Social Work

Social work is the professional discipline concerned with protecting and supporting people at some of the most difficult points in their lives. Social workers operate within legal and statutory frameworks to promote the welfare of children, adults, families and communities, making decisions that can have profound consequences for the people they work with. The role requires not only deep knowledge of law, policy and human development but also the practical wisdom to make complex professional judgements under pressure, to work collaboratively across agencies, and to maintain both compassion and professional boundaries over time.

At the University of the West of Scotland, this four-year degree is a qualifying programme that prepares you to register as a social worker in Scotland and to practise in children's or adults' services, mental health, criminal justice or community settings. You will study the legal and policy framework that governs social work in Scotland, human development across the life course, social work theory and methods, safeguarding, professional ethics and the social and political contexts that shape inequality and need. Practice placements are an essential component of the programme, providing supervised experience in real social work settings with real service users and families.

These placements are not optional additions to your academic study but an integral part of your professional formation.

The degree develops the capabilities central to effective social work: careful assessment of complex and sometimes contradictory evidence, the ability to build trusting relationships in difficult circumstances, professional communication with colleagues and other agencies, and reflective practice that continues throughout a career.

Graduates register with Social Work Scotland and enter practice in statutory children's and adults' services, mental health social work, criminal justice social work, health and social care partnerships and the voluntary sector. Continuing professional development and post-qualifying awards in specialist areas are available for those who want to develop expertise further.