BA Social Work
University of Greater Manchester
About this course
BA (Hons) Social Work is an undergraduate social work degree centred on professional practice and safeguarding. Core topics include Research Methods. The course is approved by Social Work England and incorporates two work-based practice placements alongside campus-based skills development days. The first year covers core foundations through Introduction to Social Work, Human Growth and Development, Anti-Discriminatory Practice, and Readiness for Practice. The subsequent stages explore specialised areas via Working with Children and Families, Working with Adults, Law for Social Work Practice, Complex Decisions and Safeguarding, Social Work Perspectives in Mental Health, and Research Methods in Social Work. Further compulsory modules include Employability, Leadership and Organisational Development, Practice Placement 1, and Practice Placement 2. The curriculum concludes with a dissertation and Critical Reflective Practice.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
120 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels and BTECs. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications. Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. You should also have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English. While you don't need to have prior experience, some experience of working in a helping capacity would be an advantage. For guidance regarding acceptable alternative qualifications, please contact admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk. Qualifications gained outside England and Wales will be assessed on an individual basis according to guidance by Social Work England. We're happy to consider alternative qualifications and relevant work experience. The Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route may be used for entry. Please contact the programme leader for details. You'll also need to demonstrate basic IT skills, including word processing, internet browsing and use of email. If your application is successfully shortlisted, you'll be invited to a selection day where you'll be expected to complete a number of assessments, including an interview, written test and group activity. The interview panel will include academic staff, practice staff and service users. The written test will assess your comprehension and written communication skills. The group activity will assess your values, behaviours, communication and problem-solving skills. We're seeking students who can demonstrate commitment to a social work career, have excellent communication skills, and are empathic, caring, and courageous. We offer places to applicants whose qualifications, experience, references and quality of application (including the personal statement) persuade us of their excellence. If you're successful at the interview stage, you'll be asked to undergo occupational health screening and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You'll be required to satisfactorily pass occupational health screening. You'll need to demonstrate that you are of good health and good character prior to enrolment and on an ongoing basis throughout your studies and career. You'll be required to complete a confidential self-declaration form outlining any medical or health conditions that may affect your ability to undertake academic or social
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 78%
- Organisation and management: 50%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 40%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 20%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Welfare Professionals: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North West: 90%
- London: 5%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 45%
- Access course: 20%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- Anti-Discriminatory Practice
- Readiness for Practice
- Working with Children and Families
- Introduction to Social Work
- Human Growth and Development
- Working with Adults
- Law for Social Work Practice
- Complex Decisions and Safeguarding
- Social Work Perspectives in Mental Health
- Research Methods in Social Work
- Practice Placement 1
- Employability, Leadership and Organisational Development
- Dissertation
- Practice Placement 2
- Critical Reflective Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Social Work at University of Greater Manchester earn?
The median salary is £17,500 after 3 years, £21,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £16,500 and £26,500. The £21,500 median after five years is £8,500 less than the UK median for Social work.
What do graduates of BA Social Work at University of Greater Manchester do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Social Work at University of Greater Manchester?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Social Work at University of Greater Manchester?
The average entrant had 131 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Social Work at University of Greater Manchester?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.