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Social work is about changing lives for the better. Kent offers a rewarding academic programme, developed with professional practice in mind and taught by qualified social workers. You will have access to placements across a range of settings to enable you to develop your skills and apply knowledge to practice. Our graduates become confident, competent social work practitioners.
Overview
Broaden your outlook
The degree is based on the new curriculum for Social Work and allows you to gain a broad base in the key issues related to social work, such as the values and ethics that underpin social work, how social policies are formulated and put into practice, and the role of the law in social work. There are also modules that focus on specific areas of social work with children and families, with adult service users and community care. The curriculum is based on the new Professional Capabilities Framework.
Social Work is an area where it is important to consider a wide range of views and learn from others’ expertise. Service users and carers deliver sessions in modules highlighting their experiences of receiving social care services. Every year, a number of external public speakers visit the University to talk about contemporary issues and debates.
Social Work runs at the University of Kent’s Medway campus and benefits from the excellent new facilities on site. You are taught by lecturers with diverse social work practice experience who are active in research and scholarship, and the student body is a cosmopolitan mix of mature and younger students, from different ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. Home/EU students may be eligible to apply for a Department of Health bursary for their 2nd/3rd years of study.
We are Kent Social Work. Your career starts here.
This programme is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Independent rankings
Social Work at Kent was ranked 4th overall in The Times Good University Guide 2017.
In the National Student Survey 2016, 90% of social work students at Kent were satisfied with the overall quality of their course. Social Work students who graduated from Kent in 2015 were the most successful in the UK at finding professional jobs (DLHE).
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Teaching and assessment
Social Work is an applied degree that links theory to the practical skills required of social workers. Most staff teaching on the Social Work degree are qualified social workers and all have a varied range of practice, managerial, research and academic experience. Practice experience is an integral part of the course and placements allow you to try out the knowledge and values you have learned in your studies.
Teaching methods include formal lectures, large and small group discussion and experiential work, and a programme of seminars.
During placement periods, you will be supported by a practice educator and assessed in accordance with the College of Social Work’s Professional Capabilities Framework.
In addition to the assessed placements, you will be assessed through a mixture of written assignments, in class tests, presentations and video work. Successfully completing Stage 1 also includes satisfying the Board of Examiners that you are safe to undertake the practical component of Stages 2 and 3. This will include completing the Readiness for Direct Practice module.
Social workers are required to be computer literate and you will be expected to develop these skills.
Programme aims
Our aims are to provide students with:
- education and training that meets
- the standards set out by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC 2012)
- the standards of proficiency required for registration as qualified social workers with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC SoPs; SETs 4.1; 6.1)
- the outcome statements for qualifying education in relation to the Professional Capabilities Framework (The College of Social Work)
- expectations about the standards for the award of the Bachelor's degree in social work as set out in the Subject Benchmark Statement for Social Work (QAA 2008)
- a research-led social work education that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, confidence and critical understanding necessary to practise social work in complex and demanding environments
- knowledge that emphasises the importance of social work as a moral activity involving the study, application of, and reflection upon, ethical principles (SB4.6) and understanding of the implications of the HCPC’s standards of conduct, performance and ethics (HCPC SETs 2012: 4.5)
- the ability to become accountable, reflective, critical and evaluative (SB4.7), and to support and develop autonomous and reflective thinking (HCPC SETs 4.6)
- knowledge and understanding in the specified compulsory areas of study (SB5.1) and to effectively integrate theory and practice (HCPC SETs 4.3)
- skills that are of value in many situations: analytical thinking, building relationships, working as a member of an organisation, intervention, evaluation and reflection (SB5.2)
- an education that is relevant, current and which encourages creativity, evidence-based and research-informed practice (HCPC SETs 4.4; 4.7)
- an effective 'process curriculum' in terms of how content is taught, paying close attention to the involvement of service users and carers, practitioners, modelling anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice and confident professional identity (TCSW edref4)
- partnerships with regional employers and other stakeholders in order to: supply practice placements and suitably qualified practitioners; exchange ideas concerning the content of the qualifying programme; lead at strategic level (TCSW)
- relevant teaching, learning and assessment across the full range of knowledge and skills as required by the relevant professional agencies (TCSW PCF, HCPC Sop, SETs, and SB) to allow students to undertake specific learning and assessment in key areas.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- social work services, users and carers (SB5.1.1), the service delivery context (SB5.1.2) and the nature of the practice of social work (SB5.1.5)
- theories and models for social work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities and the methods derived from them (PCF5.8; SB5.1.4; SoP13.4)
- the nature, definition, development and application of relevant values and philosophical ethical principles (SB5.1.3; SoP13.4)
- the principles of rights, justice and economic well-being and their significance in the practice of social work (PCF4)
- the relevance of research from psychological, environmental, sociological, economic and physiological perspectives for understanding the impact of a range of factors on personal and social development and functioning (SoP 13.4; PCF5.4), including spiritual and cultural factors (PCF5)
- human growth and development across the lifespan, including mental health, disability and needs arising from age-related ill-health and disadvantage (PCF5.3; SoP13.4)
- the legal and policy framework for social work with individuals, families, groups and communities (SoP 13 4), including a critical understanding of the scope for professional judgment (PCF5.2)
- the impact of injustice, social inequalities, policies and other issues that affect the demand for social work services (SoP13.4)
- concepts of participation, advocacy, empowerment, partnership working, including with service users and carers, and sharing information across professional disciplines and agencies (SoP13.4)
- the relevance of sociological perspectives to understanding societal and structural influences on human behaviour (SoP 13.4).
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual abilities:
- a developed capacity for the critical evaluation of knowledge and evidence from a range of sources, including empirical research (SB7.3)
- to use research and inquiry techniques with reflective awareness, to collect, analyse and interpret relevant information (SB7.3)
- to practise as an autonomous professional, exercising your own professional judgment (SoP4), autonomy and initiative in individual decision making (SB7.4)
- an awareness of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on the practice of social work (SoP5)
- to reflect on and review practice (SoP11), incorporating appraisal of previous learning into future learning and practice (SB7.3)
- an understanding of the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to the profession (SoP13)
- to acknowledge and understand the potential and the limitations of social work as a practice-based discipline to effect individual and social change (SB7.3).
Subject-specific skills
You gain specfic skills in the following:
- the ability to draw on appropriate knowledge and skills to inform your practice of social work (SoP14) using knowledge and understanding in an integrated way in specific contexts and to engage in effective relationships with service users and carers (SB7.3)
- to practise safely and effectively within your scope of practice (SoP1), applying a repertoire of core skills (SB7.4)
- the ability to acquire and integrate skills in problem solving, including managing problem-solving activities, gathering information, analysis and synthesis and intervention and evaluation (SB5.5)
- to practise within the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession (SoP2) with a clear understanding of ethical issues and codes of values in practice (SB7.4)
- an ability to maintain your fitness to practise (SoP3)
- to practise in an anti-discriminatory and non-oppressive manner (SoP6)
- the ability to maintain confidentiality (SoP7) and keep records appropriately (SoP10)
- the ability to assure the quality of your work (SoP12), demonstrate habits of critical reflection on your performance and take responsibility for modifying action in the light of this (SB7.4).
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- effective communication to an advanced level (SB5.6; SoP8)
- the application of IT and numerical skills (SB5.9)
- problem solving, including managing problem-solving activities, gathering information, analysis and synthesis, intervention and evaluation (SB5.5)
- to work effectively and appropriately with others, including challenging others where necessary (SB5.7; SoP9)
- personal and professional development, including managing uncertainty, change and stress and the critical and effective use of research (SB5.8).
Careers
Our programmes provide you with knowledge and skills that will appeal to employers such as the NHS, local authority adults’ and children’s services, and the voluntary and private social and healthcare sector. You also develop transferable skills such as planning and organisation, teamwork, leadership.
The programme has a good record of graduate employment. Jobs are available in local authority and health settings (for example, working with children and families, disabled people, people with mental health problems, and older people); voluntary organisations (for example, Barnardo’s, NSPCC); and private agencies (for example, private fostering agencies).
Some graduates choose to do agency supply work.
Professional recognition
Social work is a regulated profession. A qualifying degree in Social Work is a prerequisite for eligibility to apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified social worker. As a social work student, you will be expected to adhere to the HCPC's Guidance of conduct and ethics for students. As well as regulating individual social workers, the HCPC also regulates the performance of social work courses, and publishes its reports on its website.
The Partnership Initiative
The Partnership Initiative (PI) works to embed service user and carer perspectives, experience and expertise into social work programmes at the University of Kent, including student selection, teaching and assessment and research activities. The PI was set up when the BA Social Work was founded at Kent in 2003 and also works closely with the MA Social Work programme that began in 2013.
The PI’s mission statement is that, ‘PI exists in order that people who use services and carers work collaboratively with staff and students. This is to ensure that the skills and experiences of all are integral to the social work programmes at the University of Kent.’
Membership of the Partnership Initiative is open to people in Kent and Medway with direct experience of social services and social workers, whether as service users or as carers. The PI meets and collaborates regularly with academics and representatives of the student body. PI members are paid for involvement in teaching, student selection and any other programme related activities through contracts with the University. Further details of the Partnership Initiative’s work are available in the PI newsletter, Bridging the Gap.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
Mature candidates with equivalent qualifications are considered dependent on their qualifications and experience.
Satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a satisfactory health declaration are required for applicants receiving offers.
In addition to the examination grades set out below, candidates must demonstrate awareness and understanding of the needs of people requiring social care or social work. Paid/voluntary social care experience of dealing with vulnerable groups in society or some personal experience is required. All candidates are assessed against the criteria for entry level of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work.
Applicants being considered will complete a written test and, if satisfactory, will be invited to attend for an individual interview and observed group discussion. Individual interviews are carried out by a member of the programme team and an experienced practitioner. Service users and carers are members of the panel that observe each group discussion.
Accreditation of prior learning
In certain circumstances it may be possible for a student who has completed a stage of the BA Social Work from another university to be accepted onto a subsequent stage of the BA at Kent eg Stage 2 or 3. Before considering a transfer, the Admissions Tutor for the BA Social Work will need to be satisfied that the student has met the preceding stage's learning outcomes as required and defined by the University of Kent.
Once this has been accessed and to be considered for direct entry, the student must complete health and criminal offences declarations and also provide evidence that:
- they would have met our entry criteria at Stage 1
- their standard of work is good (providing evidence of a minimum of four essays, marks and feedback, plus an academic reference from their tutor or lecturer).
A reason for requesting the transfer will also be required and, normally, the student will be invited to an interview with a member of the Social Work team.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | BBB |
| GCSE | English and Mathematics at grade C or above is essential for all candidates. GCSE equivalence within an Access to Higher Education course is acceptable as a substitute for GCSE or Functional Skills level 2. |
| Access to HE Diploma | Access applicants are required to pass with at least 75% level 3 credits at Merit and must include English and Maths at GCSE equivalent if not already obtained. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | Distinction, Merit, Merit |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 15 points at higher level |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advise about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language must complete the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) qualification and achieve a score of 7.0 overall and in each subtest.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
UK/EU fee paying students
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is responsible for the administration of social work bursaries. Please refer to the NHSBSA website for the latest available information including the eligibility criteria www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/825.aspx
Students on Social Work BA programmes are only eligible to receive a bursary during Stages 2 and 3 of their programme. No student receives a bursary at Stage 1.
We do not expect to receive confirmation of the number of bursaries for Stage 2/3 of our BA programme until the Spring Term of Stage 1. However, we anticipate that there will be fewer bursaries than students registered. We are obliged to provide the NHS Business Services Authority Students with a list of students. Students will be ranked according to a combination of the following 3 criteria: academic achievement, performance during the selection process, and attendance on the programme during Stage 1.
Students who do not receive a bursary, but meet the eligibility criteria, are currently able to apply to the NHSBSA for a Travel Allowance to help with placement-related travel costs.
Undergraduates (including those who receive a bursary) may continue to be eligible for a student loan from Student Finance England, subject to eligibility criteria.
In addition, Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Find out more on our fees and funding page.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.