Social workers help people find solutions to their problems and live more successfully in their communities. Sometimes this includes helping them confront and manage behaviours that put themselves and others at risk. To succeed, social workers must work not only with service users, but also with their service user’s families and friends, as well as other organisations including the police, NHS and schools. This course covers subjects such as law, partnership working, assessment and interventions, social science, mental health, disabilities, and families and children.

During the three-year BSc programme, you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the social worker role.  In your first year of study you will undertake modules which provide core knowledge and skills, including human development across the lifespan, working with diverse communities and service users, key methods and interventions and the policy and legislation which underpins practice. The second year and third years of teaching builds on this to explore ideas in depth including issues of risk and need which social workers manage. The programme concludes in the writing of a dissertation on a topic area of interest to you. Your learning will be supported by a total of 170 placement days and 30 skills development days.

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.  

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.  

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it. 

What's next for my career?

After successful completion of your studies, you will be qualified to work in the wide range of statutory and private and voluntary agencies which employ social workers.

100% of our Social Work graduates went on to employment or further study within 6 months according to the latest national Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey.

On graduation you’ll be eligible to register as a social worker with Social Work England. You’ll also be qualified to work in the wide range of statutory, private and voluntary agencies that employ social workers.

After successful completion of your studies, you will be qualified to work in the wide range of statutory and private and voluntary agencies which employ social workers. These areas include, for example,

• Children and their families, either to avoid family breakdown or where there is a risk of abuse of neglect;
• Children with disabilities;
• Young offenders
• Foster carers;
• Adults with physical or mental health difficulties;
• Refugees and asylum seekers;
• Older people;
• Carers;

100% of our Social Work graduates went on to employment or further study within 6 months according to the latest national Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey.

Our programme will equip you with knowledge and skills to practice with children and adults throughout their lives.

• Did you know a British Prime Minister was a social worker and social work lecturer? (Clement Attlee PM 1945-1951)