Course Overview

The field of social work spans multiple career options, and many graduates choose their career path based on the types of people they want to help. Social workers provide help and support directly to individuals, couples, families and groups, often supporting people who face a range of challenges such as poverty, mental health issues, addiction and family problems. As a social worker, you may provide one-to-one support such as therapy and counselling or connect people with resources in their community to help them to overcome their problems. As a graduate of this degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate a wide range of transferable skills such as resilience, advanced communication and negotiation skills. You’ll also possess the ability to manage conflict and exercise authority in complex situations, manage risk to self, service users and colleagues, and enable others to achieve their goals.

General Eligibility

120 UCAS points. Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. You should also have at least five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics. While you don’t need to have prior experience, some experience of working in a helping capacity would be an advantage. For guidance regarding acceptable alternative qualifications, please contact admissions@bolton.ac.uk. Qualifications gained outside England and Wales will be assessed on an individual basis according to guidance by Social Care England. We are happy to consider alternative qualifications and relevant work experience. The Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route may be used for entry. Please contact the programme leader for details. You’ll also need to demonstrate basic IT skills, including word processing, internet browsing and use of email. If your application is successfully shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a selection day where you’ll be expected to complete a number of assessments, including an interview, written test and group activity. The interview panel will include academic staff, practice staff and service users. The written test will assess your comprehension and written communication skills. The group activity will assess your values, behaviours, communication and problem-solving skills. We’re seeking students who can demonstrate commitment to a social work career, have excellent communication skills, and are empathic, caring, and courageous. We offer places to applicants whose qualifications, experience, references and quality of application (including the personal statement) persuade us of their excellence. If you’re successful at the interview stage, you’ll be asked to undergo occupational health screening and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You'll be required to satisfactorily pass occupational health screening. You’ll need to demonstrate that you are of good health and good character prior to enrolment and on an on-going basis throughout your studies and career. You’ll be required to complete a confidential self-declaration form outlining any medical or health conditions that may affect your ability to undertake academic or social work practice tasks. This course involves working unsupervised with children and/or vulnerable young people and adults and you must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting your studies. Charges are payable to cover the cost of the DBS Enhanced Disclosure application and annual registration with the online

Part Time Work Details

Apprentices will need to be employed by your organization for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Your organization will also need to commit to sponsoring apprentices to complete this qualification.

Language Requirement

• If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 7.0 with normally no less than 6.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications