BSc (Hons) Social Work at Swansea University

Programme overview

The BSc (Hons) Social Work is a professionally accredited degree that prepares students to begin a career as a registered social worker. Students spend half of their time on placement with social work agencies and half taught on the Singleton Park campus. It is recognised by the regulatory bodies in the other UK nations and can be studied partly through the medium of Welsh.

Department: School of Health and Social Care | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Human Growth and Development, Undertaking and Using Social Work Research for Practice, Introduction to Social Work, Social Work Services in a Diverse Society, Introduction to Social Work Law and Practice Learning Level 1. Year 2 covers theories and perspectives in social work, social work in practice, legal issues and Practice Learning Level 2. Year 3 includes Critical Practice in Child Care, Critical Practice in Adult Community Care, Applying Knowledge to Enhance Practice and Practice Learning Level 3.

Career pathways

Graduates hold the professional qualification required to register as a social worker and can work in any region of the UK once registered with the relevant regulator. Many work in statutory social services; others move into outreach, youth and community work, further study or research. A newly qualified social worker can expect a starting salary of around 37,000 pounds (Careers Wales, 2025).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer BCC (104 UCAS points) at A-level or Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. GCSE grade A*-C in English or Welsh (or Key Skills Level 2 equivalent). Alternatives: Access Diploma 24 Distinctions, 6 Merits and 15 Passes; BTEC DDM; Irish Leaving Certificate 330; International Baccalaureate 33-34 points. All applicants need a satisfactory educational and practice-related reference, relevant experience of social care, and must be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English or Welsh. Eligible applicants are invited to interview (via Zoom). Offers are conditional on a satisfactory DBS/police check and an occupational health declaration and assessment. Students register with Social Care Wales as a student social worker on entry.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time undergraduate tuition fee for Welsh, English and other UK students. International fee is shown on the course page. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,550 a year (2026/27). Year 1 fee for September 2026 entry; international fees rise by 3% for each subsequent year of study. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences