Social work is ideally suited to intelligent, compassionate, hard-working and caring students. 

At UEA we have an international reputation for the excellence of our social work teaching and research. We are fully accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (now replaced by Social Work England), and your Social Work degree will support you to develop the academic knowledge and professional skills you’ll need to register as a qualified social worker. 

We are part of a Social Work Teaching Partnership with Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils and the University of Suffolk, ensuring that you’ll benefit from close links between teaching, research and practice now and in your future career. 

Our graduates are highly regarded by local employers and many of our students begin their careers with UEA partners thanks to links established while on student placements. 

When applying for this course, remember that your interpersonal skills are as important as your educational background. Your application should reflect your potential in both areas. That means we want to hear about your experience of working with people. You might have done voluntary or paid work in a school, residential home or in home care. Or you may have done other work with children, families or vulnerable adults who need extra care or support. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people who’ve just left school or college, and mature students. 

Due to the nature of the course, you'll need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service screening. You will also need to provide two references: one regarding your academic achievements, and the second telling us about your experience in work or helping people. You must also inform us about any major health concerns that could affect your studies. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You will graduate with a professional qualification and a body of knowledge and skills that open up a wide range of exciting, rewarding and challenging employment opportunities. Many of our graduates work in local authority children’s or adults’ services departments and NHS Mental Health Trusts. 

As a social worker, you could work with a wide range of service users and carers. You might focus on child protection, work with young people in care and care leavers, children and adults with disabilities, foster carers or adopters, people with dementia, those with drug and alcohol addictions, and people with mental health problems. You'll also work with a wide range of other professionals – teachers, health visitors, police, doctors, psychiatrists and community nurses. 

You must be registered to work as a social worker in England. Our degree is by Social Work England and offers a dual qualification, academic and professional, so you'll be able to apply to register as a social worker as soon as you graduate. 

Our employability rates reflect the success of our students’ success. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

• Local Authorities 

• Fostering and adoption agencies  

• Charity and Voluntary sector e.g. NSPCC, Age UK 

• NHS mental health trusts 

• Advocacy services 

• Hospitals