BSW Social Work at Queen's University Belfast

The Bachelor of Social Work is a professional qualification in social work accredited by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and recognised throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It combines academic study with assessed practice learning opportunities that are regionally allocated with the NI Degree in Social Work Partnership. Queen's is ranked 1st in the UK for Social Work in the Complete University Guide 2026.

Department: School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work  |  Duration: 3 years full-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules include Introduction to Social Work, Psychology for Social Work, Sociology for Social Work, Law for Social Workers, Themes and Issues in Social Policy and Preparation for Practice Learning, followed by assessed practice learning in years 2 and 3.

Career pathways

Graduates are eligible to register as social workers and can work in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere, including statutory sector roles in Northern Ireland; an Assessed Year in Employment follows qualification.

Official programme page