BA Social Work
About this course
BA Hons in Social Work, a social work degree centred on professional practice and social justice. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course is accredited by Social Work England and includes two practical work placements in settings such as local authorities, the NHS, and voluntary agencies. The first year introduces foundational themes through Social Work Practice 1, Contemporary Social Issues 1: Power, Inequality and Everyday Life, and Contemporary Social Issues 2: Social Issues in a Changing World. The second year continues professional training through Placement 1, Social Work Practice 2, and Social Work with Children, Young People and Families. The final year involves advanced study and hands-on experience via Mental Distress, Disability and Decision Making in Adult Social Work, Placement 2, and Social Work Practice 3.
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: BBB IB: 30 overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 43%: 91 offers from 210 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 76%
- Organisation and management: 71%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 59%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 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 14 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 95%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Welfare Professionals: 90%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 95%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 90%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 65%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Access course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Social Work Practice 1
- Contemporary Social Issues 1: Power, Inequality and Everyday Life
- Contemporary Social Issues 2: Social Issues in a Changing World
- Placement 1
- Social Work Practice 2
- Social Work with Children, Young People and Families
- Mental Distress, Disability and Decision Making in Adult Social Work
- Placement 2
- Social Work Practice 3
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Social Work at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £36,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £37,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Social work.
What do graduates of BA Social Work at Lancaster University 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 Lancaster University?
82% 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 Lancaster University?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 135 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Social Work at Lancaster University?
43% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 91 offers from 210 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BA Social Work at Lancaster University 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 Social Work at Lancaster University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.