BA (Hons) Social Work

The BA (Hons) Social Work programme at Glasgow Caledonian University offers students a comprehensive and practical education designed to prepare them for a rewarding career in social work. This course is meticulously structured to develop essential skills, knowledge, and values required to support individuals, families, and communities facing various social challenges. Throughout the programme, students gain a deep understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and legal factors that influence people's lives, enabling them to deliver effective interventions and support. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical experience, including placements in local social work agencies, which allow students to apply their academic learning in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced practitioners. The programme emphasizes core principles such as respect, dignity, and social justice, ensuring graduates are equipped to advocate for vulnerable populations and promote positive change. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including mental health, child welfare, substance misuse, and safeguarding practices, all within a framework that encourages critical thinking and ethical decision-making. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated faculty provide a supportive learning environment that fosters personal and professional development. The programme is accredited by relevant professional bodies, allowing graduates to pursue registration as qualified social workers upon successful completion. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Social Work can expect to find employment opportunities across various sectors, including local authorities, healthcare settings, voluntary organizations, and community groups. The course also offers pathways for postgraduate study and ongoing professional development, ensuring long-term career growth. Whether students are passionate about making a difference or seeking to advance their existing careers in social work, this programme equips them with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding needed to succeed in this vital field.

The MSc Social Work programme at Glasgow Caledonian University offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and practices essential for a successful career in social work. This comprehensive course is designed to prepare students to become confident, competent, and compassionate social work professionals capable of making a meaningful difference in individuals' lives and communities. Throughout the programme, students will engage with a wide range of topics including human development, social policy, mental health, child protection, adult safeguarding, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the complex challenges faced by social workers today.

Students will participate in a series of engaging lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experienced academic staff and practitioners. A key component of the course is supervised practice learning, which provides students with valuable real-world experience in diverse social work settings such as local authorities, health and social care organizations, and voluntary sector agencies. This hands-on approach enables students to develop essential skills in assessment, intervention, communication, and report writing, while also fostering ethical judgment and professional integrity.

The programme emphasizes the importance of person-centered and culturally sensitive approaches, encouraging students to adopt a holistic perspective when supporting service users. Emphasis is placed on anti-discriminatory practice and human rights to promote social justice and equity. As part of their training, students will explore legislation and policy frameworks that underpin social work practice in Scotland and beyond, ensuring they understand the legal and ethical context within which they operate.

Upon successful completion of the MSc Social Work, graduates will be eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as registered social workers, enabling them to pursue a rewarding career across various sectors including child and family services, mental health teams, and community development organizations. The programme's strong focus on employability, combined with its respectful engagement with social issues, prepares students to become effective agents of change who can contribute positively to society.

The university is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey. Small class sizes, accessible academic staff, and extensive support services create an inspiring learning environment. Furthermore, the programme encourages critical thinking, reflective practice, and continuous professional development, ensuring graduates remain adaptable and competent in the evolving landscape of social care and social justice.

Overall, the MSc Social Work at Glasgow Caledonian University provides a rigorous and supportive pathway into the social work profession, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Admission to the BA (Hons) Social Work program at Glasgow Caledonian University requires applicants to have completed relevant academic qualifications, typically including a minimum of a Higher or equivalent with good passes in relevant subjects. Applicants must demonstrate strong communication skills, motivation for social work, and commitment to helping others. Prior experience in social care or community services is advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates must also meet specified English language requirements, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no component less than 6.0. The program also requires applicants to undergo anEnhanced Disclosure Scotland Check to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable populations. As part of the selection process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview and provide references attesting to their personal qualities and suitability for the profession. The university values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, provided they meet the academic and professional criteria. Applicants are recommended to submit a personal statement outlining their interest in social work, relevant experiences, and their understanding of the responsibilities involved. Additionally, candidates must be prepared to undertake work placements as part of the course, which will involve supervised practical experience in social care settings. The program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding necessary for a career in social work, ensuring graduates meet the professional standards required by regulatory bodies.

The Glasgow Caledonian University offers a variety of financing options to support students enrolled in the Social Work degree program. Funding opportunities include government-funded loans and grants, which are available through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Scottish students and eligible residents can access tuition fee waivers and maintenance grants provided by SAAS, which help cover the costs of tuition fees and living expenses throughout the duration of their studies. For students from the rest of the UK, student loans are available through the UK Student Loans Company, encompassing tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to assist with living costs. International students are generally responsible for full tuition fees; however, some scholarships and external funding opportunities may be available, depending on the student's country of residence and academic achievement.

In addition to government schemes, the university offers various scholarships, bursaries, and awards specifically for social work students, which can help reduce the financial burden. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based bursaries, and specific awards for students from underrepresented backgrounds or with particular circumstances. The university also provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external funding, including charitable foundations, professional bodies, and industry-specific financial assistance programs.

Part-time work is another avenue that students often utilize to finance their studies, with many opportunities available both on and off-campus. The university’s career service offers guidance on balancing work and study commitments to ensure academic success while earning supplementary income. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external sponsorships and employer-funded training programs, especially for those already working in social services or related fields.

Overall, Glasgow Caledonian University strives to make social work education accessible by offering comprehensive financial support options tailored to diverse student needs. Prospective students are advised to consult the university’s official financial aid webpage and contact the university’s student finance office early in their application process to ensure they are aware of all available funding opportunities and application deadlines.

Social Work at Glasgow Caledonian University is a comprehensive and highly regarded program designed to prepare students for a professional career in social services. The program provides a solid foundation in social sciences, ethics, social policy, and practical skills necessary to support individuals, families, and communities facing various challenges. It aims to develop students' understanding of social justice issues, human rights, and the legal frameworks that underpin social work practice in Scotland and beyond.

Throughout the course, students engage with a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience. This includes placements in various social work settings, which are essential to applying academic knowledge in real-world contexts. These placements enable students to develop key competencies such as risk assessment, intervention planning, communication skills, and cultural competence, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional practice upon graduation.

The curriculum covers core areas such as child and family social work, adult and older adult services, mental health, substance misuse, and safeguarding. The program emphasizes reflective practice, ethical decision-making, and the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. Glasgow Caledonian University also highlights the importance of social innovation and community engagement as integral parts of the learning process.

The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that graduates meet the required standards for registration as social workers with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). The course is offered as a full-time route, typically spanning three years, although part-time options may also be available to suit different student needs. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of social care settings, including local authorities, charitable organizations, healthcare institutions, and private agencies.

The university supports students through dedicated faculty expertise, modern facilities, and strong links with local agencies and policymaking bodies, providing a rich environment for academic and professional growth. Graduates of the social work program often pursue further specialization, postgraduate study, or move directly into professional roles contributing positively to community well-being and social justice initiatives.