BA (Hons) Social Work
Qualification Gained: Bolton Institute BA (Hons) in Social Work - Bradford College
Study LevelLevel 6 Course TypeHigher Education Duration3 Academic Years Start DateSeptember 2025 Study ModeFull-time LocationLister Building UCAS CodeL500Overview
A career as a social worker offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Social workers serve as advocates for those in need, providing support, guidance, and resources to help individuals navigate challenging life circumstances. Whether working with families, children, the elderly, or marginalized groups, social workers play a critical role in promoting social justice, mental health, and overall well-being.
The ability to foster positive change, build connections, and empower others makes social work not just a profession, but a calling for those passionate about improving lives and creating stronger, more resilient communities.
This course is approved by Social Work England, who is our professional, statutory and regulatory body. It combines applied academic study with social work placements leading to skills-based and academic assessments.
We work closely with the Bradford Teaching Partnership (which includes Bradford Council, the University of Bradford and Bradford Children and Families Trust), voluntary agencies and people with lived experience of social work (co-production).
Students form smaller teaching groups, providing high levels of pastoral support, provided by qualified and experienced social workers who bring a wide variety of practice experience and professional wisdom. Students can dial into masterclasses provided by both the British Association of Social Work and Social Work England, as well as access to online support and resources, in addition to their teaching. Two work placements (one 70 days and one 100 days) are included in the course.
Key Info
First year modules introduce key themes such as human rights, social justice, social work theory, social policy and readiness for practise skills. This includes engaging in 20 skills days on a variety of social work themes and topics.
In the second year, students engage in subject specific learning such as social work with adults, social work with children and social work law. Students undertake a 70 day social work placement in a voluntary or statutory setting in semester 2. Academic study includes adversity, trauma and resilience and evidence based practice.
Third year students study higher level subject specific topics such as mental health social work and international social work. They undertake a 100 day placement with statutory involvement. Tutors provide a high level of academic and pastoral support which is student centered.
A trauma informed approach is woven throughout the course.
Year 4:
- Introduction to Psychology and Human Development
- Readiness for Direct Practice 1
- Readiness for Direct Practice 2
- Social Work Theory and Practice
- Equality, Empowerment and Rights
- The Politics of Social Policy
Year 5:
- Adult Social Work Practice
- Social Work Law
- Evidence Based Practice
- Adversity, Trauma and Resilience
- Preparation for Professional Practice 1
- Professional Practice 1
- Social Work with Children, Young People and Families
Year 6:
- International Social Work Practice
- Mental Health Social Work
- Inclusive Assessment and Decision Making
- Preparation for Professional Practice 2
- Professional Practice and Research
- Risk Assessment and Professional Judgement
Entry to this course requires 120 UCAS tariff points, as well as GCSE English at a grade 4 or C.
Entry to this course can also include:
- An overall Access course pass, to include a minimum of 18 points at merit level.
- IELTS level 7 in English for International students who are 2nd language speakers. This is the PSRB requirement.
- An Enhanced Child/Adult DBS check is also a requirement.
- You will be required to complete a health check.
- You will be required to complete a Social Work Declaration form.
- 100 hours of social work related experience.
- A reference of good character and conduct.
Assessment includes:
- Essays
- Examination
- Presentations – group and individual
- Group work
- Book club
- Online forums and peer learning groups
- Communication skills workshops
- Assignments
- Portfolios
- Assessed skills days
- Social Work assessment reports
- Digital story telling
- Recorded Role Plays
- Direct observations in practice
- Reflective journals
- Case studies
- Research in Practice
The course includes:
- 70 days of placement in Year 2
- 100 days of placement in Year 3
Placements are designed to develop and challenge your practice skills, knowledge and understanding.
Placement and college work are designed to support each other.
On successful completion of this course, you will gain a BA (Hons) in Social Work degree.
Once you have been awarded this degree, you will be eligible to apply to register with Social Work England, to enable you to practice as a qualified Social Worker. Graduates will become qualified as Social Workers with entitlement to register with the professional body.
You will benefit from a programme of visiting speakers includes specialists from domestic abuse services, child specialists, social workers from different sectors, practice educators, special guardians and trainers to help you maintain a healthy work life balance and wellbeing. Speakers also include those with lived experience. The teaching team also organise and deliver workshops and skills sessions to respond to hot topics in the world of social work.
HE Tuition: £9,250.00 per academic year
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
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