Social Work

Year 1

You will study the foundations of social work and will engage in sociology and psychology modules to look at internal and external factors impacting on the lives of service users. You will be encouraged to start using research to support academic writing, and will also be introduced to law.

Year 2

You’ll build upon what you learn in year 1 before you commence your first placement. When you return for Term 2 the focus turns to service user specific modules and we explore the skills and knowledge base required for each area.

Year 3

You will commence your second practical placement which takes place in Term 1. Upon return in Term 2, the modules will again focus on service user specific areas and will also start to prepare you for writing your dissertation.   

Year 4

Term 1 will see you commence your final placement and in term 2 you can select an elective module to study, alongside interdisciplinary practice and your dissertation study.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying at RGU:

Learning Methods

We use a variety of teaching and assessment methods including; small group teaching, seminars, lectures, role-plays, simulations, workshops and projects. In addition, a Tutor will be allocated to you, who will provide you with advice and guidance on academic and non-academic matters. We believe that learning should be applied to practice so you are encouraged to become reflective, independent learners, identifying and working towards your own learning objectives as well as those set by the course.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 60 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Seminars - 20 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Tutorial - group supervision and one-to-one support throughout terms
• Placement / Work Based Learning - group supervision and one-to-one support weekly on placement

How long is a BA (Hons) Social Work course?

The duration of a Social Work degree is 4 years. However, we offer advanced entry to year 2 of the course for eligible applicants. 

Independent Study

There is a strong emphasis on independent study where you are encouraged to research material in preparation for tutorials, prepare group work exercises, and conduct a research project.  All modules will direct you to indicative and recommended reading. On average, you are encouraged to engage in 20 hours of independent study per module.

Staff Delivering on This Course

All staff members delivering teaching on the course are qualified Social Workers and hold a variety of academic qualifications. We also have external experts who will provide teaching, as well as colleagues from across other RGU schools in the health professions who add valuable contribution and insight into the issues you will face as a Social Worker.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year, using a range of assessment methods. These methods are designed to evidence student knowledge and to mirror the skills requirements of social workers in professional practice:

Year 1

• 3 written exams
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 2 oral assessments

Year 2

• 7 written assignments, including essays
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 exam

Year 3

• 4 written assignments, including essays
• 2 oral assessment

Year 4

• 4 written assignments, including essays
• 1 dissertation
• 1 oral assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

A major strength of the course is the placement opportunities which are an integral part of study. You will undertake three practice placements: one lasting two months, one lasting three months and one lasting four months (in years 2, 3 and 4). There may also be the opportunity to undertake one placement in a country other than the UK. The rewards from undertaking these placements are significant, both in terms of initial professional development and in applying theoretical principles to real-life situations. Practice is assessed according to the competence requirements of Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Placements abroad may also be available.

Job Prospects

Graduates find employment across the social work sector. Our students have been in great demand throughout the UK, and 95% are in work or study six months after finishing the course (Unistats, 2018). The international focus of the course also provides employment possibilities in a range of European countries, the USA and Australia.

Is Social Work a good career choice?

Previous BA (Hons) Social Work graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of settings across both the statutory and 3rd sector, in areas such as:

• Justice social work (fieldwork and prison based)
• Children and families (including child protection)
• Mental health
• Substance use
• Care Management

What are the entry requirements for a BA (Hons) Social Work degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC. Applicants will be expected to have Mathematics, Numeracy or equivalent and English at National 5 at grade C or above.
• GCE A Level: CCC. Applicants will be expected to have Mathematics, Numeracy or equivalent and English at GCSE level at grade 5/C or above.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3. Applicants will be expected to have Mathematics, Numeracy or equivalent and English at grade O3 or above.
• IB Diploma: 26. Applicants will be expected to have Mathematics, Numeracy or equivalent and English at Standard Level grade 4 or above.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC to include Maths, Numeracy or equivalent and English at National 5 C or above.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND will be considered for Year 2 entry. Applicants with an HNC from a formal partner college will also be considered for Year 2 entry.

Recruitment process

You will be required to attend an experience event. These events provide the opportunity for students to meet with course staff and for course staff to learn about the personal, relational and communicative skills of the students. Overseas applicants will be interviewed by Microsoft Teams. Applicants who do not have an appropriate certificated level of Mathematics, Numeracy or equivalent will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of numeracy as part of the recruitment activity.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 7.0 overall and 7.0 in each element, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.