Social Work
Social work is a professional and academic discipline dedicated to supporting individuals, families and communities facing the challenges of poverty, inequality, abuse, disability, mental health difficulties, family breakdown and social exclusion. Social workers work directly with some of the most vulnerable people in society, drawing on law, psychology, sociology and ethics to assess need, coordinate support, protect those at risk and advocate for the rights and dignity of the people they serve. It is a profession that demands both intellectual rigour and exceptional human qualities: empathy, resilience, clear judgement and a deep commitment to social justice.
At the University of Nottingham this three-year, full-time programme provides the academic and practical training required for qualification as a social worker in England and Wales. You will study the legal and policy frameworks that govern social work practice, including child protection, adult care, mental health law and human rights, alongside the psychological and sociological foundations of understanding human behaviour and social structures. Social work theory, models of practice, communication skills and professional ethics are all central to the curriculum.
Placements are a substantial and essential component of the programme, placing you in statutory and voluntary sector settings where you develop professional competence under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Graduates of accredited social work programmes qualify to register with Social Work England as social workers and pursue careers in children and families social work, adult social care, mental health social work, hospital social work, youth justice, leaving care services, community development and the voluntary sector. Social work is a career of genuine vocational significance, directly improving lives and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Many social workers continue to develop professionally over their careers, taking on leadership, specialist and management roles in statutory and third sector services.