Social Work
Social Work is a profession committed to supporting people facing hardship and working towards a society that better protects the rights and dignity of its most vulnerable members. Social workers engage directly with individuals and families experiencing poverty, domestic abuse, mental illness, disability, addiction, homelessness or the effects of systemic disadvantage, providing assessment, advocacy, care planning and direct support. The profession requires both practical skill and a commitment to reflection and ethical reasoning, as well as the resilience to work effectively in emotionally demanding situations.
At Birmingham City University this three-year full-time degree prepares you for registration as a social worker with Social Work England, combining academic study with substantial supervised practice placements across a range of settings. You will develop the knowledge and skills to support children, families and adults, with a particular focus on safeguarding, which is central to the social work role. The programme builds your ability to work in a solution-focused way with people experiencing social and interpersonal difficulties, promoting human rights, wellbeing and independence.
Birmingham City University's strong connections with local authorities and voluntary sector organisations support the quality and breadth of your placement experience.
Qualification as a social worker leads to HCPC registration and entry to a profession with a wide range of practice settings and specialisms. Many newly qualified social workers begin in children's services or adult social care before developing expertise in areas such as mental health, leaving care, disability, safeguarding, substance misuse or housing support. Senior roles include practice leadership, team management, specialist assessment and policy development.
The degree also provides preparation for postgraduate study in social work, social policy, community development, mental health or leadership and management in health and social care.