Applied Social Work
Social work is a profession concerned with supporting individuals, families, and communities through some of the most complex and difficult circumstances people face, including poverty, abuse, mental health crises, disability, addiction, and family breakdown. Social workers are statutory professionals with significant legal powers and responsibilities, and the role demands a combination of deep human empathy, rigorous analytical thinking, and the practical skills needed to navigate complex systems on behalf of vulnerable people. Applied social work degrees are designed to prepare you for this demanding and important profession.
At the University of Derby, this three-year full-time degree includes a foundation year for students who benefit from additional academic preparation before entering the main programme, making it accessible to a wider range of students with the values and motivation to work in this field. You will develop the knowledge, skills, and professional values required for social work practice, engaging with law, social policy, human development, and the research and ethical frameworks that underpin good practice. Real-world learning and strong industry connections are central to the programme's design, ensuring that you are ready to support individuals, families, and communities in need when you qualify.
Substantial practice placements are integrated throughout, giving you supervised experience in a range of social work settings.
Graduates from an applied social work degree are eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England and can pursue careers as qualified social workers in children and families services, adult social care, mental health, substance misuse, and the voluntary sector. Social work offers consistent demand for qualified practitioners across the UK, and career progression into management, specialist practice, and leadership is well supported. Many social workers also go on to postgraduate study in advanced social work practice, social policy, or related fields, developing their expertise and extending their professional influence.