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Social Work
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · 09/2026 · UndergraduateCity South Campus, Edgbaston
Course summary
As one of the largest providers of social workers in the UK, our Social Work BSc (Hons) degree is regulated by Social Work England and is well known for producing excellent practitioners capable of operating in local authority, voluntary or private settings.
Our specially-designed degree will give you the skills and knowledge needed to make a
difference to people's lives as a professional and registered social worker.
You will learn about the social work profession and the needs of the people social workers support. We link theory and practice through a combination of academic learning and on the job placement opportunities.
You will gain a first-hand insight into a wide range of issues that you will face in social work practice, such as:
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The care needs of vulnerable people
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Safeguarding children and adults
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The impact of poverty
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Domestic violence
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Substance misuse
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Mental health issues
Through expert teaching and quality placements, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of different service user groups and the skills needed to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable people.
This social work degree course is among the most innovative of its kind, placing you where you will benefit the most - among the people and communities you will go on to support.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- City South Campus, Edgbaston
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L501
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- City South Campus, Edgbaston
- Campus Code:
- E
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Birmingham City University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
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:
- L501
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- City South Campus, Edgbaston
- Campus Code:
- E
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 points
If you have non-standard qualifications but you have significant relevant experience, you may be eligible for our portfolio route - see additional information below for further details.
A level - BBB
120 UCAS tariff points from three A Levels. Grades BBB (or equivalent). Required subjects: One of Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science at A Level or level 3 equivalent. Other subjects may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions tutor. Excluded subjects: General Studies
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
120 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Extended Diploma - accepted subjects: Health or Science-related subjects. National Diploma/Extended Certificate - accepted subjects: Either this qualification or an accompanying A Level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science. Other subjects may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions tutor.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits. At least 45 credits at level 3 with 30 credits at Merit or Distinction.
Scottish Higher
120 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCC) or two Advanced Highers (CC) plus two Highers (CC). Required subjects: One Health or Science related subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
120 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Extended Diploma - accepted subjects: Health or Science-related subjects. National Diploma/Extended Certificate - accepted subjects: Either this qualification or an accompanying A Level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science. Other subjects may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions tutor.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
120 UCAS tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Extended Diploma - accepted subjects: Health or Science-related subjects. National Diploma/Extended Certificate - accepted subjects: Either this qualification or an accompanying A Level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science. Other subjects may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions tutor.
Scottish Advanced Higher
120 UCAS tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCC) or two Advanced Highers (CC) plus two Highers (CC). Required subjects: One Health or Science related subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
Obtain a minimum of 30 points overall. For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at grade C/4 or above, grade 5 in Maths (Standard level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted. For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at grade C/4 or above, English Language (Standard level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted. For English A, this must be grade 4 or above; for English B, this must be grade 5.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. Required subjects: One Health or Science related subject.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
T Level - M
Merit overall.
Welsh Baccalaureate: 120 UCAS tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Required subjects: Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points. Accepted subjects: Health or Science-related subject.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points. Accepted subjects: Childcare and Education; Health and Social Care. Required subjects: Either this qualification or an accompanying A Level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science.
WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s). Required subjects: Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Science or Applied Science.
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall.
Applicants must have evidence of study within the last five years and/or current relevant practice experience in a social care setting.
Prior to enrolling on this course, successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory occupational health check and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) via the Faculty, as well as a Social Work declaration check.
Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, references, interview, group and written exercise all form part of the selection criteria for this course.
Portfolio route:
A Portfolio route has been devised for those applicants who have significant relevant experience of working with vulnerable people but do not meet the formal entry requirements. To follow this route you will need to:
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Have three or more years' relevant experience in a role which involves experience of undertaking work with vulnerable people, and which can be transferable into social work practice. This involves work such as assessment, care/support planning, co-ordination of services with other professionals, and reviewing.
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Have GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent.
The portfolio is made up of the following:
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A reflective account reviewing your own role, skills and areas for development in relation to your practice - 1,000 words.
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An analysis of a case that you have worked on - 1,000 words.
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A reflection on your performance during the direct observation and the feedback given by the social worker - 500 words.
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A report by a social worker on the direct observation of your current practice.
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Two references/testimonials - one from your line manager and one from a qualified social worker (again, preferably a senior social worker or above).
To apply via the portfolio route, you will need to put the items above together in a folder (portfolio) and send it to the admissions tutor with an application form. The portfolio is then looked at by academic staff at the university, who will evaluate the work and make a judgement about your suitability for the Social Work programme.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an admissions day where they will undertake a written test, group exercise and individual interview.
Additional entry requirements
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
- Health checks
- Interview
- Applicants are required to complete an interview. Interviews may be online via Microsoft Teams. Applicants are required to complete a written exercise on attendance at the selection day. Applicants will be required to participate in a group work exercise.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | overall with no less than 6.5 in each band. |
If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course.
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.
- Data from:
- This course and 17 other social sciences courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- ABB
- Highest grades
- DDE
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18570 | Year 1 |
| International | £18570 | Year 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
*The Government is proposing to apply an inflationary increase to regulated tuition fees for 2026/27 and the University is planning on increasing fees to that maximum level once confirmed.
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