link classroom learning with contemporary practice.

• The programme is aligned with national professional standards for social work training and prepares students for professional registration.
• Strong employer links and an emphasis on practice learning mean students gain relevant, supervised experience in statutory and third-sector settings.
• Support services include dedicated practice learning teams, simulation and skills teaching, and careers support for social work graduates seeking qualified posts.