The University of Sunderland has been successfully providing training in social work for more than 25 years. We are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council as a provider of social work degrees. This course combines a high quality academic degree with a professional qualification. The course is taught by a programme team who are qualified social workers with a wealth of experience in the field of social work. On successful completion of this course you will be eligible to apply to register as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council Once qualified you will be able to work as a social worker with a wide range of people, including: children and families, older people, people who have problems with drug and alcohol misuse, people who experience mental health problems, disabled people, young people in trouble and people with learning difficulties. During the course you will cover key theories of social work, social policy, relevant legislation, and skills in communication and research. You will also develop your ability to work effectively with children, young people and vulnerable adults. In your first year you will explore and develop your practice skills which includes shadowing qualified social workers in practice, and undertaking a community study. You will undertake placements in your second and third years of the course. These allow you to put your new skills into practice and satisfy the requirement for hands-on experience. According to the National Student Survey, 9 out of 10 students on Sunderland’s social work course think staff are enthusiastic about what they teach and good at explaining things.

Possible destinations for graduates from this course include becoming a social worker in all types of settings and sectors (statutory, voluntary and private). Employability is embedded throughout the course, which is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placements allow you to build up your practical experience and relate theory to practice. On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to apply to register as a social worker with the HCPC. To further enhance employability there are many opportunities to engage with visiting speakers and professionals. This engagement allows you to learn from the real-life experience of people who already have a strong track record in social work and social policy. Our new research centre Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS), provides further opportunity to learn about up to date and current issues relevant to Social Work.