Social Work Admissions FAQs

At Undergraduate Level (BA):
The programme is designed to meet the professional training needs to register as a qualified social worker, and academic requirements for a Bachelor's degree. It is designed for students coming on the programme straight from A levels, and for older candidates who may have different qualifications and more experience. We are looking for candidates who will be ready to practice as a qualified social worker in three years time.

At Postgraduate Level (MA):
The programme is designed to meet the professional training needs to register as a qualified social worker, and the academic requirements for a Masters degree. We are looking for candidates who will be ready to practice as qualified social workers in two years' time.

In both cases (BA and MA) we are looking for potential as much as proven achievement - but we are looking for "proven potential". We need evidence of the candidates' potential. This comes from the application form, the references and the interview.

We assess candidates along 3 criteria:

Academic suitability (they have to be ready to study social work at Bachelors or Masters level)
Personal suitability (personal background and qualities, self knowledge)
Professional suitability (understanding of and potential for the challenges of social work)

At Undergraduate Level (BA):
For those applying straight from school or soon after A levels, the entry requirement is BBB from 3 full A-levels, excluding General Studies. For candidates doing a BTEC National Diploma, we look for DDM. You must also have GCSE grade C or higher in Maths and English language. We also require candidates to have some experience of helping other people and working together with others.

For older candidates (20 or over), we also look for the same level of academic achievement or potential, but we also look at previous experience. We would normally expect candidates to have at least GCSE grade C or higher in Maths and English language, but equivalent qualifications or experience MAY be satisfactory. We will consider candidates' performance on access courses. We will consider the nature and extent of candidates' experience, and this MAY compensate for not having all the academic qualifications.

At Postgraduate Level (MA):
a) Applicants to the programme must hold (or expect to obtain) at least a 2:2 degree from a recognised university. This may be in any subject. They must also have achieved at least GCSE grade C or above in English language and Maths. Other forms of qualification or experience MAY be acceptable to meet the maths and English requirements, but they must prove that you have achieved a level of competence equivalent to GCSE Grade C.

b) The MA programme is academically demanding and it is important that candidates recognise this and are able and willing to undertake rigourous academic study.

c) Although we will consider applicants with a 2:2 degree, we generally prefer at least a 2:1. We will consider applicants who have narrowly missed a 2:1, or who have good reasons for missing it, or who have other significant educational or work experience that enhances their 2:2 degree.

d) We require an academic reference from all candidates prior to interview. Please see the question on referees for further details on how we obtain references. Your academic referee should be someone who knows your academic work and can comment on your abilities and potential to undertake study at postgraduate level. Your university tutor or another lecturer who knows you well would be ideal.

We are prepared to consider applicants from overseas or with a non-UK qualification. The University has established procedures for verifying the status of non-UK school-leaving qualifications, universities and degrees. Non-UK candidates should be aware, however, of three important factors:

First the BA and MA programmes at UEA are is intended as a qualifying programmes for social workers to work in the UK and we prioritize such candidates above others who intend to work outside the UK.
Second, we require candidates to have some pre-course experience of social work, social care or helping people in the UK because students need to have an understanding of UK practices, policies and key debates. This is especially important for MA candidates.
Thirdly, international applicants may not be eligible for funding for their studies. There are strict rules about eligibility for non-UK citizens. Candidates should check their status with the NHSBSA before applying.

So, what do we mean by “relevant experience”? Well, we’re quite flexible! It is good if it has involved working directly with people from at least one of the major social work “groups” – children, families, people with physical or learning disabilities, people with mental health problems, and older people. It doesn't matter if your experience doesn't fit exactly into those four categories – even if it doesn't seem like it at first, the chances are it does if you think about it – but the important thing is that it is “people work”, and that you have been working directly with vulnerable people/people in need.

We know that school leavers will have had less opportunity than older candidates to gain experience. We make allowance for this. For school leavers, we will look at your experience in helping family members, school projects, voluntary work and any part-time jobs you might have had.

For mature candidates and MA candidates we tend to prefer paid work, because there are different issues and challenges when one is an employee as opposed to a volunteer. But substantial and sustained involvement is what we are looking for.

For all applicants, sustained involvement is very important, whether it is paid or voluntary. This is because there are lots of people who start off helping with something – say, volunteering to visit older people – but drop out when it gets a bit tough, the novelty wears off etc. And so we look for people who can show that they can keep on working with people, stick with them through the ups and downs, help them through the rough times, help people to change if that’s possible – or otherwise, just hang on in there!

Having said that, what you've done is less important than what you’ve learned from it. This is really important. And there are three aspects you should think about. First, what you have learned about the sort of people who need social work/social care support? What sort of problems do they have? What do you think the causes are? What sort of help do they really need? How could this best be provided – in ways that are truly effective and respect their human dignity? Second, what have you learned about the sort of organisations that provide social work/care/welfare services? How do they work – their structure, funding, ethos? What are their strengths, and what sort of problems do they have? How do they work with other agencies? How do they respond to people in need? How do they deal with the huge demands that they face? And third, what have you learned about yourself? How do you respond to people in need? How do you cope with bureaucratic structures and limited resources? How do you deal with having to say “no” to people? How do you cope with the stresses of the job, and what gives you satisfaction?

With regard to the MA very few of our younger students come direct from their undergraduate programme. Most have taken a break for a year or two (or sometimes much longer) and gained relevant experience. Some of our older students do come direct from their undergraduate course, but this is usually because they have relevant experience from before their undergraduate degree. Either way, a foundation of experience is helpful for the course.

Remember that we look for different levels of pre-course experience for the BA and MA. We do expect higher levels of experience from MA candidates. There are a number of ways to gain relevant experience. Look for jobs in the weekly social work magazine "Community Care", or in The Guardian's weekly "Society" supplement (Wednesdays). Look in your local newspapers or Job Centre. Another good idea is to register with a social care employment agency. These will often be able to help you get short-term work. It's a start!

You may also consider voluntary work but please note that we look for substantial and sustained involvement. You could try an organisation like Community Service Volunteers for full time volunteering opportunities (http://www.csv.org.uk/).

NB: A good way to get relevant experience and secure a place on the MA programme is through our Graduate Trainee Scheme. Click here to go to the GTS web page.

The selection process is in three parts - application form, references and interview.

All candidates should apply via UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk).

You should clearly state all your qualifications and grades, any current courses you are taking and exams you are waiting to take. It is especially important to show whether you have obtained GCSE grade C or higher in Maths and English language.

It is also very important that you take time over your personal statement, mentioning all the experience you have and identifying what you have learned from it, and giving your reasons for wanting to train to be a social worker.

The UCAS form requires you to supply one reference. Please note that for both programmes, we always ask you to arrange a second referee. We will not give further consideration to your application until we have received this.

For BA applicants who are still at school or college, the referee on your UCAS form should be your head teacher/head of sixth form/director of studies - someone who can give a comprehensive and authoritative picture of your academic potential and personal suitability for social work training. Your second referee should be someone who can comment on your experience of working with and helping other people. This may be voluntary experience or paid employment. The reference should be from someone such as your volunteer organiser/supervisor, or your employer or manager.

For MA candidates and mature BA candidates, if the reference that you submitted on your UCAS form was an academic one (e.g. from a university tutor or lecturer), we will require a reference about your professional suitability. This should be from someone who can comment on your experience of working with and helping other people. Ideally this experience will be in paid employment, but substantial voluntary experience may also be satisfactory. The reference should be from someone such as your employer or manager, or a volunteer organiser/supervisor.

Alternatively, if the reference on your UCAS form was from a manager or work/volunteer supervisor, you should now supply an academic reference. This should be from someone such as your university/college tutor or a lecturer who knows you well.

Once all paperwork has arrived, the application will be reviewed independently by the admissions tutor and another lecturer. Application forms are assessed on the following criteria:

Academic achievement and/or predicted* grades (class of degree, GCSE and A level results, other qualifications) (*by 'predicted' we mean officially predicted by your tutor/lecturers, not yourself!)
The academic reference (e.g. comments on ability/potential, participation in lessons/seminars, extra-curricular activities)
Experience (especially the nature and duration of your experience - social work/social care/family care or other fields; paid or voluntary; long or short term)
Reference about the applicant's work or other experience in a caring/helping capacity (e.g. reliability, ability to work as part of a team, empathy, organisational competence)
Your understanding of social work and your reasons for wanting to train as a social worker (in your personal statement)
Literacy, presentation and clarity of expression in the personal statement.

What about the references I need to accompany my application?

MA and BA applicants should identify two referees: one who can comment on your social work/social care or other experience in a helping role; and the other who can comment on your academic ability.

One of these referees will provide his/her reference on the UCAS form. We will always require the second reference before we call any candidate for interview (please see above, 'How does the selection process work?').

If after a preliminary scrutiny of your application form, it appears that your application is suitable for further consideration, we shall write to you, sending you a form to send on to your second referee. He/she should return this to us direct (we enclose an addressed envelope).

You are advised to give some thought to your choice of referees. They should know you well enough to comment objectively and reliably on your academic or professional suitability. Some groups of people are unlikely to satisfy this - for example, personal friends, relatives, work colleagues (rather than supervisors), or lecturers with whom you have had only limited contact.

Once we have received the second reference, we will give further consideration to your application. We apply the six criteria shown above. We shall then decide whether or not to invite you for interview.

If, after the application process is completed, you are successful in being offered an interview, you will be asked to submit a short essay. You will be provided with more guidance about this when you receive your invitation to interview but, in essence, you are asked to write between 800 and 1000 words on a topic chosen by yourself, although it must be of current interest and relevant to social work. Writing this essay will help you to prepare yourself for your interview and, during the interview, the university lecturer will invite you to discuss the topic that you have chosen. In this way you will approach the academic part of you interview with more confidence, knowing that part of it will concern a subject that you have had time to prepare.

You are advised to have undertaken some general reading about social work before coming for interview. A general textbook is -

Wilson,K.,Ruch,G.,Lymbery,M,.Cooper,A (2008) Social Work; an introduction to contemporary practice. Harlow, Pearson Education Ltd.
And this publication from the GSCC (available online) will provide you with a ‘feel’ for contemporary social work.

GSCC (2008) Social Work at its Best: a statement of social work roles and tasks for the 21st century (2008). London: GSCC in association with the Commission for Social Care Inspection, Children’s Workforce Development Council, Social Care Institute for Excellence, Skills for Care.

Social work practice is underpinned by theory and two books which make this topic approachable are Beckett,C (2006) Essential Theory for Social Work Practice. London: SAGE Publications.

Howe, D (2009) A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

You’ll find more suggested reading in “Is there any recommended reading?” below.

In order to write your interview essay you will be expected to have consulted a few social work books and articles, and you should list these at the end of the essay. The examples above show how references are made at UEA (the ‘Harvard system’), and you will receive more guidance about this if you come to study here. But for the interview essay all we expect is that you list the sources that you have consulted in the way that you have been taught in your present or previous studies.

Each candidate has an interview of about 45 minutes with a panel of three people. There is a university lecturer, a local Social Work practitioner or manager, and a person who uses Social Care Services or provides care and support to a family member/friend.

The interview will look at your personal background and circumstances, your understanding of Social Work and suitability for the programme.

Applicants will also be required to write an essay of between 800 and 1000 words prior to the interview date. The essay topic is one chosen by the applicant, although it must be of current interest and relevent to social work. Full instructions for the essay will be sent to applicants with the invitation to interview.

The involvement of service users, carers, practitioners and managers gives important perspectives on professional suitability, and the teaching staff highly value their input.

We think it is important to explain why we ask candidates about their personal background and circumstances. It is not nosiness but for two reasons:

First, social work can be a very demanding and stressful job. Social workers deal with some very unhappy situations. We need to be sure that you have the personal resources and resilience to cope with this.

Second, social workers work with some very vulnerable people - children who have been abused, adults with learning disabilities or mental health problems, older people living alone with no-one else to look out for them. We have to be sure that candidates are safe to work with such people.

All applicants are required to indicate, on the UCAS form, whether they have a disability or any other medical condition which may affect their performance on the programme or suitability to be a social worker. We also ask short-listed applicants to specify any medical circumstances on a form we send out prior to interview. We think it is important that past and present health circumstances are discussed at interview.

We adopt a positive attitude towards disabilities or health conditions, and hope that we can work with suitable candidates to overcome any health difficulties. If any past or present conditions are not disclosed and discussed, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to make provision for them once the student has started the programme.

We may ask candidates with past or present conditions to have a fuller assessment with UEA's Occupational Health Department. If so, we will pay for the assessment, and take the recommendations into account in reaching a decision on whether or not to offer a place.

Candidates should also note that the General Social Care Council (GSCC) requires social workers and social work students to be physically and mentally capable of doing the job. Some health conditions may preclude registration with the GSCC, which means that you would not become a social worker. Candidates with any doubts about the implications of their own health are advised to contact the GSCC for advice.

Candidates with disabilities are also invited to contact the Dean of Students' Office, which provides information and support for students with disabilities.

All candidates are asked, on the UCAS form, to indicate whether they have any criminal convictions. We also asked shortlisted candidates for full details of any convictions, warnings, reprimands or pending proceedings, on a form we send out prior to interview. We consider it important that any offences are discussed at the interview.

All candidates who are offered a place will be required to undergo an "enhanced disclosure" from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). All offers of places are conditional on satisfactory results from the CRB disclosure.

It is crucially important that candidates declare any and all convictions, warnings, reprimands or pending proceedings. Any discrepancy between the declaration and the CRB disclosure is taken extremely seriously and will invalidate the application.

Some types of offence will mean we consider the candidate unsuitable for the programme. For others we will assess the nature of the offence in the light of the discussion at interview - your explanation of why it happened, what you learned from it and from any punishment you received, what you think and feel about it now.

For candidates who are still at school, we do allow applications for deferred entry to the BA, so that they can take a gap year. At interview we will ask you about your plans for the gap year, and how you think it will prepare you for the programme.

For all other candidates we only consider applications for entry in the coming September. We do not consider applications for entry over a year ahead, nor do we allow candidates to defer entry after we have offered them a place (the person has to withdraw and then make a new application the next year).

There are two reasons for this. One is that both of our programmes have a small student group, which means that there is an excellent staff-student ratio, but it also makes it important that we know exactly how many people are coming on the programmes. Second, many things can change in a person's life over the course of a year, and given the importance for practice of social workers' personal circumstances and resilience, we need up to date information about this.

Students on the BA and MA courses usually receive financial support from the government. These grants are administered by the NHS Business Services Authority, and full details are avaiable on their website (www.ppa.org.uk/swb).

For the BA, in 2006-07 the social work bursary was a non-means tested grant of £4,000. Additionally, BA students are normally eligible for a tuition fee loan, and a living expenses loan. These loans do not have to be repaid until you are in paid employment, earning £15,000 per year or more.

For the MA, the postgraduate bursary pays the course fees and gives a grant for living and travel expenses.

It is also possible for students to be sponsored by a social care employer (e.g. a local authority). A sponsored student does not get a grant from the government, but the local authority pays his/her fees and provides a salary. Local authorities only have limited funds for sponsorships, and there is usually strong competition for sponsored places. Applicants who are interested in this route should contact their local authority for details.

Another possibility for candidates who are interested in the MA route is our 'Graduate Trainee Scheme - please see our GTS page for details.

Be sure to read something about social work. The weekly magazine "Community Care" is a good place to start, and the Guardian “Society” supplement on Wednesdays is useful too - but you should try a few books as well. At interview, we do ask people what they have read about social work! Here are some general introductions to social work.

Adams, P., Dominelli, L., Payne, M. (eds) (2002) Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates, (2nd edition) Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Davies, M. (ed) (2007) The Blackwell Companion to Social Work, (3rd edition), Oxford: Blackwell

Cree, V. (ed) (2003) Becoming a Social Worker, London: Routledge.

Lymbery, M. and Postle, K. (2007) Social Work: A Companion to Learning, London: Sage.

Thompson, N. (2000) Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice, Basingstoke: Palgrave.

A more detailed list of pre-course reading is given to successful applicants prior to the start of the programme.

We realise that people are likely to be disappointed if their application is unsuccessful, either at the short-listing stage or at interview. We do not give detailed feedback on our decisions, as the discussions of the interview panel are confidential.

Applicants should also be aware that disappointment in the outcome is not a basis for a complaint. However, there is a complaints procedure if unsuccessful applicants consider that the decision was subject to procedural irregularity, prejudice or bias; or that extenuating circumstances should be, and have not already been, taken into account.

In the first instance, dissatisfied applicants should contact the Admissions Tutor to express their concerns. This is considered an informal stage, where we hope that we shall be able to clarify the grounds for the decision.

If applicants are not satisfied with the response, the University has a formal complaints procedure. Applicants will be advised of the necessary steps if/when this is necessary.

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