BA Social Work
About this course
BA in Social Work, a social work degree centred on professional practice, law and human development. Core topics include Research Methods and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students undertake supervised practice placements in their second and third years alongside academic study. The first year covers foundational subjects through Law for Social Work Practice, Effective Communication & Relationship Building Skills, and Social, Political and Organisational Context for Social Work. The second year introduces practice with children and adults alongside research methods, leading into Placement One for Professional Practice. The final year involves an independent dissertation study, preparation for the transition to professional roles, and Placement Two for Professional 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
A Level: ABB. IB: 6,5,5 at Higher Level, to include English with a minimum of 32 points overall.. BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all considered.considered. T Level: all subjects considered; Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.
What students say
Based on about 22 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Welfare Professionals: 90%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 95%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 65 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 73%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 6%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Approved by the Social Work England for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with Social Work England as a social worker in England
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Attendance and engagement
- Effective Communication & Relationship Building Skills
- Introduction to Learning and Professional Development
- Social, Political and Organisational Context for Social Work
- Law for Social Work Practice
- Preparing for Professional Social Work Practice
- Reflective Assessment & Intervention Strategies
- Attendance and engagement
- Critical Social Work Practice with Children, Families and Adults
- Journeys through the Life Course
- Research-mindedness in Social Work
- Placement One for Professional Practice
- Transition to Professional Practice
- Dissertation Study
- Placement Two for Professional Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Social Work at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £38,500. The £35,500 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Social work.
What do graduates of BA Social Work at University of Birmingham do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Social Work at University of Birmingham?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Social Work at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 140 UCAS points.
Is BA Social Work at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Approved by the Social Work England for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with Social Work England as a social worker in England
Does BA Social Work at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Social Work at University of Birmingham?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.