Social Work and Sociology

Explore the complexities of society to create and advocate for positive change.

Social work and sociology share a commitment to understanding how society functions and finding ways to create positive change.

Where they differ is in their approach:

Social work is a practice-based profession regulated by Social Work England. It focuses directly on supporting individuals, families and communities, often in health and social care settings.
Sociology offers a broader view, examining social structures and inequalities to explore how society operates as a whole.

At UEA, both degrees give you the research-informed knowledge and practical skills to understand the complexities of society, advocate for change and work towards a better world.

Whether you want to support individuals through hands-on practice or challenge societal issues through research and policy, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to create meaningful change.

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Why choose Social Work and Sociology at UEA?

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Choose a career that makes a difference

A degree in social work or sociology will open the doors to diverse careers where you can make a real impact. Both degrees empower you to challenge inequalities, influence policy and improve lives - whether through direct support or critical analysis of social systems.

With a Social Work degree, you can:

Qualify as a social worker in areas like child protection, mental health and adult services
Work in specialist settings such as hospitals, schools, adoption agencies and mental health trusts
Progress into leadership roles within social care organisations or local authorities
Influence social policy and research, driving change through advocacy or public sector roles

With a Sociology degree, you can:

Work in policy development, education or human resources, shaping initiatives that promote equality and social justice
Become a social researcher for government and private sector agencies, contributing to social policy and strategic decisions
Take on roles in the criminal justice system, charities or local government, working on societal issues like crime, welfare and inequality
Apply your sociological expertise to roles in marketing, communications or media, interpreting social trends for advocacy or corporate social responsibility

Whatever path you choose, UEA provides expert careers support to help you take the next step. And if you’re unsure what direction to take, we’ll give you the guidance you need to make an informed decision about your future.

Put your training into practice with social work placements

Practical experience is crucial for a successful career in Social Work. Placements provide essential insights into the legal frameworks, policies and procedures you’ll work with as a social worker.

On our Social Work degree, you’ll complete a 70-day (Level 1) and 100-day (Level 2) placement in real-world social work settings, working with individuals, families and communities requiring social work services. These placements are carefully sourced by our Placement Director to ensure they align with your learning and career goals.

With strong partnerships across Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, as well as various charitable organisations, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to support vulnerable individuals in the community.

Apply your knowledge to real-world social issues

While our Sociology degree doesn't require placements like Social Work, you'll still have plenty of opportunity to gain practical experience of doing your own research in the real world.

Across the degree you'll have opportunities to learn about and conduct your own research, exploring a range of contemporary sociological topics that are of interest to you, using diverse methods including observations, surveys, and interviews.

Depending on the modules you choose, you'll also have opportunities to develop your skills in analysing social policies (relating to, for example, families, health, housing, and welfare), responses to offending by the criminal justice system, and media representations depicting a range of contemporary concerns.

You'll also have the chance to explore contemporary social issues relating to social justice, social policy and social change through our innovative problem-based learning approach. Across the course, you’ll tackle real-world case studies, using your sociological knowledge to devise practical solutions.

Find the right course for you

Accreditation

Our Social Work degrees are fully accredited by Social Work England, enabling you to develop the academic knowledge and professional skills for registration as a qualified social worker.

Your next steps

Ready to explore the courses we offer in Social Work and Sociology?

Or join us for a subject taster session to get a feel for what it's like to study Social Work and Sociology at UEA.

We also hold regular webinars on a broad range of topics about university, like personal statements, student finance, and life as a student.

All Social Work and Sociology courses Subject tasters and webinars

Social Work and Sociology

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Why choose Social Work and Sociology at UEA?

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Choose a career that makes a difference

With a Social Work degree, you can:

With a Sociology degree, you can:

Put your training into practice with social work placements

Apply your knowledge to real-world ​social issues

Find the right course for you

Accreditation

Your next steps

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Apply your knowledge to real-world social issues