Social Work

Social work is a profession built on the belief that people facing adversity deserve support, advocacy and the opportunity to change their circumstances. Social workers engage with individuals, families and communities at some of the most difficult points in their lives, assessing risk, coordinating care, safeguarding vulnerable people and working to promote social justice and wellbeing. The work requires both rigorous professional training and a deep commitment to the values of dignity, equality and human rights.

At the University of Gloucestershire this three-year full-time programme is a qualifying degree leading to professional registration as a social worker. You will develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively with a diversity of individuals and groups across different settings, including children and families, adults with disabilities, older people, mental health services and community organisations. The degree addresses how social workers assess complex situations, manage risk, safeguard those in danger and advocate for those whose voices are not heard.

You will engage critically with the structural dimensions of social problems, including poverty, discrimination and systemic inequality, and you will develop the professional confidence to challenge these while working within legal and institutional frameworks. Practice placements are central to social work training and are built into the programme, giving you direct experience of the professional environments you will enter after graduation.

Graduates who complete this qualifying degree are eligible to register with Social Work England and practise as social workers. Career pathways include children and families social work, adults' services, mental health social work, probation, youth justice, community development and management roles within social care organisations. Postgraduate study and continuing professional development are important features of a career in social work.