BA Social Work
University of the West of Scotland
About this course
BA (Hons) Social Work, a social work degree centred on contemporary social work practice and professional identity. The course has been accredited by the Scottish Social Services Council and is designed in collaboration with stakeholders to meet government requirements. The curriculum integrates academic theory with two practice learning placements across settings such as justice services, residential care, and children and family services.
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
Please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications. We would welcome candidates who share a commitment to social justice and have the necessary personal qualities to flourish in such a challenging yet rewarding profession. Candidates need to be eligible to register with the Scottish Services Council (SSSC) as a social work student and be IT competent. It would be advantageous for candidates to have some voluntary or paid experience in a social work/care setting such as a charity or voluntary organisation working with people, prior to applying. Entry remains a competitive process. We will prioritise applicants who are able to demonstrate the following qualities in their application: Clear motivation to study social work at UWS; Preparation for academic study; Understanding of the role of social work; Caring and compassionate attributes | Year 1 -- Scottish Highers: Standard Entry Requirements: BBBB (108 UCAS Tariff points), plus English and Maths at SQA National 5 or Int 2 (Grades C, or equivalent) (NB: SQA Standard Grade English and Maths considered only if at Grades 1 or 2); Minimum entry Requirements: CCCC (84 UCAS Tariff points), plus English and Maths at SQA National 5 or Int 2 (Grades C, or equivalent) (NB: SQA Standard Grade English and Maths considered only if at Grades 1 or 2); A Levels: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points), plus GCSE English and Maths at Grades C - 4/5; T Level: Full T Level with Grade Merit (120 Tariff points); Irish Leaving Certificate: H1 H2 H2 H2, plus Ordinary Level English and Maths; International Baccalaureate: 27 points; Scottish Wider Access Programme: Access to Humanities; Access to Social Work; Access to Social Sciences; All with Grades ABB; SQA HNC / BTEC Level 4 HNC: Additional Support Needs: Managing & Supporting the Services; Childhood Practice; Counselling; Early Education & Childcare; Health Care; Social Care; Social Sciences; Social Services; Social Studies; Working with Communities; All with Grade B in Graded Units, plus SQA National 5 English and Maths at Grade C, or equivalent.; SQA HNC (Next Gen): Social Sciences; With Grade Achieved, plus SQA National 5 English and Maths at Grade C, or equivalent. | Year 2 (Dumfries only) -- SQA HNC / BTEC Level 4 HNC*:: Social Sciences; Social Care; Social Services; Social Studies; All HNCs require an A in the Graded Unit.; SQA HNC (Next Gen)*: Social Sciences; Grade - Merit; * All HNCs must include SQA National 5 English and Maths at Grade C, or equivalent. | Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG) -- Successful applicants who gain a place on this course will need to register on the PVG Scheme, managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. An application form will be sent from the University once you have accepted your offer. The fee for joining the scheme is £59.; Visit the Disclosure Scotland website for more information on the PVG scheme.
What students say
Based on about 48 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Working and studying: 10%
Most common jobs
- Welfare Professionals: 85%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 95%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- South East: 1%
- Scotland: 99%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 20%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 70%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirements for registration with this body.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Social Work at University of the West of Scotland earn?
The median salary is £38,500 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £39,000. The £33,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Social work.
What do graduates of BA Social Work at University of the West of Scotland do next?
100% 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 the West of Scotland?
95% 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 the West of Scotland?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 118 UCAS points.
Is BA Social Work at University of the West of Scotland accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirements for registration with this body.
How many students continue on BA Social Work at University of the West of Scotland?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.