Social Work

Social work is one of the most directly human of all professions, concerned with supporting individuals, families, and communities through some of the most challenging circumstances people can face. Social workers intervene where there is risk of harm, work to strengthen family relationships and community resilience, advocate for vulnerable people in complex systems, and make decisions that carry significant ethical and legal weight. The discipline draws on sociology, psychology, law, and ethics to help practitioners understand the structural roots of disadvantage and the practical tools available to address it.

At the University of Brighton, this three-year full-time programme leads to a qualification that is approved by Social Work England, the professional regulator for social workers in England. This means that successful graduates are eligible to register as qualified social workers and practise in statutory, voluntary, and independent sector settings. The programme combines academic study with substantial supervised practice placements, where you work in real social work settings under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

You will study the legal framework governing social work, human development across the lifespan, social policy and welfare systems, anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice, social work methods and theories, and the ethics of professional decision-making. Brighton's diverse and complex communities provide a rich context for practice learning, and the university has well-established relationships with local authorities and voluntary organisations across the region.

Qualified social workers work in a range of settings including children's services, adult social care, mental health, hospital and healthcare settings, the youth justice system, and domestic abuse services. Career development opportunities are substantial, with routes into management, practice education, policy, research, and specialist practice areas. Social work is a demanding profession but one that offers the genuine satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives at moments when that support matters most.

Postgraduate study is also available for qualified social workers seeking to develop specialist expertise or move into academic or research roles.