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.

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, you will consider the dichotomy between making professional decisions and their impact on individuals. Considering the conflicts that arise in practice will also enable you to consider how you might balance them against personal values.
• 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, you will consider the impact of reduced resource availability and the opportunity to utilise creative practice methods.

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) and Maths - at least grade C/4 at GCSE or an equivalent level 2 qualification.

Relevant experience (employed, voluntary or personal) is essential prior to applying for the course. Social Care Wales requires this to amount to a minimum of 360 hours. The third entry requirement is that you are able to demonstrate an understanding of social work.

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. Although many 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. 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.

Programme specification

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.

Subject to re-validation

As part of its continuous quality assurance and enhancement, the University reviews its courses on a regular basis to ensure that they reflect the needs of students and employers. Periodic review of the existing programmes is required every five years and major changes may be made to the programmes during the re-validation process. As soon as the programmes are re-validated the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of courses that are still ‘subject to re-validation’ are approved by the validation process; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the university and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham University or at another provider.