Social Work Practice | BSc (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Course Overview

This full-time, 3-year BSc Social Work Practice offers students a flexible route to qualification as a social worker and will be delivered via a blended learning method of face-to-face and online teaching.

The first year of study is largely preparatory and no practice placements are undertaken. As the course progresses, complex concepts will be explored alongside developing skills in critical reflection and analysis.

Placements will commence during your second year of study with a 70-day placement, enhanced by a 100-day placement in the final year. Both placements are full-time and will require full-time attendance. The regulating body for social workers, Social Work England, require one of the placements to be undertaken in a statutory setting. Please note, students are responsible for covering the cost of placement including transport, accommodation, and general living expenses.

During both placements, students will be supervised by a Practice Educator who is a qualified social worker and responsible for assessment of the student whilst on placement. Please note that students are required to pass both placements in order to successfully qualify as a social worker.

Why Choose Lincoln

Blended learning with face-to-face and online study

Offers a flexible route to qualification as a social worker

Gain practical experience with placements

Hear from guest speakers including practitioners and carers

How You Study

You'll be able to put theory into practice as all academic teaching is geared towards students' understanding, knowledge, and confidence in practice.

You'll benefit from a blended learning approaching on this course, with most of the teaching delivered virtually, and including groupwork and interactive working. There will also be opportunities for face-to-face learning through days in placement, practice-based skills teaching, and placement recall days.

How you are assessed

Assessment methods are utilised to establish and identify the skills that you will need in practice. You'll be assessed in a variety of ways including written essays, presentations, and a small number of exams.

Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Being Ready for Social Work Practice (SWP) 2024-25SOW1050Level 42024-25This module allows students to undertake learning that will help them develop the required skills for professional practice and are sufficiently prepared and ready for their professional practice on placement. Students are required to undertake learning activities and study commensurate with entry level requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework.CoreKnowledge and Theories for Social Work (SWP) 2024-25SOW1526Level 42024-25This module is intended to support students in developing an understanding of what we know about people and society. The module objective is to develop understanding of this knowledge base, with a focus on structural and social perspectives and how these can be applied to work with vulnerable people. This module aims to provide learners with a framework of theoretical and applied perspectives for effective social work with individuals, taking account of contemporary social and societal issues. It will draw on relevant disciplines and perspectives to help learners understand how society is organised and how social problems arise.CoreProfessional Social Work Practice (SWP) 2024-25SOW1527Level 42024-25This module is intended to support the student in developing the knowledge, skills, and values that will underpin social work practice. The focus is on extending the understanding of the professional social work role and task, with a focus on the perspective of service users, carers, and citizens. There will be a focus on the development of skills and values for professional social work practice and on personal reflection to support this.CoreUsing Knowledge in Practice (SWP) 2024-25SOW1528Level 42024-25This module enable learners to explore the knowledge base (e.g. theoretical knowledge, legislative knowledge, knowledge around core social work values, and ethics) that underpins their own professional practice and supports learners to reflect on and analyse their own practice.CoreConfirmation of Readiness for Practice (includes Skills Days) (SWP) 2024-25SOW1529Level 42024-25This module does not apply to standard learners obtaining entry at level four. The module is suitable only for students undertaking the APL route for accelerated entry to level five of the programme. Students wishing to APL previous study will be required to undertake supplementary learning to ensure they develop the required skills and knowledge enabling them to progress to level five of the programme and will be offered supplementary teaching and learning on a bespoke, case-by-case basis according to individual previous attainment and assessed learning needs.OptionalAssessed Social Work Practice Placement, Practice Portfolio 1 (SWP) 2025-26SOW2523Level 52025-26This module allows students to undertake 70 days in an audited and approved practice learning setting. The practice placement will provide a range of learning opportunities that are approved as meeting the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) End of First Placement Level Capabilities and the Social Work England Professional Standards. Students will be required to produce a practice portfolio as evidence of their experiential learning and professional development.CorePractice Analysis (SWP) 2025-26SOW2524Level 52025-26This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a practice analysis of their work on placement and demonstrate their accountability and explain the rationale underpinning professional decision-making. Students are required to demonstrate an analysis of, and their responses to, the diverse needs of service users and carers and the impact of environmental and structural influences. It also requires students to evidence a keen understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that guide professional judgements.CoreSocial Work with Adults (SWP) 2025-26SOW2525Level 52025-26This module aims to support the development of social work students to gain professional expertise in working with adults and their carers, who are in need of social care interventions. In order to achieve this, there will be a focus on understanding, analysing and applying relevant law and policy. There will also be an opportunity to explore the diverse needs of the adult population including older people, those with physical and learning disabilities, mental health and addiction problems, brain injuries, homelessness, hoarding behaviours, self-neglect and the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees.CoreSocial Work with Children and Families (SWP) 2025-26SOW2526Level 52025-26The module adopts a holistic approach to the wellbeing and development of children and young people. The module will examine the psycho-social development of children pre-birth through childhood and adolescence. Students will have the opportunity to combine knowledge, practice skills, and professional values and ethics and will examine a range of factors necessary to safeguard, protect and promote the healthy development and overall wellbeing of children and young people.CoreAssessed Social Work Practice Placement Two, Practice Portfolio Two (SWP) 2026-27SOW3524Level 62026-27This module will offer students the opportunity to draw on learning from level five modules as well as their learning during years one and two. With support, students are expected to provide evidence of their understanding and application of increasingly complex concepts in their their direct practice with service users, as well as evidencing their ability to undertake self-directed learning, reflection regarding theoretical approaches and models, and application of legislation and statutory guidance appropriate to their practice learning setting.CoreBeing a Professional Social Worker (SWP) 2026-27SOW3525Level 62026-27This module serves to enable the student to consolidate and further develop and apply detailed and evidence informed knowledge about the needs, experiences and circumstances individuals, groups and families that receive social work services.CoreEvidence and Improvement in Social Work(SWP) 2026-27SOW3526Level 62026-27This module is intended to provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of knowledge, including sources of evidence and research findings suitable for supporting social work practice. Students will be required to identify a current social work topic in order to extend their knowledge and apply it to the development of practice. Students will be able to increase their knowledge through undertaking an independent literature-based study in which they identify, explore and appraise the evidence base relating to their selected topic, including up-to-date research findings.CoreInterprofessional Practice Analysis (SWP) 2026-27SOW3527Level 62026-27This module will relate to the work undertaken on practice placement. Students will be required to complete an inter-professional practice analysis, adopting a holistic, systems-based approach to contemporary social work within the context of inter-professional practice. Students are required to explore how to maintain professional integrity and combining knowledge, practice skills and professional values and ethics to promote effective social work practice within interprofessional settings.Core

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

Placements

Placements will be offered by a number of our employer partners, including Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Service, Lincolnshire County Council Adult's Service, Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust, North East Lincolnshire Council, and North Lincolnshire Council. We encourage applications from students who hold a UK driving licence as Lincolnshire spans a wide geographical area. Non-driving students may be subject to fewer placement opportunities. Please also note that you may be required to travel to up to an hour’s travelling time of their home address.

Research

The School has a solid research profile led by our research professors and the University's Research Excellence Framework submission return demonstrated high-quality research spanning a number of areas - particularly around social work and social policy. Our research interests cover all aspects of the sector and Professor Mo Ray’s research has focused on social work with older people, social gerontology, and health and social care.

Guest Speakers

To enhance your learning, you may be able to hear from guest speakers, including those with lived experience of using services and carers, social work practitioners, and guest academics.

What Can I Do with a Social Work Degree?

Graduates will be well-placed to gain employment as registered social workers in the public, private, or voluntary sectors. The University of Lincoln is a member of the Humber Social Work Teaching Partnership, meaning students will be able to make the most of this partnership in their future careers.

Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications

A Level: BBB

International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Distinction, Merit or equivalent qualifictions.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points

T Level: Merit

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc

Applicants will also need three GCSEs at grades 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

Other requirements include:

- EU and International students whose first language is not English will require English Language IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each element.http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/englishrequirements
- Successful performance at an interview
- Knowledge of contemporary health and social care issues, and the nature of nursing in a public health context
- Understanding of written material and can communicate clearly and accurately in written and spoken English
- Resident in the United Kingdom for at least three years
- Satisfactory completion of Occupational Health Check
- Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)).

When you choose Social Work Practice in your UCAS application, you will be asked an additional question regarding criminal convictions. Here you must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.

Further information can be found at http://www.isa-gov.org.uk.

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Funding and Bursaries

NHS social work bursaries may be available to applicants, depending on varying criteria. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/social-work-bursaries

Find out More at an Open Day

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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BSc (Hons)
Social Work Practice

Key Information

Duration

Typical Offer

Campus

Academic Year

Entry Requirements