Social Work and Applied Social Studies

Social work is a profession dedicated to promoting human welfare, social justice, and the rights of people experiencing vulnerability, disadvantage, or crisis. Social workers support individuals and families across the life course, in contexts including child protection, mental health, disability, older people's services, substance misuse, homelessness, and domestic abuse. The work is demanding and complex, requiring both academic rigour and deeply human qualities of empathy, resilience, ethical commitment, and the ability to navigate difficult relationships and situations with care and professionalism.

Applied social studies situates this practice within the broader social, political, and economic forces that shape inequality and need.

At the University of Bath, a Russell Group university with a strong research culture and high academic expectations, this three-year full-time programme is structured to prepare you for registration as a social worker and for practice in a wide range of settings. The typical entry tariff of 136 points reflects the academic and personal standards the profession requires. You will study social work law and policy, human development across the life course, sociology of inequality and social exclusion, social work practice methods, and the ethical frameworks that guide practice.

Substantial supervised placement experience in real social work settings is a core component of the programme, ensuring you develop the practical competence needed to work safely and effectively with service users.

Graduates are eligible to register with Social Work England and practise as qualified social workers in statutory, voluntary, and independent settings. Bath's rigorous approach to social work education produces graduates who are well regarded by employers in the sector. Career opportunities span children and families, adults, mental health, community services, and the voluntary sector.

Many qualified social workers go on to develop specialisms, take on supervisory and management roles, or move into practice education and teaching. Postgraduate study in social work, social policy, or related fields supports progression into advanced practice, research, and leadership.