Our specially-designed degree will give you the skills and knowledge needed to make a
difference to people's lives as a professional and registered social worker.

You will learn about the social work profession and the needs of the people social workers support. We link theory and practice through a combination of academic learning and on the job placement opportunities.

You will gain a first-hand insight into a wide range of issues that you will face in social work practice, such as:

• The care needs of vulnerable people
• Safeguarding children and adults
• The impact of poverty
• Domestic violence
• Substance misuse
• Mental health issues

Through expert teaching and quality placements, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of different service user groups and the skills needed to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable people.

This social work degree course is among the most innovative of its kind, placing you where you will benefit the most - among the people and communities you will go on to support.

After graduating from the social work degree, you are eligible to register with Social Work England, enabling you to practise as a professional social worker.

With half of the course taking place in practice settings, this course is highly regarded by employers. The experience you will gain as a social work student at Birmingham City University, the largest provider of qualified health and social services staff in the region, gives you excellent employment prospects.

PLACEMENTS

Placements take place across a range of agencies including local authorities, voluntary and independent organisations, in a variety of settings such as residential, day care, schools, housing, hospitals and Social Work teams.

A significant period of time on the programme is spent on placement, observing and engaging with the realities of social work with at least two different client groups, and the final year placement will always involve working and learning in statutory social work interventions.

The course aims to offer separate placements with children and families and an adult group. You will undertake a minimum 170 days of placements over the three years of the course, working in different settings with service users and professional colleagues. Group learning is an important part of ensuring you engage with a diverse range of undergraduate peers and staff.

Our broad partner network means we are able to offer placement opportunities in the public and independent sectors, drawing on strong links with Birmingham City Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, as well as charities including Barnardo’s.