BA, 3 years, UCAS: L500
Typical A level offer: ABB
Subject overview
Why social work?
Social workers work with a range of people facing difficulties and often crises. The BA in Social Work is an approved route into social work practice for those who do not already hold a good undergraduate degree. Those who have completed a recognised qualifying degree and who successfully register with the professional body at the end of their degree are able to call themselves social workers.
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Why social work at Sussex?
Our commitment to high-quality teaching and pedagogic innovation is evidenced through league table successes for our Department of Social Work and Social Care, and the number of academic faculty holding local and national teaching awards.
Social work at Sussex was ranked 1st (98 per cent) in the teaching category and 5th (95 per cent) for overall satisfaction in the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
Social work at Sussex was ranked 1st in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2014, 2nd in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014 and 4th in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013.
Social Work was rated 14th in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 95 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.
Our course is taught by faculty who are research active in their areas of particular interest and will draw on their research to inform their teaching as well as to encourage you to develop research-informed approaches to practice.
The School of Education and Social Work has excellent partnerships with local employers and placement providers, ensuring a good range of learning opportunities.
The School has an impressive employment record with a high proportion of graduates entering graduate-level employment in a related field within six months of graduation.
Russell's faculty perspective
‘It’s not difficult to capture the essence of what studying for the BA in Social Work at Sussex is about. It can be seen in our small year groups that allow students and tutors to get to know each other on a personal level. It can also be seen in the quality of the working relationships we have with local placement providers, and in the teaching sessions that members of faculty lead from their own ongoing research. The Department of Social Work and Social Care at Sussex fosters a culture of valuing both teaching and research.
'My own research focuses on the history of social work and social workers and I share all of my research with my students in my teaching. Social Work students at Sussex can expect to be challenged and stretched in a supportive and nurturing environment.'
Dr Russell Whiting
Lecturer in Social Work and Care,
University of Sussex
Programme content
We are keen to develop innovation in learning and teaching. In Year 1, we develop problem-based learning and learning from practice-based scenarios, which sets the scene for a continuing emphasis on the integration of theory and practice in Years 2 and 3. We also develop the use of IT in learning, and its application in supporting learning on and off campus. You will have the opportunity to develop your computer literacy and by the end of the BA will have reached the level required by the appropriate national standard.
In Year 1, you have the opportunity to learn directly from service users and carers and to develop a greater understanding of their experience. You will shadow an experienced social worker and reflect on the experience via assessed work and seminar discussions. This is in addition to the core content information listed below.
In Years 2 and 3, there is currently a minimum of 200 days of learning practice, 170 of which will be in a placement setting: 70 days in your second year of study and 100 days in your third year. From this practice experience, you will learn how to provide services to a range of service-user groups. Our placements build on our excellent partnerships with local social work agencies and our collaboration with groups of users and carers, allowing you to experience stimulating and rewarding placement opportunities in a range of settings.
The course is designed to fulfill the learning outcomes required by the Health and Care Professions Council in order to apply for registration at the end of your course.
What to do next
You need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and details can be found at How to apply. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, you can contact us at:
Social Work Admissions, Essex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QQ, UK
E eswenquiries@sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 872595
Department of Social Work and Social Care
or:
Undergraduate Admissions,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Employees of local authorities hoping for secondment will need to apply through separate procedures in addition to applying via UCAS; details are available from the respective training sections. There will be a mix of independent and seconded students within each year group. We aim to recruit a diverse intake of students each year and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
If you know before applying that you wish to study the BA in Social Work via our part-time route, please email us at E ug.applicant@sussex.ac.uk for further advice on the part-time application route.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2014 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
Core content
Year 1
You explore the fundamental elements of academic and professional knowledge required for effective and safe social work practice. Learning during this year takes place mainly at the University, with modules exploring social work law and policy, human growth and development, theories and values, and core study skills. You also complete a short observational placement
Year 2
You take modules preparing you for practice in the fields of social work with children and families, and social work with adults. You also complete your first placement and modules examining the importance of interprofessional working and research methods
Final year
You combine writing a dissertation (under the supervision of experienced members of the Department) with your final placement. You will be supported in your preparation for job applications from December onwards, and will return to the University while on placement for group tutorials and for taught sessions in order to help you link theory and practice
How will I learn?
We provide a variety of learning opportunities including workshops, seminars and lectures, led by academic staff, researchers, practitioners, service users and carers. You will be encouraged to develop the skills of learning independently and learning in a group, both essential for future professional practice.
You will undertake a range of different kinds of assessment tasks, including reflective journals, essays, report writing, exams, placement portfolios and, in Year 3, a dissertation that focuses on the integration of theory and practice. Academic work is regularly assessed and University staff provide regular and constructive feedback to enable you to develop your practice. Work in placements is assessed by practice assessors supported by University staff. To be awarded the BA in Social Work, competence must be assessed as satisfactory on both the academic and practice-based parts of the course.
For more information, visit Studying at Sussex.
Please note that these are the modules running in 2012.
Year 1
Core modules
Year 2
Core modules
Year 3
Core modules
Contexts of Social Work
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1
This module will help you to locate the contemporary UK social work profession within relevant historical and global contexts. You will learn through a variety of means that include lectures and workshops, but also through group and individual research and investigation tasks. Through the set tasks, you will gain an increased appreciation of the realities of contemporary social work practice and the factors influencing the development of the profession. Key policy changes will be highlighted and the political, contested and controversial aspects of the social work role will be introduced in order to form a firm basis for modules that follow later in the degree.
This module complements Introduction to Professional Learning and Development where the focus is upon the process of learning for social work rather than just the content. Active participation by service users and carers and practitioners alongside programme faculty will provide you with a range of perspectives and different forms of knowledge.
Human Growth and Development
30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 1
This module will provide you with an introduction to the key theories of human development. Concepts such as attachment, resilience, loss, change and identity will be explored in relation to their relevance to social work practice. You will explore the social and political contexts of these issues and the importance of making connections between individual and family development and disadvantage.
The impact of aspects of inequality such as class, race, gender and sexuality will be explored. Although not the main focus of this course, you will be introduced to the use and critique of statistics and data sets in order to foster the early appreciation of such information alongside that arising from qualitative research.
Teaching will take place via lectures, facilitated seminars and unfacilitated student led groups in which you will prepare your assessed presentations. In addition, specialist workshops will be run by members of the service user and carer network and by practitioner colleagues in relation to key areas.
Learning will take place using a problem-based learning approach using a case study as the basis of the group work and assessed tasks. The group presentation will be in poster format so that you are able to demonstrate your skills in presenting material visually, albeit with accompanying text and brief oral explanations.
Introduction to Professional Learning and Development - Part One
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1
This module combines teaching and learning about the significance of identity in social work with opportunities to explore a wide range of professional and academic learning skills and techniques. The module will also introduce you to library and IT resources. You will be introduced to a range of approaches to collaborative and independent learning in preparation for work throughout the programme. This innovative course serves to bridge the transition from previous study or work into the specific type of learning required at HE level on a professionally qualifying social work programme. Face to face teaching is supplemented with carefully designed online learning tools and activities that have relevant content but that also introduce you to a range of skills and techniques in a fun and supportive way. The process orientation of this course will help develop positive relationships within the learning group in preparation for their work together during the rest of the degree.
Indicative portfolio contents include:
Summative summary of article from those detailed relating to professional identity (along with reflections upon feedback on the formative version of this); all completed e-learning tasks such as referencing, library catalogue use, small group tasks; self evaluation questionnaires completed at start of term and then at the end; referencing activities; extracts from reflective learning journal
Introduction to Professional Learning and Development - Part Two
15 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 1
This module builds upon IPLD part one taught in the autumn term and continues to provide a foundation to the rest of the degree. The module aims to introduce you to as many academic and professional learning skills as possible through a variety of means.
Taught by those committed to ensuring that the transition from the start of this year and into the next is both supportive and yet challenging, this module should not be regarded as simply another study skills module. The depth of learning from feedback, evaluation and small, as well as larger, group work encourages the linking of theory and practice (and the 'personal') from the start of the module.
This module begins with you being prepared for your five-day shadowing placement and concludes with you demonstrating, through individual presentations to panels including service users and carers, evidence of your readiness for professional practice next year. You will also include in your portfolio evidence of participation in skills workshops designed to refine communication and time management skills prior to placement in year two.
Indicative portfolio contents include:final self evaluation tool and planning for level 5; evidence of application of learning from referencing to other modules through the inclusion of two bibliographies; small group-produced annotated bibliographies evidencing ability to source different academic materials through the electronic library; reflections from shadowing placments; evidence of skills log completed during the year at first year level (communication skills as the main focus); and extracts from reflective leaning journals
Law for Social Work
30 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 1
This module provides introductory knowledge of the legal rules that underpins social work practice, and (building on the Contexts of Social Work course) explores the ways in which law and social policy interact to provide a broad framework for assessment and intervention. You will also explore the relationship between law and social work values, and reflect on the ways in which legal rules support practice that is both lawful and ethical.
Lectures will introduce core knowledge, such as the workings of the English legal system, and the powers and duties of social work in relation to children and families, mental health and adult social care. You will pursue small group e-learning exercises and guided independent reading to consolidate your understanding, before applying the legal rules to case scenarios discussed in class under the guidance of the tutor.
Values, Ethics and Theories: preparing for complexity in Social Work Practice
15 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 1
In this module you will build on the work you did earlier in the year but with a particular focus on professional formation through considerations of values, ethics and theories in social work.
The module brings social work theory to the fore and emphasises its importance for practice. A range of different social work theories are presented and analysed.
The module examines the historical development and contemporary expression of social work values and ethics. It also considers the use of codes of ethics and codes of practice as well as the ethical and value basis to theories.
The module will use case studies to tie the theoretical and ethical discussions to the reality of practice situations in order to better preapre students for future placements.
Module content will include: anti oppressive/anti discrimatory values in social work; ethics based on principles; ethics based on character; radical theories of social work; liberal/conservative theories of social work; psychodynamic theories and social work; attachment theory and social work; systems theories/ecological approaches; social work and postmodernism.
Level 2 Practice Learning
15 credits
All year teaching, Year 2
The learning for this module occurs within the framework of the Key Roles, Units and Elements of the National Occupational Standards for Social Work. In this Level 2 Practice Learning module you will be expected to develop competence in all Key Roles and Units. In this module, however, you will demonstrate evidence of a selected number of element titles which are appropriate to the first practice learning experience.
This module includes experience of direct practice experience with service users/ carers, including the experience of taking considered and professional risks within a particular placement context and setting. You will also be able to practice within organisational policies, structures and processes and in line with the requirements of relevant social work legislation. Regular practice teaching with a designated practice teacher/assessor including purposeful reflection on the process and content of practice and the links between direct practice, theoretical learning and research. This module will enable you to develop through supervision and practice teaching, your ability to practice in a self-directed way and to identify when it is necessary and appropriate to seek advice and supervision. Through supervision and practice teaching you will develop your ability to self-evaluate and seek service users', carers' and peer group feedback on your performance.
Partnership and Interprofessional Practice
15 credits
Spring & summer teaching, Year 2
This module introduces you to theory and research concerning: partnership; inter-agency collaboration; inter-professional teamwork; ethical dilemmas in inter-professional practice; and accountability in inter-professional practice. The module will also explain serious failures in inter-professional practice, while enabling you to identify possible successful interventions to support partnership and inter-professional practice. You will also consider and critically reflect on issues of partnership and working together.
Research Methods (BA Social Work)
30 credits
All year teaching, Year 2
This will be an intensive taught level 3 module, introducing you to a range of methods and methodologies appropriate to social work research. It aims to enable you to develop research mindedness research practitioners and consumers of research, and to design an informed, methodologically and ethically sound proposal as the basis for further research.
Module content will include: research mindedness and its relevance for practice; framing research questions and planning and developing a literature based research minded project proposal; literature based research use of library/electronic resources refresher only as this is addressed in years one and two; qualitative and quantitative methodologies; ethics of social work research; integrating research and theory for evidence based practice.
Social Work with Adults, their families and carers.
30 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2
The module will be organised in a way that enables you to explore contemporary issues within the full spectrum of adult care. This will include study relating to people with learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, physical disabilities, adults vulnerable due to domestic abuse/substance misuse and homelessness, older people and their families and their carers. You will be expected to use reflective learning to consider your personal and professional values, developing an understanding of values-based practice and social care values and ethics.
You will consider the changing context of professional practice in adult care, including the challenges posed by developing effective inter-professional working. This module will be underpinned by an understanding of the application and importance of the relevant National Service Frameworks, National Occupational Standards, and evolving policy such as 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say'.
Throughout, you will be expected to demonstrate a good understanding of issues relating to adult care, and the importance of promoting participation and inclusion.
Social Work with Children, Young People and Families
30 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2
This module takes place immediately prior to placement and is clearly focused on preparing you for placement in children and family settings. The module follows the principles of problem-based learning in order to help you reflect on critical connections between material covered in the module and your observations and experiences in the observational placement.
This module is designed to enable you to consolidate and develop understanding of the social work role and task in relation to practice in the field of children's services. Through detailed and critical scrutiny of role and task in a range of policy and practice contexts and settings, you will gain a level of knowledge and understanding sufficient to provide you with a foundation for safe practice, under appropriate supervision, in subsequent agency placements. You will be required to pay particular attention to the nature of the emotional and political dynamics in those contexts of ambiguity and conflict that characterise this field of work, and to the impact these have on decision-making and intervention. Topics covered include: the history and current context of children's services; overview of developments in policy in relation to children's services; early and preventive intervention with vulnerable children in community settings; needs and risk assessment and protective intervention where specific questions of harm arise; care planning for children and young people in public care; work with young offenders
The syllabus is constructed in a rapidly changing policy and practice environment and therefore is indicative, designed to respond to local and national changes.
Concepts in Contemporary Social Work
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3
This module will introduce you to a range of concepts that are relevant in social work practice and the study of social work practice. You will examine concepts drawn from a variety of faculty research interests and contemporary issues such as: Spirituality; Chaos and Complexity; Reflection; Care and Caring; Internationalisation; Professionalism; Managerialism; Personalisation.
You will consider the conceptual significance of such concepts and the contributions that each makes to an understanding of contemporary social work practice.
The module exposes you to literature from a range of social science disciplines and focuses upon developing the critical and analytical skills required at this level of study.
Level 3 Practice Learning
60 credits
All year teaching, Year 3
The learning for this module occurs within the framework of the Key Roles, Units and Elements of the National Occupational Standards for Social Work. In this Level 3 Practice Learning module you will be expected to develop competence in all Key Roles and Units. In this module, as compared to the Level 2 Practice Learning module, however, you will be required to demonstrate evidence of all element titles which is appropriate at the point of qualification.
This module includes experience of direct practice experience with service users/ carers, including the experience of taking considered and professional risks within a particular placement context and setting. You will also be able to practice within organisational policies, structures and processes and in line with the requirements of relevant social work legislation. Regular practice teaching with a designated practice teacher/assessor including purposeful reflection on the process and content of practice and the links between direct practice, theoretical learning and research. This module will enable you to develop through supervision and practice teaching, your ability to practice in a self-directed way and to identify when it is necessary and appropriate to seek advice and supervision. Through supervision and practice teaching you will develop your ability to self-evaluate and seek service users', carers' and peer group feedback on your performance
Research Minded Project
45 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3
This module focuses on guided research enquiry into a topic of the your choice, relevant to social work practice or theory. Learning and support takes place within small facilitated discussion groups, and additional individual supervision to guide you in all stages of producing a dissertation. The module aims to enable you to make links between research and professional practice, and to develop your research knowledge and skills practice in planning, conducting and writing up a piece of literature based research. This module focuses on the guiding of your own literature based research enquiry, with the majority of work undertaken in private study.
Entry requirements
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
Please note: We will not consider applications to transfer direct into the 2nd year of our Social Work degree. Applications will only be considered for 1st year entry.
- Entry requirements for all applicants
-
Specific entry requirements: All applicants will need to have GCSE grade C or above, or a recognised equivalent, in Mathematics and English prior to the start of the course. In addition, the selection process will look for evidence of basic IT competence and to ensure your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator (see `How your application will be processed' below for more information). All candidates offered a place on the course will be required to satisfactorily complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly known as a CRB check), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. All candidates offered a place on this course are required to make a declaration regarding their health and fitness to study and practice social work. Appropriate support will be offered to candidates who identify a disability, including dyslexia, both at selection stage and throughout the course.
- How your application will be processed
-
Specific entry requirements: Those whose UCAS application appears to meet the broad entry requirements for admission will be invited to complete a brief piece of written work that takes the form of an extended personal statement and requires applicants to respond to set questions about themselves and their experiences and understanding of these issues. Applicants completing this stage satisfactorily will then be invited to attend a selection day. Candidates are currently required to take part in a group exercise as well as an individual interview. Selection panels usually include a combination of academic staff, social work practitioners and service-user and carer representatives. In line with appropriate national guidance, the following factors are assessed throughout the different stages of the selection process: clarity of communication; written and spoken English; initial awareness of the realities of social work practice; commitment to the value base of social work; ability to work with others; ability to show empathy and to value perspectives of others; and potential to develop appropriate professional confidence. All candidates offered an interview will be required to complete a declaration of suitability for social work training. This will require a full disclosure of all convictions, warnings, cautions and reprimands even if formally 'spent'. It will also require a disclosure of any disciplinary offences in the work place and other relevant issues. Disclosing relevant issues will not in itself be a barrier to entering the course as each situation is assessed carefully. However, failure to disclose relevant information at any stage in the selection process is likely to lead to any offer made being withdrawn. Final decisions will be taken following the interview stage.
- A level
Typical offer: ABB
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and English, both with at least grade C. All candidates offered a place on the course will then be required to satisfactorily complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly known as a CRB check), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. All candidates offered a place are also required to make a declaration regarding their health and fitness to study and practice social work.
- International Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 34 points overall
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will need to have evidence of suitable ability in both Mathematics and English. This will normally be met within the International Baccalaureate Diploma, but if applicants are unclear please contact the Admissions Office. All candidates offered a place on the course will then be required to satisfactorily complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly known as a CRB check), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. All candidates offered a place are also required to make a declaration regarding their health and fitness to study and practice social work.
For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.
- Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and English, both with at least grade C. All candidates offered a place on the course will then be required to satisfactorily complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly known as a CRB check), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. All candidates offered a place are also required to make a declaration regarding their health and fitness to study and practice social work.
For more information refer to Access to HE Diploma.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Typical offer: DDM
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and English, both with at least grade C. All candidates offered a place on the course will then be required to satisfactorily complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly known as a CRB check), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. All candidates offered a place are also required to make a declaration regarding their health and fitness to study and practice social work.
For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall with not less than 6.5 in each section. Internet-based TOEFL with 95 overall, with at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Writing.
For more information, refer to alternative English language requirements.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex:
Undergraduate Admissions,
Sussex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Related subjects
Fees and funding
Fees
Home/EU students: £9,0001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,0002
Overseas students: £16,2003
1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
Currently, additional Government funding is available for most social work students for at least part of the course. For details, visit NHS: Student bursaries.
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Care Leavers Award (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 31 July 2015
For students have been in council care before starting at Sussex.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 12 June 2015
The scheme is targeted to help students from relatively low income families – ie those whose family income is up to £42,622.
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust for Undergraduate Study (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 1 March 2014
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust are offering bursaries to Undergraduate students following an undergraduate degree courses in any subject.
Careers and profiles
Successful completion of our BA in Social Work allows you to apply to register as a qualified social worker. The pattern of service provision in relation to social work, health and education, and interprofessional practice is developing fast, bringing exciting prospects:
- social work with local authorities
- social work with older people, disabled people, or people with mental health needs
- voluntary sector
- opportunities in management, specialist consultancy, training, planning and strategic roles, as well as possibilities for further academic study and research.
Our recent graduates have become social workers with councils and agencies across the country, including: Addaction • Banya Family Planning • Brighton & Hove City Council • Bristol Drugs Projects • Brooke Street LEA (recruitment consultancy) • East Sussex County Council • Kent County Council • Partnership in Care • Surrey County Council • Sussex Oakleaf (social enterprise) • Sutton County Council • Wandsworth Council • West Sussex County Council.
Specific employer destinations listed are taken from recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education surveys, which are produced annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
Careers and employability
For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).
For more information on the full range of initiatives that make up our career and employability plan for students, visit Careers and alumni.
Susanne's student perspective
‘My decision to apply to study Social Work at Sussex was definitely the right one. I’ve found satisfaction and fulfilment in the course, which has provided me with a wealth of experience through both academic and practice-based learning.
‘The different modules complement each other and are innovative and inspirational. Learning is interactive, and discussion – both in lectures and group work – is strongly encouraged, promoting a questioning approach that enables you to revise the ideas and assumptions made in everyday life.
‘I’ve enjoyed working alongside, and learning from, a diverse range of students, service users and carers from various backgrounds. I’ve been challenged academically and on a practical level while on placement, which has taught me much about my strengths and weaknesses and developed my ability to work under pressure.
‘If you’ve got the drive and determination to commit to this challenging career, Sussex will equip you with the professional qualification required.’
Susanne Beesley
BA in Social Work
Alicia's student perspective
‘Studying social work at Sussex has been a hugely rewarding yet challenging experience for me. The degree includes topics that develop a wide range of knowledge – from the theoretical to the practical – required to be an effective practitioner. My time here has taught me to think critically, enabling me to analyse and reflect on practice, and this has proven to be especially beneficial during my placements in my second and third years.
‘As a mature student, I was concerned with balancing the demands of study with the needs of a young family. The opportunity to study part time for the first year of the degree was important in helping to balance family life. The facilities provided by the University, such as remote access to the electronic library and e-learning sites, mean I can access resources and course work when I’m not on the campus, and the flexibility of my tutors means I can arrange tutorials for days that are convenient for me. All in all I’ve found Sussex to be a vibrant university and a great place to study.’
Alicia Ryan Gwynn
BA in Social Work (part-time)
Contact our School
School of Education and Social Work
The School of Education and Social Work combines two very strong departments with excellent reputations, and serves the needs of its students as well as those of the wider community.
How do I find out more?
For further information, contact:
Social Work Admissions,
Essex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QQ, UK
E eswenquiries@sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 872595
Department of Social Work and Social Care
Visit us
Sussex Open Day
Saturday 5 October 2013
Open Days offer you the chance to speak one to one with our world-leading academic staff, find out more about our courses, tour specialist facilities, explore campus, visit student accommodation, and much more. Booking is required. Go to Visit us and Open Days to book onto one of our tours.
Campus tours
Not able to attend one of our Open Days? Then book on to one of our weekly guided campus tours.
Mature-student information session
If you are 21 or over, and thinking about starting an undergraduate degree at Sussex, you may want to attend one of our mature student information sessions. Running between October and December, they include guidance on how to approach your application, finance and welfare advice, plus a guided campus tour with one of our current mature students.
Self-guided visits
If you are unable to make any of the visit opportunities listed, drop in Monday to Friday year round and collect a self-guided tour pack from Sussex House reception.
Jonathan's staff perspective
‘Sussex provides world-leading teaching and excellent academic facilities, with a vibrant student life in a fantastic location. All of this meant that I left Sussex with a unique set of experiences and a degree that has prepared me for my future.
‘Joining Student Recruitment Services at the University has enabled me to share my experiences of Sussex with others. Coming to an Open Day gives you the opportunity to meet our research-active academics and our current students, while exploring our beautiful campus. But don’t worry if you can’t make an Open Day, there’s plenty of other opportunities to visit Sussex. Check out our Visit us and Open Days pages or our Facebook page to find out more.
‘I’ve loved every moment of my time at Sussex – these have been the best years of my life.’
Jonathan Bridges
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services