Embark on a journey to make a meaningful difference in society with our BA Social Work programme at the University of Leeds. Designed for individuals who aspire to assist others in overcoming challenges and leading more successful lives, our programme equips you with the essential skills, knowledge, and professional qualifications needed to excel in this rewarding field.
Why Choose Our Programme?
Our curriculum emphasises the importance of diversity, anti-discriminatory, and anti-oppressive principles in practice. From the outset, you will engage with a range of different simulations which support the teaching on the various modules, in the first year these support the development of basic social work skills and in the second year these simulations focus on key skills that support the development of practice skills, assessment and reflection to support your transition to final placement.
Academic Literacies
Interwoven throughout the programme are academic literacies—critical thinking, effective communication, and research skills—that are vital for both academic success and professional practice. You will learn to critically appraise evidence and articulate well-researched arguments through written and oral presentations, ensuring you can effectively communicate with a range of stakeholders.
Expert Support and Cutting-Edge Research
Benefit from our dynamic Social Work Team of research-active practitioners, innovative academics, and experienced professionals who are dedicated to enhancing your learning experience.
Professional Accreditation
Our course aligns with Social Work England’s Professional Standards. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to register with Social Work England, paving the way for a fulfilling career in social work.
University of Leeds Competency Standards
1. Effectively demonstrate working, adapting to a range of different environments, demonstrating a range of skills and interventions.
2. Recognise principles of social justice, inclusion, and equality. Advocate for the rights, strengths, and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.
3. Effectively demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours for safe and effective practice as required by Social Work England.
4. Effectively demonstrate self-management, adaptability and response to different situations using insight, reflection and feedback.
5. Develop and apply relevant knowledge from social work practice and research, social sciences, law, other professional and relevant fields, and from the experience of people who use services.
6. Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making.
7. Effectively use judgement, knowledge and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm.
8. Operate effectively within and contribute to the development of organisations and services, including multi-agency and interprofessional settings.
Year 1
In your first year, you'll build a solid foundation in social work principles:
Explore the legal basis of social work (HECS1120), decision-making (HECS1136), and social policy (HECS1134) and social work theory (HECS1135).
Examine how disability and mental health affect people who use services, including adults, children, and families.
Professional Competencies: Develop skills in decision-making, ethics and values, and working with diversity.
20-Day of Work Experience (HECS1133)
A standout feature of our programme is the early hands-on experience through a 20-day work experience within a local voluntary or independent sector agency. This short work experience introduces you to the working world of social care, allowing you to cultivate practical skills, build professional relationships, and gain insight into social work practices from the start of your training.
Year 2
Deepen your understanding of social work theory and practice:
Spe
cialised Modules: Focus on social work with children and families (HECS2239), as well as adults (HECS2238).
70-Day Assessed Placement (HECS2213): Undertake a placement linked to the Professional Practice 2 module, within either the voluntary sector or the statutory sector (government-run services). This placement helps you apply theory to practice in real-world settings and supports you to meet the professional requirements at first placement level.
Develop a complex and nuanced skill set to promote recognition of ethical dilemmas, making complex decisions and using research evidence to support proficient and ethical practice (HECS 2240)
You will also develop your understanding of research methods in social work and how they influence practice (HECS2213)
Year 3
Advanced Knowledge: Further develop your professional practice skills in child and family social work and adult social work in a 100-Day Statutory Placement (HECS3282): Complete an extended placement within the Leeds and Wakefield Teaching Partnership, a collaboration between local authorities and higher education institutions that provides high-quality social work education and practice opportunities, and supports you meet the professional requirements at final placement level.
Social Work and Technology Module: Explore digital technologies in social work, including benefits and ethical dilemmas (HECS3311).
Prepare for professional practice and your Assessed Supported Year in Employment (HECS3310)
Final Year Project (HECS3309): Undertake a project focusing on a topic of interest from your placement learning, guided by an individual supervisor.
Placements
Placements are integral to your education, providing invaluable hands-on experience. You will complete 170 days of direct placement, supported by practice educators, plus 20 days of work experience.
Professional Practice 1 HECS1133 (Year 1): Engage in skills development through a 2-day shadowing experience and the unique 20-day work experience.
Professional Practice 2 HECS2213 (Year 2): Complete a 70-day assessed placement within the voluntary or statutory sector, applying your learning in practical settings.
Professional Practice 3 HECS3282 (Year 3): Undertake a 100-day assessed statutory placement within the Leeds and Wakefield Teaching Partnership, working within legally mandated social services.
These placements meet Social Work England’s Professional Standards, promoting excellent social work practice and enabling you to take responsibility for your professional learning and development.
Supervision and Support
Recognising the demanding nature of social work education, our programme provides a supportive and structured learning environment:
Personal Tutor: Assigned at the start of the programme to guide and support you throughout your studies.
Group Supervision: Participate in group sessions that foster peer learning and shared reflection.
Readiness to Practise: Undergo a one-to-one assessment with your Personal Tutor to prepare for placements.
Placement Support: Your tutor attends key online placement meetings to ensure consistent support and monitor your progress.
Final year Project (HECS3309): Receive individualised guidance during your final year project to navigate research complexities.
Practice Educator: Guides you while you undertake your assessed placement and supports you with reflection as you link theory to practice
Horizon Year Abroad
Broaden your horizons by opting for a year abroad through the University of Leeds' Horizon programme. This unique opportunity allows you to:
Develop Global Competencies: Enhance linguistic and intercultural skills by studying at partner institutions in countries like Morocco, Israel, South Korea, Japan, and China.
Enrich Your Experience: Gain international perspectives that can inform and enhance your future social work practice.
Boost Employability: Stand out in the job market with a demonstrated commitment
Please note: The Horizon Year is separate from the Social Work degree and does not count towards Social Work England registration requirements.
Join us at the University of Leeds to become a perceptive, astute problem solver and advocate for service users, their families, and carers. With our comprehensive programme, you'll be well-prepared to meet the challenges and rewards of the social work profession.
(with Registration) (for students who start from 2026 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HECS1120 | Social Work Law | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| HECS1133 | Professional Practice 1 | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| HECS1134 | Social Justice and Social Work | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| HECS1135 | Social Work Theory and Practice Across the Life Course | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| HECS1136 | Decision Making in Social Work | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
(with Registration) (for students who start from 2026 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HECS2213 | Professional Practice 2 | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| HECS2214 | Research for Social Work Practice | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| HECS2238 | Social Work with Adults (including Mental Health) | 20 | PFP | |
| HECS2239 | Social Work with Children and Families | 20 | PFP | |
| HECS2240 | Ethical Dilemmas and Critical Reflection in Practice | 20 | PFP |
(with Registration) (for students who start from 2026 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HECS3282 | Professional Practice 3 | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| HECS3309 | Final year Project | 40 | PFP | |
| HECS3310 | Transition into Qualified Practice | 20 | PFP | |
| HECS3311 | Social Work and Technology | 20 | PFP |
Last updated: 28/07/2026 14:23:29
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