Social Work

UCAS code: L500

Here's what Nottingham Trent University says about its Social Work course.

Social work is serious, life-changing business. It calls for good hearts and strong minds.

What do social workers do? Where there’s a need, we’re there; wherever society is squeezed or stretched, we fill the gaps. From child protection to vulnerable adults, to the cost of living and the UK’s mental health crisis, it’s our job to find answers — for individuals, families, and whole communities. Social workers battle against discrimination, poverty, injustice, and inequality, and we earn victories every day. What’s more, we leave a lasting mark on the lives of those who need us.

It’s not always an easy job, but it is a deeply rewarding one. More than a career, it’s a calling. On this social work degree, we’ll deal in the real — the reality of practice, and of people. Prepare for an eye-opening, stereotype-busting journey of personal growth, as you explore the key issues, questions and processes, and emerge with the skills, knowledge and experience to be a professional social worker — someone who’s ready to make your own special difference to the world.

Why study Social Work at NTU?

• Learn everything that employers expect to see — this course is accredited by Social Work England.

• Join a wider family — our industry connections and opportunities stretch right across the Midlands.

• Experience the real world of social work, with 170 days of practice placements included as standard.

• 100% of our Social Work students are satisfied with their course (National Student Survey, 2024).

Evidence-based practice and research underpin work in the social work arena so you will explore what works in practice settings. In Year One core modules include: Preparing for Professional Social Work Practice, Theories, Models, and Approaches in Social Work Practice, Life Course Development in the Social Context. In Year Two the modules include: Practice Placement One, Values, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues, Legal and Statutory Responsibilities and Social Policy. Final year modules include: Practice Placement Two, Safeguarding: Working with Risk and Complexity and Research Project.

People learn in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve introduced a wide range of assessment methods onto NTU’s Social Work degree course — everything from essays, reports, and presentations to quizzes and interviews. The practice placements in years 2 and 3 of the degree also form an integral part of the assessment process. They are arranged and assessed by the University in partnership with statutory social work and voluntary social care organisations.

In response to student feedback, the University have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.