Social Work (Northern Ireland) (R61)

Want to make a difference in people’s lives? Social workers support and protect society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. It's challenging and rewarding work, requiring high motivation and commitment, and a qualifying degree. Our Social Work degree is approved by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC), and successful completion entitles you to apply for registration as a social worker. As part of this work-based programme, you’ll need to have current experience working in a social work/care capacity, and you'll also need the sponsorship of a relevant social work/care employer throughout your degree.

Key features of the course

• Continue in your employment while you study, earning while you learn

• Study through work-based and distance learning

• Develop the knowledge and practical skills that underpin effective practice

• Improve your career progression and opportunities within social work

This social work degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll study two 60-credit modules that develop essential underpinning knowledge and study skills, including digital and information literacy, while exploring contemporary perspectives on how social care is organised. This stage also prepares you for your first practice placement by developing your social work values, skills and knowledge.

In Stage 2, you’ll study two 60-credit modules that cover social work law and applied social work practice, including an 85-day placement. You’ll study legislation across adult, child and family services and apply social work theory and models of intervention to your own practice, working in situations of increasing complexity and risk.

In the final stage, Stage 3, you’ll study two 60-credit modules that include a specialist option to deepen your knowledge in a chosen area and a practice-based module featuring a 100-day placement. You’ll develop as a confident, analytical and reflective practitioner and independent learner.