Social Work

Social work is a profession dedicated to supporting individuals, families and communities facing some of the most difficult challenges in human life: poverty, abuse, mental illness, disability, addiction, homelessness and the breakdown of family relationships. Social workers assess risk, coordinate care, advocate for vulnerable people and work within complex legal and policy frameworks to promote wellbeing and social justice. The role requires not only deep knowledge of social policy, law and human development but also the personal qualities of empathy, resilience and sound professional judgement that allow practitioners to make difficult decisions under pressure.

At Coventry University this programme encompasses contemporary issues in social work practice, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required to practise effectively and to make a positive difference in the lives of children, young people, adults and their carers. You will study the theoretical and legal frameworks that underpin social work, including child protection legislation, adult social care, the Mental Health Act and the ethical principles of the profession. Substantial practice placement hours are an integral and compulsory part of the programme, placing you in real social care settings where you work under professional supervision and develop the practical skills that are central to the role.

The programme runs full time over three years.

You will develop skills in risk assessment, report writing, case management, professional communication and the ability to work effectively within multi-agency teams. The programme is designed to meet the Social Work England requirements for professional registration.

Graduates qualify as Registered Social Workers with Social Work England and work in local authority children's and adults' services, the NHS, the voluntary sector, housing, probation and the justice system. Postgraduate study and continuing professional development are expected throughout a social work career, with routes into practice education, management, research and specialist roles in child protection, mental health or adult services.