Social Work - 2013 entry

This course leads to a professional qualification, and therefore all modules are compulsory.

Year 1

Year 1 is designed to provide a common academic and skills foundation for all social work practice. Core modules include:

• Human Growth and Development
• Law and Social Policy
• Professional Communication
• Professional Practice and Partnership Working

Years 2 and 3

In Year 2 you will study specialist modules on social work with children and families, adults, mental health and a module on research methods.

In Year 3 you will take modules in professional development and write a dissertation on a topic related to social work. 

You will be prepared for your work placements by undertaking two Fit for Practice modules in the first year.  These include specific skill development, augmented by communication practice in our skills suite.

In both Years 2 and 3 you will undertake 100-day work-based placements. Placements can include work across all service-user groups, from children to older people, those who are disabled and those who may have mental health issues. Statutory, voluntary, private and independent organisations all offer opportunities to engage with service users in a real and meaningful way. The settings include hospitals, agency teams, family centres, day centres and residential care.

We offer a range of support mechanisms both within the University  - a link lecturer - and the placement area.  While on placement you will be supported by a named member of staff. Your competence in practice is assessed by a suitably qualified and experienced practice educator.  They will be responsible for helping you to develop your practice to reach the required standard by the end of the placement.

The faculty has a dedicated Practice Education Unit that provides administrative and academic support for placement learning/practice education for all its pre-qualifying courses.

Students can choose to take, as their optional acceptable module, the Health and Social Care Elective in their final year of study. This is a self-organised and self-funded practice placement anywhere in the world, lasting a minimum of two weeks.

Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language

• Level 3 studies, equivalent to 3 A-levels at grade BBC, are also acceptable. For example, an Access course with a total of at least 60 credits to include 45 at level 3, of which 24 should be awarded a merit grade. In addition to this 15 level 2 credits are acceptable. Applicants who do not have a maths GCSE at C grade or above should plan to include 12 level 2 credits of maths within their course. BTEC extended diploma candidates should aim for grades DDM, preferably in a relevant subject area.
• Experience of paid or voluntary work with vulnerable people. This experience should be sufficient to enable you to clearly demonstrate your commitment, motivation and understanding of social work's knowledge, skills and values.

Additionally, for applicants aged over 21 years

• Applicants who do not meet all of the academic entry criteria can still be considered if they have significant and relevant life or work experience with vulnerable people. However we would expect to see all applicants with a GCSE at grade C or above in Mathematics and English Language plus further studies at Level 3. For example, an A-level or Open University course in a relevant subject.

We welcome applications from individuals who already have a  degree in another subject and they may be suitable to study at MA or PGDip level in Social Work.

We also welcome applications from individuals as well as those sponsored or supported by their employer.

Please also see the university's general entry requirements.

If you are shortlisted, following successful scrutiny of your application form, you will be invited to an interview day comprising a written test, a team exercise and an interview.

If English is not your first language, you need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no individual component falling below 6.5.

Please also see the university's standard English language requirements.

English language requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Part-time applications only should be made directly to the university.

International applicants will need to apply early to allow enough time for obtaining a visa and completing the necessary screening if you are offered a place.

Applications from international students are welcome for the BA Social Work course.

Overseas social work qualifications
However, if you already hold a registration for social work in another country and want to become a social worker in England, your first step should be to contact the General Social Care Council (GSCC).  You should enquire about the registration process and follow the links to registration for overseas qualified social workers.

The Council's website will provide further advice on the registration process and who to contact for additional information if you need it. If the GSCC recommends that you undertake additional training or learning prior to registration, then please contact us at that point for further advice.

When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.

We have excellent teaching facilities including classrooms, a 280-seat lecture theatre, a dedicated communication skills suite and simulation resources, and fully-networked computer rooms. We also have excellent library resources, accessible both through the web and through a range of locally-based facilities on university and NHS sites.

We offer a very friendly and supportive environment in which to learn.  In student surveys we consistently receive very high satisfaction ratings for our student support and learning resources.

All our courses adopt a student-centred approach to teaching and learning.  We strongly focus on encouraging you to attain your full potential as a lifelong learner. There is a wide range of support mechanisms for students, such as academic advisers, who will facilitate your academic development.  There are also student support co-ordinators, who provide a drop-in service for queries about any aspect of student life, whether academic and personal.

The University’s support services include Upgrade, which provides advice on study skills such as planning and writing essays, assignments and dissertations, research, or preparing for an exam. They also give advice on statistics and maths.

There is a dedicated Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, which provides support for students with disabilities including sensory and mobility impairments, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, mental health problems and medical conditions. Here, staff offer advice and support on a range of issues, including physical access, funding, alternative assessment arrangements and liaison with teaching staff to ensure that they are aware of your requirements.

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Accommodation

At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.