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Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

L541

Entry requirements

A-level: CC

Length

3 years full-time

Department

Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies

Course overview

This programme is underpinned by a commitment to social justice and equalities, and allows you to combine the academic study of the social sciences, with the opportunity to apply your newfound skills and knowledge in the real world.

You will study everything from social work and criminology to mental health, youth work, and community development. You will also specialise in your areas of interest through a range of optional modules, including youth justice, global youth work, and international development. The programme will also enable you to develop your understanding of the social sciences by participating in a number of work placements.

The Social and Community Work programme offers both opportunities for vocational experience and a foundation in a range of employment fields (the housing sector, mental health services, criminal justice, community development, working with young people and management responsibilities in the social and public sectors) and will equip students to work with people in a range of contexts or to qualify in their chosen field of interest at post-graduate level.

On this programme you will:

  • Develop your academic and professional rigour by exploring a range of theoretical perspectives, and their practical applications
  • Learn to critically engage with policy, particularly as it affects vulnerable people from a wide range of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds
  • Have the opportunity to develop your transferable skills and knowledge which will contribute to your personal and career development.
  • Explore reflective and reflexive practice, and build your confidence and competence to work independently and as a member of a team
  • Enhance your critical understanding of equality, diversity, citizenship, and democracy and develop your ability to creatively address these in community contexts.

Explore Social Justice and Equalities

You will consider a range of issues throughout your studies including race and racism, disability, and LGBT discrimination, among others. You will be challenged to learn about yourself and develop into a self-reflexive professional worker. The BA Social and Community Work is responsive to changes in the wider political and policy context, and places emphasis on working with communities in ways which empower them to understand and address the contradictory implications.

Prepare for a career or postgraduate study

This programme will give you a strong foundation for moving into a career in the public and social professions, and charities sector. You will be given a broad introduction to work with young people and communities without restricting to a career and combine academic study with placements in professional practice to equip you for your chosen profession. The programme is also gate gateway into postgraduate study in social work, youth work, community work, other social care, and public professions.

You will be well equipped to work with people in a range of contexts or to qualify in your chosen field of interest at MA level. The Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies (STaCS) offers a guaranteed interview for all graduates of this programme who meet the entry requirements for selected MA programmes in Community Development, Youth Work, and a range of Counselling and Therapies programmes.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact David Woodger or Naomi Thompson.

What you'll study

The curriculum draws on a wide range of intellectual resources, academic disciplines, and teaching methods, and will help you to develop the skills needed to work in different settings and organisations. You will engage in group work and participative learning, which will allow you to practice and apply what you learn in a very real sense with tutors and other students.

Year 1

In your first year, you will take the following compulsory modules.

  • Introduction to Community Development and Youth Work
  • Introduction to Group Work
  • Introduction to Applied Research Methods
  • Race, Racism and Professional Practice
  • Introduction to Applied Social Science
  • Criminology, Law and Rights
  • Social Work with Children and Families

Year 2

In your second year, you will study the following compulsory modules, as well as one option module from the list below.

Year 2 Compuslory modules

  • Youth Work and Community Development in Context
  • Group Work in Theory
  • Group Work in Practice
  • Theory, Policy and Politics
  • Applied Research Methods 2
  • Work Placement (existing module)
  • Mental Health, Trauma and Society

Year 2 Option Modules

  • Arts in the Community
  • Global Youth Work and International Development
  • Youth Justice

Year 3

In your third year, you will study the following compulsory modules, and take one option module from the list below. You will also write a dissertation worth 30 credits.

Year 3 compulsory modules

  • Social Justice in Community Development and Youth Work
  • Management and Leadership
  • Critical Engagement with Social Policy
  • Personal and Professional Development
  • Housing and Homelessness

Year 3 option modules

  • Faith-based youth work
  • Social Enterprise
  • Conflict Transformation

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Entry requirements

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: CC

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Fees & funding

To find out more about your fees, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Staff

The following staff teach on this programme.