This applied course paves the way for you to register and practise as a qualified social worker, reaching out to help people from many different backgrounds to assess and tackle their problems. Achieve your ambitions by studying on this four-year course which includes a foundation year.
- A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions
- Build a dynamic portfolio of skills and theories to work with your clients in a variety of settings
- Be inspired by our experienced, enthusiastic academic team who put teaching first and are dedicated to your success
- The Foundation Year course leads on to the full Applied Social Work degree that is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) allowing you to practise as a qualified social worker, as long as you meet the HCPC’s requirements.
Please note that it is not possible to apply directly to the following course. For this foundation year course, it is only possible to attain a place if you do not get the grades expected having been provided with an offer for the BSc equivalent.
Beginning with a foundation year
Starting at foundation level is ideal if it has been a while since you were in formal education; are planning a career change; would benefit from a more gradual introduction to university level study; or do not meet the entry requirements to join our three-year honours degree directly.
It gives you an insight into working in health and social care environments, as well as supporting you to develop the skills you need to achieve your goals.
On completion of the Foundation Year you will then commence study on the full Applied Social Work degree.
You’ll study a selection of modules such as:
Foundation Year
- Study Skills
- Arts and Health
- Communication Skills
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Work-Based Learning
- Anti-Discriminatory Practice
- Fundamentals of Public Health
- Introduction to Mental Health
If you do not have GCSE in English and/or Maths, you will need to take these as core components of your foundation year, in place of some of the above foundation year modules. You will need to successfully complete these core modules to progress onto stage one of the full degree.
Stage one
- Social Work Law and Policy
- Communication Skills
- Attitudes and Values
- Preparation for Practice Learning
- Applied Sociology
Stage two
- Assessing Risk Need and Vulnerability
- Research Methods for Practice
- Mental Health
- Practice Learning 1
- Human Growth and Development
- Substance Use
Stage three
- Practice Learning 2
- Independent Study
- Safeguarding Adults
- Protecting and Safeguarding Children and Young People
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 80 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study. |
| Interview / Audition | Yes - see interview details |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications
- BTEC - MMP
- Access to HE Diploma - 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 0 Merit: 30 Pass: 15
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Additional requirements
An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this when required. More information
An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this once you have applied. More information.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
This course is only available to students who have applied for the equivalent three-year degree and have been offered this as a more suitable alternative by our Admissions team.
We are not currently accepting direct applications.
There is a growing demand for qualified social workers who can excel in a variety of fields, so this course opens doors to an exciting and diverse range of career opportunities.
Our graduates from BA (hons) Applied Social Work have gone into child protection, mental health, disability and youth justice or working with vulnerable or older adults. You could work in settings such as hospitals, day centres, social services, residential centres, schools and the voluntary sector.
Once you are a qualified social worker, you'll be expected to continue your professional development so you can keep up to date with current trends in the sector. You could also choose to specialise in particular areas of practice once you have qualified.
Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with help, guidance and support from day one of your course – and for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Download programme specification
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
- DBS check
- Hepatitis B vaccination
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Students pay the first £5 of your travel to placements. Further costs can be claimed back through the University
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
