Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Social Work
Change lives for the better and make a difference in the world.
Change lives for the better and make a difference in the world.
Social work is about changing lives for the better - and this is the core of our teaching at Kent. Our degree has been designed with professional practice in mind, helping you to develop the knowledge and practical skills you need to become a confident, competent social work practitioner.
You'll gain a thorough understanding of the issues and trends in adult services and social care for children and families. You critically examine how to work with individuals experiencing mental distress, and the role of mental health services. You'll also explore partnership working, interventions and skills, research skills and critical and reflective practice. This 360 approach means you graduate ready to step into social work and make a real difference.
Successful graduates of this course are eligible for professional registration with Social Work England (SWE), the regulatory body for social work, meaning you are ready to jump into a meaningful and successful career in social work.
"With the knowledge I have acquired in the social work course, I hope to eventually become a clinical psychologist."
Social Work at Kent was ranked 2nd in The Times Good University Guide 2025.
The Kent and Medway Regional Partnership has opened recruitment for 20 aspiring social workers to join the Step Up to Social Work course.
Our graduates are highly sought-after. 95% of our graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (Discover Uni).
Academic staff on the Social Work team from SSPSSR play an active role in the Kent, Medway and South East Social Work Teaching Partnership.
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers. If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
BBB
Distinction, Distinction, Merit
120 tariff points - typically H5, H6, H6 or equivalent
English at GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent) 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. Although Maths GCSE at 4 or above is preferred, applicants will still be considered if this requirement isn't met.
Pass the University of Kent International Foundation Programme.
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 45 Credits at level 3 with 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit
In addition to the examination grades set out above, 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.
Due to the travel requirements for mandatory placements, students are required to hold a full and valid UK driving licence in order to progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2 of this course. These requirements are not applied to those who have evidenced disabilities or health conditions which preclude them from obtaining a full driving licence.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.
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 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.
Social workers are required to be computer literate and you will be expected to develop these skills.
Students must also meet the Education and Training Standards stipulated by Social Work England
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.
Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
Social work is about changing people's lives for the better.
With recent developments in computing, automation, and artificial intelligence, many of today's jobs will give way to new types of careers and opportunities. This course will develop your critical, analytical, communication and research skills to prepare you for this contemporary, ever-changing world of work, giving you lots of career options when you graduate, and in the years beyond.
Many of our graduates take their concern with people, society and social justice into their career trajectory and move into roles that allow them to affect real-world impact. Our Social Work graduates are highly sought after and have gone on to work for companies such as:
*The Government announced on 4 November 2024 that tuition fees in England for Home students will increase to £9,535 from £9,250 for the academic year 2025/26. This increase requires Parliamentary approval, which is expected to be given in early/mid 2025.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.
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.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Successful applicants to this programme are required to complete and pay for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which the University will facilitate), and the update service as required/recommended.
This course includes a compulsory placement element. Although a government bursary may be available, there may still be costs associated with this aspect of the course. Please see this document for estimated costs associated with the placement, and contact us for further information.
You will require regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. Please see information about the minimum computer requirements for study.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
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 receive confirmation of the number of bursaries for Stage 2/3 of our BA programme until the Summer Term of Stage 1. There are generally fewer bursaries than students registered. We are obliged to provide the NHS Business Services Authority with a ranked list of students. Students will be ranked according to the following: academic achievement and Stage 1 attendance.
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.
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.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
As a postgraduate social work student, you can apply for an NHS Social Work Bursary to support with your living costs and tuition fees. Check if you’re eligible and find bursary guidance on the NHS website.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
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