Social Work - BA (Hons)

Social workers can change lives. Driven by passion and purpose, they stand alongside individuals, families and communities in their most difficult moments. They help people navigate inequality, overcome adversity and respond to social change. With our BA (Hons) Social Work, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If you enjoy Modern Studies, Psychology, Sociology, English or Health and Social Care, and want to help people, this course could be for you. You’ll explore how social policy, law, psychology and sociology shape lived experience. Alongside this, you’ll develop core social work skills, including assessment, relationship-based practice and ethical decision-making. Grounded in social justice, human rights, compassion and respect, our course prepares you to work alongside people with empathy, professionalism and purpose. You’ll learn through case-based teaching, applying theory to real-world situations and developing your confidence in decision-making. Your learning combines academic insight with immersive, hands-on experiences. In our Interprofessional Simulation Centre, you’ll practise complex scenarios, including home visits, in a safe and supportive environment. This hands-on preparation builds your confidence before working with real clients. You’ll also build on your experience through two professionally supervised placements, where you’ll apply your skills in real social work settings. At GCU, we work in partnership with you, supporting your development in a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Throughout this course, we’ll help you develop into a skilled, confident and ethical professional. We emphasise belonging, reflection and professional identity, encouraging you grow as both a practitioner and a person. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to register as a qualified Social Worker and begin a career where you can make a meaningful difference to individuals and society. #### Why study Social Work at GCU Build confidence and professional judgement in our Interprofessional Simulation Centre. Practise realistic scenarios, including home visits, and develop skills in multi-disciplinary working. Benefit from our strong partnerships with local authorities, third sector organisations and practice educators across Scotland. You can gain access to high-quality placements and career opportunities. Study in a supportive and inclusive environment grounded in social justice, human rights and relationship-based practice. You’ll be supported to grow both professionally and personally. Graduate eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), enabling you to practise as a qualified social worker in Scotland. Develop knowledge and skills informed by global perspectives on social justice and human rights. This prepares you for career opportunities in the UK and internationally. ## Careers Graduates of this course progress into a wide range of professional roles. Opportunities exist across statutory, voluntary and third sector settings in Scotland, the wider UK and internationally. You’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council as soon as you graduate, and practise as a qualified social worker. Many of our graduates begin their careers in frontline social work roles within local authorities in areas such as: children and family services criminal justice adult services mental health learning disabilities older people’s services. Some build careers in the third sector, supporting people affected by a range of issues, including: refugee status and asylum poverty domestic abuse substance abuse homelessness. A large proportion of our graduates progress into Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) posts. This leads to clear routes into advanced practice, specialist, leadership and policy-related roles.