Swansea University

What you'll study

The programme provides a balance of theory, research skills and direct practice experience. Core themes include social work values and ethics, communication and relationship-based practice, safeguarding, law and social policy, mental health, child and family social work, services for older adults, and approaches to assessment, planning and review.

Study is typically organised progressively across the degree: introductory modules build knowledge of social work history, ethics and human development, intermediate modules introduce statutory frameworks, assessment approaches and service models, and final-year modules emphasise advanced practice, leadership, interprofessional working and a substantial research or practice-based project.

A key feature is assessed practice learning. Students complete multiple supervised placements in a range of settings (for example: children’s services, adult social care teams, mental health services, substance misuse or third-sector organisations), supported by university practice educators and workplace supervisors. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, skills labs, simulated interviews, reflective practice groups and assessed presentations.

• Typical module topics: Introduction to Social Work; Law and Social Welfare; Human Growth and Development; Assessment and Intervention; Safeguarding Children and Adults; Mental Health and Social Work; Research Methods for Practice; Advanced Professional Practice and Leadership; Dissertation or Practice Project.
• Practice learning: a sequence of assessed placements increasing in responsibility and complexity, with protected placement hours to meet professional standards.
• Assessment: a mix of essays, case reports, reflective logs, observed practice assessments and a final independent research or practice project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary education qualification equivalent to UK A-levels (or appropriate vocational qualifications such as a BTEC Extended Diploma) and GCSEs or equivalent in English and mathematics. Typical offers reflect a range of qualifications and are made on the basis of academic achievement combined with relevant experience and commitment to social work values.

Selection includes consideration of work or voluntary experience with children, adults or community groups, a personal statement demonstrating understanding of social work, academic references and a satisfactory interview. Successful applicants must also meet fitness to practise requirements, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or the Welsh equivalent), and occupational health clearance.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with the professional skills and qualifying award required to apply for registration with the relevant statutory social care regulator. Career destinations commonly include local authority children’s and adult social care teams, NHS trusts, probation and criminal justice services, housing organisations, charities and independent sector providers.

Many graduates progress to specialist roles (for example child protection social worker, mental health practitioner, practice educator or team manager), secondments to multi-agency teams, or further study such as postgraduate qualifications in social work practice, mental health, family therapy, public health or social work education and research.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers social work training embedded in a broader School with active links to health and social care partners across Wales, providing varied placement opportunities and exposure to statutory and third-sector practice. Students benefit from experienced academic staff and practice educators, simulation facilities and small-group teaching that supports skills development and reflective practice.

The programme emphasises employability and professional readiness through sustained practice learning, interprofessional learning opportunities with health and allied services, and support for personal and academic development. Strong local partnerships help ensure that learning is grounded in real-world practice and current policy contexts.