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UK and international students need to apply through UCAS.  Except those inside the Crimea Region/Sevastopol, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) / Luhansk People's Republic (LNR), Cuba, Iran, North Korea or Syria who need to use our alternative application form.

Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

L541

Entry requirements

A-level: CC
BTEC: MPP
IB: Successful completion

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 work placement.

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 a 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 Andy Turner.

What you'll study

Note about optional modules (if available): The below is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.

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'll 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'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Introduction to Community Development & Youth Work 15 credits
Introduction to Group Work 15 credits
Introduction to Advanced Research Methods 15 credit
Introduction to Applied Social Science 15 credits
Race, Racism and Professional Practice 15 credits
Criminology, Law and Rights 15 credits
Social Work with Children and Families 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 2 15 credits

Year 2

In your second year, you'll study the following compulsory modules.

Module title Credits
Community Development in Context 15 credits
or
Youth Work in Context 15 credits
Group Work in Theory 15 credits
Group Work in Practice 15 credits
Theory, Policy and Politics 15 credits
Mental Health, Trauma, and Society 15 credits
Applied Research Methods 2 15 credits
Personal and Professional Development 15 credits

You'll also select one of the following optional modules:

Module title Credits
Arts in the Community 15 credits
Global Youth Work and International Development 15 credits
Youth Justice 15 credits
Religion, Belief and Spirituality in Professional Practice 15 credits
The Goldsmiths Elective 15 credits

Year 3

In your third year, you'll study the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Social Justice in Community Development and Youth Work 15 credits
Management and Leadership 15 credits
Critical Engagement with Social Policy 15 credits
Dissertation 30 credits
Housing and Homelessness 15 credits
Work Placement 15 credits

You'll also take one of the following option modules:

Module title Credits
Faith-Based Youth Work 15 credits
Enterprise in Communities 15 credits
Conflict Transformation 15 credits

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.

Download the programme specification.

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
BTEC: MPP
International Baccalaureate: Successful completion

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 6.0 no element lower than 5.5 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.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • International - full-time: £19640

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

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. Please check the programme specification for more information.

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.