BA Applied Social Work
About this course
BA (Hons) in Social Work. Core topics include Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course includes two assessed practice placements of 80 and 90 days respectively, assessed against the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work. A final-year independent study allows sustained engagement with a chosen area of social work 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
UCAS tariff: 112 A level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with the equivalent of 112 UCAS points. English language: N/A
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 48%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 68%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Welfare Professionals: 90%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 74%
- West Midlands: 15%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 1%
- South East: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 55%
- Access course: 35%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Community Social Work
- Contemporary Issues in Social Work
- Preparation for Practice Learning
- Social Work Law
- Human Growth and Development
- Practice Learning 1
- Research Methods for Practice
- The Trilogy of Abuse
- Safeguarding Adults
- Practice Learning 2
- Protecting and Safeguarding Children and Young People
- Independent Study
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Applied Social Work at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,000 and £39,500. The £30,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Social work.
What do graduates of BA Applied Social Work at University of Derby do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Applied Social Work at University of Derby?
79% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Applied Social Work at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 129 UCAS points.
Is BA Applied Social Work at University of Derby 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
How many students continue on BA Applied Social Work at University of Derby?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.