BSc (Hons) Social Work Practice

This full-time, 3-year BSc Social Work Practice offers students a flexible route to qualification as a social worker and will be delivered via a blended learning method of face-to-face and online teaching.

The first year of study is largely preparatory and no practice placements are undertaken. As the course progresses, complex concepts will be explored alongside developing skills in critical reflection and analysis.

Placements will commence during your second year of study with a 70-day placement, enhanced by a 100-day placement in the final year. Both placements are full-time and will require full-time attendance. The regulating body for social workers, Social Work England, require one of the placements to be undertaken in a statutory setting. Please note, students are responsible for covering the cost of placement including transport, accommodation, and general living expenses.

During both placements, students will be supervised by a Practice Educator who is a qualified social worker and responsible for assessment of the student whilst on placement. Please note that students are required to pass both placements in order to successfully qualify as a social worker.

"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"

How You Study

You'll be able to put theory into practice as all academic teaching is geared towards students' understanding, knowledge, and confidence in practice.

You'll benefit from a blended learning approaching on this course, with most of the teaching delivered virtually, and including groupwork and interactive working. There will also be opportunities for face-to-face learning through days in placement, practice-based skills teaching, and placement recall days.

How You Are Assessed

Assessment methods are utilised to establish and identify the skills that you will need in practice. You'll be assessed in a variety of ways including written essays, presentations, and a small number of exams.

First Year

• Being Ready for Social Work Practice (SWP) (Core)
• Knowledge and Theories for Social Work (SWP) (Core)
• Professional Social Work Practice (SWP) (Core)
• Using Knowledge in Practice (SWP) (Core)
• Confirmation of Readiness for Practice (includes Skills Days) (SWP) (Option)†

Second Year

• Assessed Social Work Practice Placement, Practice Portfolio 1 (SWP) (Core)
• Practice Analysis (SWP) (Core)
• Social Work with Adults (SWP) (Core)
• Social Work with Children and Families (SWP) (Core)

Third Year

• Assessed Social Work Practice Placement Two, Practice Portfolio Two (SWP) (Core)
• Being a Professional Social Worker (SWP) (Core)
• Evidence and Improvement in Social Work(SWP) (Core)
• Interprofessional Practice Analysis (SWP) (Core)

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Graduates will be well-placed to gain employment as registered social workers in the public, private, or voluntary sectors. The University of Lincoln is a member of the Humber Social Work Teaching Partnership, meaning students will be able to make the most of this partnership in their future careers.