Social Work

Make a real difference in society with this course accredited by Social Work England. Our strong partnerships with employers mean you will benefit from high quality placements that will grow your confidence. The curriculum is brought to life by inspiring lecturers who include experienced social workers.

Why Lancaster?

• Accredited by Social Work England (SWE), when you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible to apply to join the register as a professional social worker in England

• Benefit from partnerships with local social work employers, who provide high quality placements and teach parts of the course

• Put your skills into practice with 170 days of placement experience, as well as 30 skills days, allowing you to integrate your knowledge into real-world settings

• Take advantage of Lancaster’s top expertise and facilities, such as The Centre for Child and Family Justice Research - meaning you’ll be at the forefront of live projects and initiatives

• Learn from a team of experts who are committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people in our society through both their research and practice

Sound knowledge to underpin career success
Studying Social Work at Lancaster will equip you with the knowledge and skills that are essential for effective social work practice with individuals, families and communities. The programme’s emphasis on social justice fosters critical and reflective thinking, empowering you to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of today’s society. Throughout the programme, you will engage with real-world issues such as helping families to remain together, homelessness, mental health issues, and disability. You'll gain practical experience within these areas, ensuring you are ready to make a meaningful impact in your future career.

A hands-on learning experience
You will benefit from learning alongside passionate lecturers, practitioners, service users, and carers, both in the classroom and during two practice placements. You will get first-hand experience working within social work organisations which typically include local authorities, the NHS, charities, education, private sector organisations, and voluntary agencies.

Placement opportunities are within a range of settings and groups. You could be working with children and families, helping those with mental health issues or disability, assisting older adults or providing support to those without a home. As well as practical experience, you will become an analytical, empathetic professional who is well-prepared to face the challenges of contemporary social work.

Shape the future of social work
You are supported and challenged throughout the programme to become the best social worker they can, with a range of skills, confidence and passion to enable them to safeguard and empower others.

From day one we aim to foster a sense of belonging, so you feel part of a supportive learning community but also connected to wider social work networks. This is reinforced by our partnerships with social work employers and social work experts who contribute to teaching and ensure that you are prepared for placement and for future social work practice.

Our teaching team aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced social workers, advocates and change-makers who contribute to national policy and practice discussions around vital areas like online child sexual abuse risk, family justice and youth resilience. Some of the team carry out research, while others are practising social workers working in statutory sector services and charities. Currently our team members include an Approved Mental Health Professional with Lancashire County Council and, an independent visitor for a national charity visiting looked after children. (Correct at January 2025).

Important Information
For the most up-to-date course information and more details, we recommend that you revisit our website before submitting your application.