Social Work BA (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Social Work and Social Care
- Undergraduate
This Social Work England-accredited BA course will give you the understanding, skills and training you need to start a challenging and highly-rewarding career as a social worker.
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Develop life-changing skills in real-life settings
Improve lives and make a positive impact
Studying Social Work at Kingston will give you a strong foundation for a career with the potential to change lives for the better. Social workers are highly sought after, and this qualification will open opportunities in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. You could even be part of an integrated interprofessional team in social care, health, education or criminal justice.
Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from our  with seven local authorities and two voluntary organisations. Through this, you’ll attend skills workshops to maximise your chances of employment when you graduate.
You’ll gain hands-on experience of social work while building essential knowledge of ethics, diversity, psychology, sociology, social policy and law. You’ll study everything from mental health, disability, adoption and fostering to substance misuse, youth justice and domestic violence.
During the programme, you’ll learn directly from people with lived experience. Practising teaching consultants will also bring theory to life with front-line experiences.
Through a blend of placements, simulated learning and classroom teaching, you’ll develop the skills, values and knowledge you need to make an impact as a qualified social worker.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, we’re also top in London for Social Work (Guardian University Guide 2025).
We collaborate across Ji8¸£ÀûÍø and with external organisations to solve social care issues, which means you’ll have the chance to try out your learning on real-life problems.
A portion of your learning will take place in our specialist Art Room, which replicates a secondary school classroom. The Art Room gives you a unique opportunity to learn a range of creative practices for values-based work with children and young people.
You’ll also have the opportunity to refine your skills in our purpose-built Practice Learning Suite, which simulates interactions with people with lived experience.
Outside of the University, you’ll spend time applying your learning on placements in South West London and Surrey. Placements will be in settings such as child protection, youth justice, mental health, vulnerable adults settings, schools, drugs and substance misuse services.
Alongside your placements, you’ll study assessment, intervention, evaluation, safeguarding, evidence-based practice, research and law. This focus on real-world learning will leave you expertly prepared for social work practice in field, residential, day care, hospital, prison and service user-run settings.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by Social Work England. On successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to apply to register with Social Work England to work as a qualified social worker.
Course content
You will gain a foundation in ethics, diversity, psychology, sociology, social policy and law for social work practice. You will study best practice with adults and children, engaging with areas such as mental health, disability, adoption and fostering, substance misuse, children in conflict with the law, and domestic violence. You will choose a specialist practice area to explore in depth.
Year 1
Year 1 develops your skills through the simulation and recording facilities of our Practice Learning Suite. You will also gain a foundation in ethics, diversity, psychology, sociology, social policy and law for social work practice.
Core modules
30 credits
This module runs throughout the first year and focuses on readiness for direct practice. It is an interactive module which includes skills workshops and a high level of involvement from service users, carers and practice educators from partner agencies. Students learn about the role and tasks of social workers and develop professional skills in verbal and written communication. They have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on written work and on their communication skills. Service users and carers provide simulated interviews in the Practice Learning Suite.
30 credits
The module provides students with an understanding of human growth and development by reviewing theoretical perspectives and research regarding infant, child, adolescent and adult development across the life course. This module will provide students with an understanding of the concepts of relationships within families, and issues of progression at different stages of life, identity and the life worlds. The module draws on theory and practice from a variety of perspectives including the main schools of thought in psychology and sociology. The module also examines the key research methods employed in the social sciences and encourages students to develop an analytical and critical approach to learning in preparation for professional practice.
30 credits
This module provides an introduction to developing awareness of issues of diversity, values and ethics. There is an emphasis upon participatory learning through class debate, workshop and seminar activities. These experiences are supported by lectures that introduce the main tenets and theories. The module begins by exploring power, inequality and diversity within society, encouraging students to consider their own social location and its different intersections. The initial focus is on the personal. This shifts to exploring personal and professional values and ethics as learning progresses. The focus is on developing a greater awareness of one's values in situations where there are ethical dilemmas to resolve. This module links to the tutorial support programme.
30 credits
This module provides an introduction to law and policy for professional practice. Legal and policy frameworks are central to an understanding of the role of professionals in making judgements and decisions affecting the lives of people who use social work services. The module will introduce students to key concepts for understanding the significance of law and policy for social work, drawing on historical perspectives and highlighting important areas of law and policy for contemporary practice. Students will be encouraged to recognise the links with ethical frameworks studied in other modules on the programme.
Year 2
In Year 2, you will study models on reflection, assessment, intervention, evaluation, safeguarding, evidence-based practice and law. You will learn about best practice with adults and children and families, while engaging with areas such as mental health, disability, adoption and fostering, substance misuse, young offenders, and domestic violence.
Core modules
30 credits
This module is a practice placement of seventy days, undertaken in an agency within the statutory or voluntary sector. Students will be provided with relevant learning opportunities and supported and supervised by practice learning staff. By the end of their placement, students will be expected to evidence their practice against the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at the standard required for students at the end of their first placement.
30 credits
This module builds upon level 4 studies of human growth and development; sociology, psychology and law. In this module students will develop a holistic approach to assessment, planning and intervention that is critically reflective, analytic and is informed by a clear value-base that reflects an awareness of diversity and rights, and includes individual and team approaches to risk and encourages service user self-assessment. It will further enable students to develop skills in working with people, within policy, legal and ethical frameworks, and core skills in communicating and engaging with people, recognising some of the tensions that may arise from a risk-focus, including working against the wishes of service users and positive risk-taking. It will draw upon students' own experiences on placement, promoting the integration of academic and practice learning and enhancing the development of reflection and self awareness. Learning will include applying concepts from theory and research in lectures, interactive workshops, try-outs in the practice learning suite and case studies drawn from students' own practice.
30 credits
This module will develop students' knowledge for practice as they prepare to undertake their first placement. In concentrating on knowledge, it complements SW5002, the module studied during this year which focuses on skills, methods and reflective practice. In this module, students will examine social work practice and law relating to work with a range of children and families, adults and older people whilst also considering the legal framework relating to cross cutting provisions particularly looked after children, fostering and adoption, mental health and youth justice. Secondly, they will be introduced to the knowledge-base for safeguarding with reference to a range of service user groups whilst also learning specifically about mental health, relationships under stress, domestic abuse and substance misuse. In thinking about evidence-based practices, students will study research methods and develop skills in evaluating the quality of research findings. Thirdly, they will develop knowledge of ethical principles and the theory underpinning anti-oppressive practices.
30 credits
This module enables students to reflect critically on practice experience and to analyse their application and use of social work knowledge in work with individuals, families and communities in the light of their first placement experience. In this way, it allows them to develop and extend their knowledge in preparation for the second practice placement taken in the third year of study. Drawing on practice placement experience, students will examine how social work knowledge, ethics and values are used in practice to inform assessments and interventions, including how legal and policy frameworks and guidance inform and mandate social work practice. Students will debate how the implementation of social welfare policy impacts on people, social work, other professions, and inter-agency and inter-professional working, and evaluate the extent to which the expertise and voice of service users and carers is taken into account in shaping service delivery. The use of research to inform practice is developed in this module and understanding of research methods in order rigorously to question and evaluate the reliability and validity of information from different sources is developed. Students will also analyse how organisations are structured and the extent which support anti-oppressive practice, examining lines of accountability and the limitations and boundaries of professional autonomy and discretion. Learning on this module will inform their personal and professional development plan for the final year of the programme.
Year 3
In Year 3, you will learn about recent developments in law, research and practice. Studies culminate in a capstone project on a specialist practice area of your choice.
Core modules
30 credits
In this module you will be looking forward to qualified social work practice with the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) in mind. It offers an opportunity to make sure that you are up to date with new legislation, the latest relevant policy and current practice initiatives. You will also explore new developments in anti-oppressive practice, rights, justice and wellbeing. Taking forward your knowledge relating to ethics and diversity and in line with the forward-looking quality of the module, you will study key practice-related capabilities such as personal resilience, the ability to manage stress, the ability to engage effectively with others in inter-professional work and the practice of leadership. The module offers an opportunity to consciously prepare for competitive interview when seeking employment.
30 credits
This module is a core requirement for students on the programme. It draws on a specific area of social work practice. It is a capstone project designed to enable students to utilise their learning throughout the programme and demonstrate that they can make critical application of the theoretical and research evidence base underpinning social work practice.
30 credits
The module is undertaken alongside a practice placement of 100 days. Students will be reflecting on and analysing their learning on placement. Students will be expected to evidence how their practice has met the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at the standard required for students at the end of their final placement and how their knowledge base has informed practice.
30 credits
The module is a practice placement of one hundred days, undertaken in an agency which offers statutory interventions. Students will be provided with relevant learning opportunities and supported and supervised by practice learning staff. By the end of their placement, students will be expected to evidence their practice against the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at the standard required for students at qualifying level.
Future Skills and career opportunities
Boost your employability
Every course at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø teaches a range of Future Skills. From problem-solving and adaptability to digital competency, these are the attributes you’ll need to get the edge in the job market and a head start on your career.
Links with business and industry
Local employers, service users and carers all help design and manage this course. We also have long-standing partnerships with a variety of practice settings in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors.
Developing Together teaching partnership
We are part of the Developing Together teaching partnership with local authorities and voluntary agencies, which provides a leading social work education community shaped by academic research and frontline practice and a dynamic programme of post-qualifying learning and development for social workers.
The partnership aims to create a culture of ongoing learning, research and support to grow and retain a community of passionate and capable social work professionals that will meet with the region's future workforce demands.
- Achieving for Children
- Croydon Adult services
- Croydon Children's services
- Kingston Adult services
- Merton Adult services
- Merton Children's services
- Richmond & Wandsworth Adult services
- Sutton Adult services
- Sutton Children's services
- Wandsworth Children's services
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
- Welcare
- Ji8¸£ÀûÍø
- Surrey Children's services
Every year, the offers several unpaid internships to social work students at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø. If you’re successful, you’ll undertake two practice placements in your preferred local authority, before interviewing for a newly-qualified social worker position when you graduate. Applications for undergraduate students open in Spring each year.
Employment based route
If you’re an employer agency keen to sponsor groups of eligible employees, you can do this via a Partnership Agreement. Please get in touch with the Course Leader for more information about this option.
After you graduate
Recent graduates have gone on to seize opportunities in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. You might even work as a social worker as part of an integrated interprofessional team in social care, health, education and criminal justice.
At Ji8¸£ÀûÍø, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include placements, project work, practical sessions, workshops, conferences and field trips.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 20% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 38% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 55% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 90%; practical 10%
- Year 2: Coursework 100%
- Year 3: Coursework 100%
We aim to provide feedback to you on your assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | £9,535* |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £18,500 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
Please visit the Fees and Funding page for more information.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Social work bursaries
Some Social Work BA (Hons) students will be eligible for the Department of Health’s bursary in Year 2 and 3. Eligibility is based on the marks you achieve for your first-year modules. .
Salutem Scholarship
Healthcare organisation, Salutem, offers three-year scholarships for Learning Disability Nursing students to cover tuition fees and living costs. See more information about the scholarship here.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Ji8¸£ÀûÍø will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
All English students can apply for a travel bursary of around £800 to help cover your placement travel costs in Years 2 and 3.
The University will pay for your application to be processed, but you’ll need to subscribe to the Update Service for £16 per year. This allows universities and potential employers to view any changes to your DBS.
The Social Work England renewal fee for qualified social workers is £90 a year.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
