Social workers make up a large part of essential workers in the UK. Their services help support, protect and promote the rights of vulnerable people and communities.
Social workers in the UK can find employment in various environments. Their services could be needed in schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and care homes.
Here are 15 top UK universities to explore for a degree in social work:
University of Leeds
The Leeds Social Work course is committed to supporting you to become a reflective social work practitioner. Throughout your degree, you’ll develop the qualities that define a University of Leeds social worker – and become a perceptive, astute problem solver and advocate for service users and their families and careers.
Lancaster University
At Lancaster, you will learn with enthusiastic lecturers, practitioners, service users and careers. Through an emphasis on research and knowledge, students have the opportunity to develop a critical but reflective approach to understanding social work in contemporary society.
University of York
This program is carefully tailored with coursework and practical learning, to develop abilities that enable you to join a rapidly changing and fast-paced profession. The integration of practice, theory and research, means you will be a competent and critically reflective social worker, able to make informed judgments based on sound analysis, often in unpredictable circumstances.
Queen’s University Belfast
Social work programs at Queen’s are taught by academics who are themselves qualified and registered social workers. This degree equips students with the knowledge, values and skills required for effective social work practice across the life course.
University of Stirling
This program at the University of Stirling is an integrated academic and professional course which develops the intellectual and practical skills necessary for professional practice as a social worker. The program draws on the latest knowledge and experience of people working in social work today.
University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is committed to providing you with the best possible learning experience during your time on the course. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in activities working with wider issues locally and globally – giving you a better understanding of the issues relevant to social workers around the world.
University of Bolton
University of Bolton’s social work program focuses on helping you learn to use your professional judgement and build relationships, both with the individuals and communities you serve as well as with colleagues from other professions and services. During your program, you’ll cover areas such as the impact of injustice, demography, social inequality, safeguarding and the signs of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
University of Hertfordshire
During your program, you will undertake modules which provide core knowledge and skills, including human development across the lifespan, working with diverse communities and service users, key methods and interventions and the policy and legislation which underpins practice.
Swansea University
This accredited program at Swansea University will equip you with the theoretical and practical knowledge to launch a rewarding career as a registered social worker. You will study the ethics and values of social work, critical practice relating to laws around children and adult care, and the key theories and perspectives underpinning social work policy and practice.
University of Dundee
Over the time of your course at the University of Dundee, you will develop a wide range of skills, values, and knowledge framed from a social justice perspective, that will help you to understand and address the social challenges faced by vulnerable people.
University of the West of England (UWE)
UWE Bristol offers the grounding you need to become a skilled social worker with the professional skills, knowledge base and placement experience that will help you stand out. You’ll gain the critical understanding, experience and skills to make informed judgements in complex situations and also explore contemporary issues in the industry.
University of Strathclyde
This degree will give you a recognised professional award in social work. It will also prepare you for the challenging role of being a social worker. The course provides a stimulating blend of university-based teaching and agency-based learning opportunities across both years.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University offers a research-informed, challenging and comprehensive curriculum that enables students to develop as critically aware and effective social workers across all areas of practice.
Manchester Metropolitan University
At Manchester Metropolitan University, you will develop the skills and knowledge you’ll need for effective professional practice as a social worker. It is suitable for graduates from a wide range of disciplines who are committed to a career helping people.
Anglia Ruskin University
At Anglia Ruskin University, you’ll learn how to assess people’s circumstances and needs; measure risk; and set up activities with individuals, families, groups and communities. You’ll become skilled in problem-solving and communication, and gain a thorough understanding of your legal powers and duties.
