Social Work

Why Social Work?
Our Social Work degree gives you both the theory and practical skills you’ll need for a successful career. You’ll be prepared to help those in need through difficult times, caring for, safeguarding and undertaking crisis intervention, to support positive change in their circumstances and wellbeing. With opportunities to shadow social workers and build experience with organisations such as statutory social work teams, substance misuse charities and children’s centres, our graduates stand out from the competition. You’ll learn from leading professionals, work with children, families, adults and vulnerable people, visit court hearings and see how social work law is applied and contested.

The course benefits from approval by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), meaning you can apply for professional social work registration on graduation. Plus, through our links with key employers of social workers, including third sector organisations, independent agencies and local authorities, a high proportion of our students progress into graduate roles after their placements within these settings.

Please be aware that this course is available for study at both our Francis Close Hall campus in Cheltenham and at our partner college – Yeovil College University Centre. Please ensure you select the correct delivery location when applying.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
At University of Gloucestershire, we’ve been encouraging students to meet every ambition since 1847. Join us and you’ll benefit from our three UoG promises:

1. UoG Career Promise – if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply).
2. UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.
3. UoG Connections Promise – whilst at UoG, you’ll find the connections to reach your goals. With over 4,000 placements and more than 60 clubs and societies to join, you’ll make connections for life.

Our ambition is boundless. Experienced lecturers promote a real-world ethos and treat our students as more than just a number. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study. Students never tire of finding inspiration here in the unique county of Gloucestershire – innovation and bravery thrive here. Cheltenham and Gloucester offer the best of city and country living, with the rolling hills of the Cotswolds paired with vibrant nightclubs and stunning parks in the bustling town and city centres.

After the course
Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, and 96% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2023 and based on 2020/21 leavers.

Experience an open day
Book yourself a place at a University of Gloucestershire open day at www.glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay. Our open days have been designed to inform you, inspire you, and help you make the right decision about your next step. It’s your chance to see the university for yourself, get a real insight into what we're about and meet your potential course tutors and lecturers. Our friendly student ambassadors will also be on hand to show you round your campus.

To find out more information about this course, visit www.glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on enquiries@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 14 14 14.

As part of the Law and Social Policy module in your first year, you'll visit court hearings and witness first-hand how social work law is applied and contested. Developing this knowledge of moral and legal frameworks, you’ll learn to make good decisions for the individuals and families you work with, considering law, human rights, risks and responsibilities. You'll examine people and relationships, attachment and separation-loss theories, as well as human development from childhood to old age. Learning is interactive with lots of group work, discussion and debate, role plays and case study projects. We have a strong, supportive social work learning community including students, staff, service users, carers and practitioners.