Social Work

Our BA (Hons) Social Work aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills and values appropriate for work in a variety of social work settings. Employment prospects for Social Work graduates are excellent and you will be able to pursue social work careers across the country.

This course promotes an approach to learning that actively engages you with key issues and themes in Social Work practice. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to develop a range of communication skills through experiential teaching and learning facilitated by Service Users and Social Work Practitioners in readiness for direct practice. You will undertake 170 days of work-based e learning and 30 skills days. Through strong partnerships between the university and employer providers, you will be matched to a specific organisation. All placement providers are quality assured by the University.

By the end of the degree in Social Work, you will have been assessed against the Professional Capabilities Framework and Social Work England (SWE) Professional Standards. Successful completion of the course enables students to be eligible to apply to register with Social Work England.

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information.

Course Modules

STAGE 1:

• Introduction to Social Work (compulsory)
• Understanding Law and Policy in Social Work (compulsory)
• Sociology and Psychology in Social Work Contexts (compulsory)
• Readiness for Social Work Practice (compulsory)
• Decision Making and Professional Judgement in Social Work (compulsory)
• Understanding Contemporary Social Concepts (compulsory)

STAGE 2:
• 70 Day Practice Placement (compulsory)
• Theories and Models for Social Work Practice (compulsory)
• Social Justice and Effective Practice (compulsory)
• Safeguarding Adults and Children (compulsory)
• The Practitioner Researcher (compulsory)

STAGE 3:
• Dissertation (compulsory)
• Transition into Professional Practice (compulsory)
• 100 Day Practice Placement (compulsory)

• Students must take all modules. To be able to register with the Social Work England and gain the protected title of Social Worker students must pass all modules including the “P” Modules SWK2011P and SWK3005P.
  Students who do not complete the Honours Degree will be eligible for an Ordinary Degree upon successful completion of a minimum of 60 Level 6 credits. These can be from any Level 6 modules, whether identified as compulsory or designated. The name of the Ordinary Degree will differ from that of the Honours Degree due to professional body requirements. Details can be found in the relevant Supplementary Regulations.

**Module information is quoted for 2025/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

Assessment of learning during the course takes many forms and covers both theory and practice. Each module is assessed against the learning outcomes for the module. The format of the assessments includes essays, posters, reports, presentation, and workbooks of evidence.

There is only one exam in the course, a law exam in the first year. Second and third-year placements are assessed through portfolios. In your third year you will complete a dissertation.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Social Work England