BA (Hons) Social Work

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

The first year of study encourages you to develop academic learning skills and initial understanding of core aspects of social work. With a significant focus on co-production, this year will build your confidence in entering the professional world.

MODULES

• Foundations of Co-production: This module, taught alongside representatives from Outside In, explores the nature and meaning of co-production as well as its position within social work practice in a contemporary world.
• Introduction to Poverty and Social Policy: This module outlines and explores the various factors which have impacted and affected individuals experiencing poverty in the UK throughout history. The module then goes on to consider the development of social policy in an attempt to challenge and offset these issues.
• Values and Ethics: This module explores values and ethical perspectives considered core to the social work identity. This module challenges individuals’ own ethical and value bases and questions how decisions may lead us into conflict with these ideas.
• The Life Course Perspective: This module outlines and explores childhood development into adulthood and the factors that may impact this. Drawing on a range of theoretical ideas, the module gives you a firm grounding in understanding the impact of development and trauma throughout the life course
• Entering the Profession - In this module, we explore concepts of professionalism along with requirements for practice such as the Code of Professional Practice. We outline models of practice, reflection and the draw links between several other year one modules to develop our professional identity and prepare for the Practice Learning Opportunity at the end of Year 1. 

   

  
  

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

Year two builds on level four by expanding concepts and developing critical thinking. Considering more complex ideas and theoretical frameworks, you will explore the impact of decisions and actions in practice.

MODULES

• Social Work Skills: This module explores the range of theoretical ideas that underpin and inform social work practice. You are given an opportunity to develop your own knowledge base and build critical thought.
• Law in Social Work Practice: This module outlines the legal requirements and responsibilities of social workers in the UK. Exploring a range of legislation, you will gain further understanding of the expectations and requirements of a variety of Acts.
• Research in Social Work Practice: You will explore the need and benefit of research in relation to practice as well as identifying the purposes of evidence-based practice. Building towards making a research proposal which informs the Dissertation, you will outline and explore areas of research interest.
• Interpersonal Dispositions: In this module, you will analyse the need for and implications of professional accountability. Considering concepts such as the use of ‘self’ and professional intuition, you will develop a better sense of your professional identity.
• Conflicts and Dilemmas: In this module, we explore, alongside Outside In,  the tensions that often arise for professional social workers working with individuals and carers who use services. Considering the conflicts and dilemmas that arise in practice includes exploring knowledge, skills and values that aid professional negotiations and decision-making.  
  
• Social Work in Wales: In this module, you will gain an insight into the unique landscape of Wales in relation to legislation, policy and demographics. You will explore the history of Wales and the Welsh language and consider how these issues have all shaped practice in contemporary Welsh society.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

The final year of study encourages you to engage in critical discourses around social work practice and the nuanced balance required of personal and professional identities and application of creative practice.

MODULES

• Dissertation: In this module, you will complete a secondary research project around a chosen area of practice.
• Safeguarding in Context: In this module, you will explore the construct of safeguarding and vulnerability in contemporary society and your role and responsibilities as a named professional.
• Integrating Social Work Theories: In this module, you will build on the knowledge from the second year by critically analysing the range of theoretical knowledge that forms practice.  
  
• Creative Practice: In this module, we practise and learn about different methods of working across a range of activities such as poetry, paper folding and zine making. Alongside the practical sessions, we explore theories of creativity as problem-solving, and as a means of underpinning relational practice. 
  

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the course are 96-112 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent. You must be fluent in written and spoken English or Welsh and possess qualifications in English/Welsh (First Language).

Candidates need to demonstrate sufficient experience (employed, voluntary or personal) and understanding of the role and responsibility of a social worker.

All post-interview offers of a place on this degree, are conditional to the completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance so that we can assess your suitability for working with children and vulnerable adults. In addition, acceptance onto the programme is subject to registration as a student social worker with Social Care Wales.

Please note: we only accept deferred entries for Social Work in exceptional circumstances. You will need to speak with the admissions team if you wish to ask about the possibility of deferring.

Teaching & Assessment

Assessment is carried out in a variety of ways: presentations, essays, reflective learning logs, dissertation, and more.

Students are encouraged to undertake learning needs assessments in year 1 if needed – this will lead to the best form of learning support being offered to students on an individualised basis.

Teaching and learning

Effective social work is about an integration of theoretical and practice understanding. Consequently the programme is taught in a range of ways and through various media. Students can expect to experience straightforward didactic information giving, as much as interactive role playing and group work. Demonstrating intrapersonal communication and team work skills are fundamentals of social work practice, so you are expected to actively participate and engage in all learning opportunities and styles.

The programme is typically taught on campus with online sessions being scheduled as and when required in accordance with the ALF. It is a full-time course, with 3 days per week timetabled during periods of academic teaching and 5 days per week whilst students are on Practice Learning Opportunity (placement). Practice Learning Opportunities span 140 hours (approximately 20 working days) in Year 1, 560 hours (approximately 80 working days) in Year 2 and 700 hours (approximately 100 working days) in Year 3.  

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers & Employability Service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Social Work is a highly desirable qualification which consistently achieves exceptionally high employment rates among graduates (approximately 99.8%). The social work workforce is diverse, supporting children and adults with myriad experiences and registration can also enable practice within other fields.

Safeguarding and wellbeing are at the heart of social work practice, meaning that many opportunities will utilise person-centred approaches. Although most registered social workers are employed by Local Authorities, many voluntary and third sector agencies and organisations employ social workers too.  

There are a multitude of post-qualification programmes that graduates can continue their development through including specialised roles such as Approved Mental Health Practitioner and Practice Educator. There are regularly opportunities to progress through managerial structures in organisations too. 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Social Care Wales offer some bursaries to Social Work students, information about the amount and the process of making an application can be found on their website.

What are the conditions?

• You have lived in Wales for at least 12 months in the 3 years prior to starting the degree (see Appendix 2 of the Social Work Bursary Scheme for full guidance).
• You won’t be getting any financial support to train from an employer.
• You’ll be studying a social work degree in Wales.

Students who live in England may be eligible for bursaries from the Department of Health for years 2 and 3 of their study.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.