Social Work
Social work is one of the most demanding and meaningful professions in public life. It involves working with individuals, families and communities at times of vulnerability, crisis or need, supporting people to navigate difficult circumstances and advocating for their rights and wellbeing within complex systems of law, policy and institutional care. Effective social workers need to combine interpersonal skill with legal knowledge, critical thinking with practical judgement, and emotional resilience with a commitment to social justice.
Nottingham Trent University's Social Work programme prepares you for professional registration and practice across three full-time years. You will study the theoretical foundations of social work, including models of human development, systems theory, anti-oppressive practice and the sociological context of welfare. You will gain a thorough grounding in the legal frameworks that govern child protection, adult social care, mental health and safeguarding, and you will develop the communication and assessment skills that social work practice demands.
Substantial practice placements are built into the programme, giving you direct experience of working with service users under the supervision of qualified professionals. The Nottingham location provides a rich and varied practice environment across statutory, voluntary and independent sector settings.
Social work graduates are in consistent demand across local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, charities, the justice system and international development organisations. Many begin as frontline practitioners in children's or adults' services and progress into specialisms such as fostering and adoption, mental health, substance misuse or hospital social work. Others move into management, policy, research or education over time.
The degree carries professional qualification on successful completion, giving you immediate eligibility to apply for registration with Social Work England and to begin practising. It is a degree that leads directly into work that genuinely changes lives.