Social Work

Social Work is a profession with a clear purpose: to support people who are vulnerable, marginalised or in difficulty, and to work towards a society that more effectively upholds the rights and wellbeing of all its members. Social workers assess complex situations involving children, adults and families, coordinate care and support, advocate for people's rights and work within the legal and institutional frameworks that govern welfare services. The profession demands strong communication skills, ethical clarity and the resilience to work effectively under challenging circumstances with people facing serious difficulties.

At Teesside University this three-year full-time degree prepares you for registration as a social worker with Social Work England, combining academic study with the supervised practice placements required to develop your professional competence. You will develop communication skills across the full spectrum of social work practice, from direct work with different service user groups to participating in legal proceedings and communicating with colleagues across professional boundaries. The programme develops your critical thinking, ethical reasoning and practical capability, preparing you to meet the demands of social work in a range of settings.

Qualification as a social worker leads to registration and entry to a profession with significant scope for specialist development. Newly qualified social workers typically begin in statutory children's or adult social care before developing expertise in areas such as child protection, looked-after children and leaving care, adult safeguarding, mental health, disability or substance misuse. Career progression leads to senior practitioner, team manager, practice educator and policy roles.

The degree also provides preparation for postgraduate study in social work, social policy, community development or related disciplines.