Social Work & Psychology BA Social Work - University of East Anglia (UEA)

Overview

The BA Social Work degree programme, accredited by the General Social Care Council, introduces students to the range of social work theory, policy and practice. We aim to ensure that our students understand the theoretical foundations of social work, rooted in psychology and sociology; that they understand the social policy and legal context, especially the statutory provisions regarding child care, mental health and adult care; and that they are skilled in working with individuals, families, groups, fellow social workers and other professionals.

By the end of this programme you will have acquired the knowledge and skills to start work as a confident and competent 'beginning social worker'.

Teaching, Assessment and Feedback

Teaching methods are designed to provide an in-depth knowledge of Social Work, as well as developing the analytical, presentation, teamwork and communication skills sought by employers. The School employs a range of interesting and innovative teaching approaches and a careful balance of assessment methods including personal research projects and examination.

The academic year at UEA consists of two 12-week semesters, but on the social work programmes, attendance at University or on placement continues outside these dates. A typical Social Work degree module has two lectures and about one seminar per week. While lectures are attended by all students, seminars are held in smaller groups where you can interact more directly with the tutor and address any problems which have arisen.

Placement learning is central to social work education. Students on the BA Social Work course will spend approximately 200 days in practice-based learning, with placements undertaken with at least two different service user groups. We stress the role of personal tutors who will take an active interest in your development. Whilst on placement, you will work closely with a qualified 'practice educator', who will guide and assess your practice. University tutors maintain close links with students, and there are regular 'call back' days, when students return to the University to work on the links between theory and practice.

Career Opportunities

The School of Social Work and Psychology works closely with the University Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to choose their career path and develop their employability skills.

The BA Social Work degree will equip students with a professional qualification and a body of knowledge and skills that will open a wide range of exciting, rewarding and challenging employment in human service professions. Skills you will acquire include:

Communicating with service users, carers, colleagues and other professionals
Understanding of human behaviour, social systems and welfare organisations
Knowledge of legal responsibilities, powers and rights
Assessing needs, risks, abilities and strengths
Planning, providing, purchasing, co-ordinating and evaluating services
Interdisciplinary and multi-agency working.

Many of our graduates will work in local authority children's services departments and adult services departments. However, there are many other options and social workers may be employed in a variety of settings - for example, in the voluntary sector (organisations like the NSPCC, Age UK, MIND), in schools, health trusts, hospitals, area-based programmes such as Ormiston, Connexions, Julian Support, and in private businesses (eg residential care for children or adults).

Social workers also have the opportunity to work with a wide range of service users and carers. They might undertake child protection work, work with young people in care, with care leavers, children with disabilities, foster carers or adopters, people with dementia, people with drug and alcohol addictions, or people with mental health problems. You will also encounter and work with a wide range of other professionals - teachers, health visitors, the police, doctors, psychiatrists and community nurses.

Course Organiser

Mr Martin Gill

Why Choose Us?

Thank you for showing an interest in Social Work and Psychology at the University of East Anglia. We currently run two undergraduate degree programmes: BA Social Work and BSc Psychology.

We have been providing Social Work programmes for over 30 years and have earned an international reputation as one of the top centres of social work education and research in the United Kingdom. If you join us then you will benefit from the recognised excellence of an experienced teaching team who promote a supportive, academically rigorous and stimulating atmosphere.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society, our Psychology degree is a unique programme which combines psychology with social and applied perspectives on human behaviour. Emphasis is very much on "real world" application and we were ranked joint first in the latest National Student Survey.

School of Social Work and Psychology - Undergraduate Degrees The School houses the internationally renowned Centre for Research on the Child and Family. All lecturers are research active and bring the creative enthusiasm associated with research into their teaching. We are the only UK university social work department to have received the highest grading (5) in all the four Research Assessment Exercises (RAEs) spanning 17 years (1984-2001). The most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) illustrated our research strengths in Social Work, Social Policy and Psychology. 55% of our research was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent, and 90% to have been of international standing.

The School is a vibrant and exciting place within which to work and study. I encourage you to find out more by attending one of our open days, or by getting in touch with the admissions office who will be most happy to discuss your application with you.

Gillian Schofield
Head of the School

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere. The next Undergraduate Open Days will be held on Saturday 23 June 2012 and Saturday 7 July 2012.

You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.

In addition to the above we offer a Personal Visit option, available on specific Friday afternoons throughout the year. Please contact the School of Social Work and Psychology for further information about these.

If you are not able to visit us in person, check out our Virtual Open Day experience which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the University of East Anglia.

Students who have been offered a place on one of our undergraduate programmes will be invited to attend one of our Visit Days.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please contact us:
Please Contact the Admissions Team for Further Information

Please Contact the Admissions Team for Further Information

Admissions Office (Social Work and Psychology)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 592835 or 591729
Email: swp.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk or psy.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of Social Work and Psychology Undergraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Entry Requirements

Candidates will be expected to have 3 A levels (see below for typical offer).

Candidates with equivalent qualifications to the A level requirement are encouraged to apply (eg International Baccalaureate; Access to Higher Education certificate). International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Students should have 5 GCSEs including English and Mathematics at grade C or above.

The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant and applications are actively encouraged from those who want to return to academic study.

A Level BBB
International Baccalaureate 31
Scottish Advanced Highers BBB (acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications)
Irish Leaving Certificate BBBBBB
Access Course Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
HND Please contact swk.admiss@uea.ac.uk for further information
European Baccalaureate 70%

Students for whom English is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 87 overall (minimum 21 in the listening and writing components; 22 in the reading component; and 23 in the speaking component)
PTE: Minimum 59 in all components

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

Applicants are requested to attend an interview prior to being offered a place on the course. The interview is expected to last about 45 minutes. The interview panel will consist of 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 enable the panel to look at your personal background and circumstances, your understanding of Social Work and your 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.

Special Entry Requirements

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN: Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children
All applicants who have been offered a place to study the BA course will be required to obtain a fresh Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure.

An application pack will be sent from the University (this usually happens from April onwards). This should be completed and returned as soon as possible.

General information about this process can be obtained from the Criminal Records Bureau Website.

Experience

All applicants are required to have gained at least 6 months' experience of helping people and working with others in a Social Work/Social Care environment. This can be paid or voluntary work. On receiving your UCAS form, which will provide us with your academic reference, we will write to you requesting a second reference which should provide details of your ability in a caring/helping capacity.

Occupational Health Clearance

Applicants are required to provide evidence that they are of satisfactory physical and mental health.

Intakes

The course begins in September each year.

Assessment

Key factors used to assess an application include:

Past and future achievement in examinations
Academic interest in the subject
Personal interests and extra-curricular activities
The academic reference
The paid/voluntary work experience reference (caring/helping capacity)
The interview

All applications are considered on their own individual merits.

Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Year 1

Overview

In Year 1

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Early Childhood Development and Child Observation This unit provides an introduction to development psychology. We investigate the world of the infant and young child, looking at a number of areas including the development of perception, motor and cognitive skills, emotion, gender socialisation, and attachment. Lectures focus on critically evaluating different theories of development, and there is an emphasis on understanding the various research methodologies utilised by developmental psychology. Seminars provide an opportunity to explore specialist areas from a social work perspective looking at practical application of theory. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY more...	SWP-186Y	40	Year Period
Introduction to Social Sciences for Social Work The module aims to enable students to comprehend, evaluate and compare the major perspectives in psychology and sociology that underpin the psychosocial domain. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY more...	SWP-184Y	40	Year Period
Preparation for Practice You will be introduced to the historical, political and social contexts within which social work is practised. Central to the module is the experience of service users, the concept of professional identity, an understanding of social work values, and the place of reflection and personal development. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY more...	SWP-185Y	40	Year Period

Year 2

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Human Growth and Behaviour To provide students with models for understanding personality development and knowledge of growth and change throughout the life cycle. Students will be introduced to psychological models for understanding human growth and behaviour and will learn how to use these models to help understand case situations. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY more...	SWP-2831	20	Semester 1
Professional Theory and Practice I This module provides an opportunity to develop skills and understanding for social work practice, as a foundation for the first level placement. (More specific and in-depth material is covered in the complementary module, Professional Theory and Practice II. This module is assessed by a video-recorded role play and a written case recording and an essay. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY. more...	SWP-2851	20	Semester 1
Professional Theory and Practice II This module develops more specific and in-depth skills for practice compared to the generalist skills of Professional Theory and Practice I. It includes the 80 day period of assessed practice and after the placement, gives an opportunity to integrate learning from practice with the further study of social work theory and methods. Students have to fully attend and pass the placement in order to pass the module and proceed to the next year. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY. more...	SWP-287Y	30	Year Period
Social Work and Society The aim of this module is to help students develop their understanding of debates about the nature and functions of social work in society, and more specifically in relation to other welfare services. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY more...	SWP-2841	20	Semester 1
Social Work Law This year long module introduces students to basic legal concepts and skills to enable them to use law confidently in their practice as social workers. Students look in detail at the law that applies in three particular areas: child care law, mental health law and community care law. Student's knowledge and understanding is assessed by way of a law class test. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY. more...	SWP-288Y	30	Year Period

Year 3

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Professional Development This year long unit develops skills in applying theory to practice and enables students to complete the practice requirements set out in the National Occupational Standards for Social Work. A Pass in this final period of assessed practice is essential for successful completion of the course. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY. more...	SWP-382Y	40	Year Period
The Dissertation Students will complete a dissertation using material gained from work on placement and comprising a literature review. The dissertation enables students to expand their knowledge and understanding of a topic relevant to social work practice and theory. Whole group teaching is supplemented by one-to-one supervision. In addition a dissertation, students will also make a presentation to the year group. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY. more...	SWP-383Y	40	Year Period
Working With Service Users Students must attend at least 2 of the following courses (they may attend three or all four if they choose): Social Work with Children and Families, Social Work with Mentally Ill People, Social Work with Older People and Social Work with Adults and Children with Disabilities. The module is assessed by exam in which students have to answer questions on case studies relating to two of the specialist areas. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR BA SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY. more...	SWP-3820	40	Semester 2

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Fees And Funding

University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University of East Anglia will be charging International students £11,700 for all full-time School of Social Work and Psychology undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.

University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

Further information on fees and funding for 2012 can be found here

How To Apply

Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office (Social Work and Psychology)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of Social Work and Psychology Undergraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

UEA

Social Work and Psychology Courses