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Social Work

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

=1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects – Outcomes in Social Work (Complete University Guide 2024)

9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

14th in the UK for Social Work (The Guardian University Guide 2024)

About the course

Are you passionate about social justice, challenging oppression and discrimination, and making a difference? Are you looking for a rewarding career where you improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society? If you want a degree that combines theory and research with practical skills and outstanding job prospects, this course is for you.

Our Social Work BA is an approved social work qualification. It allows you to practise as a social worker in the UK and internationally with a variety of groups including:

  • children and families

  • refugees

  • older people

  • people with disabilities

  • people experiencing mental health difficulties, homelessness, or drug and alcohol issues.

Our teaching draws on our research expertise – you will be taught by experts in the field. We’re proud of our flagship teaching partnership with local employers. Through two practice learning placements, you will have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of social work practice. At Sussex, we understand that social work is a rewarding but challenging profession. Having a low student to staff ratio allows us to get to know you, and support you to meet your potential in a caring and nurturing environment.

The majority of our graduates find jobs in the local area. Many of our alumni have gone on to have successful careers in policy, academia and leadership roles.

Accreditation

This degree is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You graduate ready to apply for registration as a social worker.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Modules

See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L500
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBC - BBB

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma should be in Health and Social Care. You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English with at least grade 4 (or grade C). You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21 credits at Distinction. The Access course should be in the humanities or social sciences. You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English with at least grade 4 (or grade C).

Scottish Higher - ABBBB

You will need Scottish National 5 in English at grade C

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points

This score should be from the full IB Diploma. You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English with at least grade 4 (or grade C).

Extended Project

We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Admissions at ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

T Level - D

including grade B in the Core Component. You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional skills in English. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator. For more information on the admissions process please go to - http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/apply-social-work

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Interview
Other
For more information on the admissions process please go to - http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/apply-social-work

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7including at least 6.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online.
PTE Academic67including at least 62 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)95TOEFL (iBT) including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

Please see our English language requirements. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Sussex, we recognise that not everybody has the same support to help them get to higher education. At Sussex it’s important to us to have a diverse, inclusive university community with a range of voices and experiences. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education ensuring that we have fair access to all regardless of background. A contextual offer is a reduced grade offer which is given to students who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Learn more on the University of Sussex website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£27300Year 1
International£27300Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.

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