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BA (Hons) Social Work

How to apply Come to an Open Day

Introduction to our Social Work degree

Hear from Deputy Head of School Jenny Rafter

Studying Social Work at ARU

If you’re passionate about making a difference to children, families and adults, our 3-year BA Social Work course – approved by Social Work England – is for you.

Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023 logo

Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Why should I study Social Work?

Social work changes lives. We know. We've been training social workers for more than 20 years, and our graduates continue to make a difference to the children, families and adults they work with.

This challenging yet rewarding career will often bring you into the lives of some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

The chances are you’re naturally patient, honest and tolerant – someone with sound judgement who sees the value in people. We’ll nurture those qualities, while giving you the knowledge and skills you need to qualify as a social worker.

Study with us in Cambridge, Chelmsford, or Peterborough and develop your skills out on placement while you are an undergraduate.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Facilities

Practical experience

We know that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. As a social work student at ARU you’ll benefit from:

  • 170 days on placement
  • the chance to learn from registered social workers
  • covering both adults and children
  • experience of working in different settings
  • experience of working directly with service users.

Outstanding student support

Join our social work community and:

  • make use of facilities including extensive library and IT resources
  • learn from our talented team of social worker academics
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more
  • get involved with local causes through our Students' Union volunteering scheme.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

Social Work England

Our course is approved by Social Work England. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to apply to register as a professional social worker.

Careers - What can you do with a Social Work degree?

Our degree course is a professional qualification, approved by Social Work England.

Social workers must be registered and, once you finish this course, you’ll be able to apply to register with Social Work England.

During your time with us, you'll gain the skills and knowledge you need for a career as a social worker. You’ll be skilled in case management and able to work safely within the law.

Once you’re registered there’s a wide range of job opportunities for trained social workers. Our graduates work in services including adoption, fostering, child protection, adult safeguarding and youth offending. You can choose to work in the public, private or voluntary sectors – often alongside colleagues from other disciplines.

HANNAH

"My top tip would be to be honest and really show your desire to undertake the course."

HANNAH

BA (Hons) Social Work

Check out our social work interview tips

Apply now for BA (Hons) Social Work

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Taster Days

If you want to know more about our Social Work BA (Hons) course, we're offering virtual taster days where you can meet our lecturers and current students, learn more about the course and the role of the social worker, and pick up useful tips for your application and interview.

Find out more about our Taster Days

Interviews

If your application to study social work is successful, we'll invite you to an interview day in Cambridge, Chelmsford or Peterborough. Here’s how to get prepared.

Your social work interview

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