Ulster University BSc (Hons) Social Work

Level 6

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Ulster University BSc (Hons) Social Work

Level 6

Full-Time

26/27

EXC60001

Overview

*All applications to this programme must be made through UCAS. * UCAS CODE L506. The BSc (Hons) Social Work is a professional qualification that meets the requirements of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (SCC). Training to become a social worker involves a mixture of academic study and professional practice learning opportunities for a total of 185 days during the Degree.

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK - APPLICATION TIMELINE

STAGE 1

Following receipt of your UCAS application the admissions team at UU Magee will assess your academic qualifications. If you meet/can meet the academic entry requirements for social work your application will progress to Stage 2.

STAGE 2

A Consent & Declaration email and pro forma will be sent to you. If you receive a Consent & Declaration letter and pro forma from both Ulster and Queens you must complete each pro forma (tick box) and return to the relevant institution, to the email/ address indicated.

STAGE 3

Interview

If you achieve the required academic entry criteria, you will receive an email inviting you to attend an interview. Interviews and interview scoring, run from mid/late February right through to late April.

Interview

The interview will have four questions. Questions will concentrate on your motivation to pursue a career in social work and your understanding of different aspects of social work practice. It is important that you draw upon any life or work experience, and you consider skills, knowledge, and values important to social work.

NB: It is assumed that if an applicant attends for interview, that they were fit to undertake this.

STAGE 4

Social Work Offers: Following completion of the interview process applicants who pass the ‘suitability interview’ are ranked by interview score. Offers are processed in April/May, however, not all applicants who are deemed suitable for ‘social work training’ will receive an offer at this stage. This is due to the government quota for social work at both Ulster (including South West College and Belfast Met) and Queen’s. You should note that, if you have applied to both Queen’s and Ulster, it is possible to receive an offer from one institution and not the other.

After the initial round of offers Ulster and Queen’s will email/write to eligible applicants asking if they wish to be retained on a ‘reserve list’ if additional places become available. This may not be until August following receipt of all examination results. You should note that there is no guarantee that additional places will become available. Please note if you are unsuccessful at any of the above stages, we will notify you as soon as possible, via UCAS, normally within 10 working days.

Deferred Entry

Due to the demand for places, candidates applying for deferred entry are not usually considered unless there are exceptional medical circumstances which can be evidenced.

Transfers

Because of the intense competition for places to study Social Work and the nature of the course structure, transfers are not considered. However, candidates who commence another course of study may submit a fresh application via UCAS for consideration. All applicants must have the same entry requirements as those applying direct from A-level (or other acceptable qualification) and must have passed any exams taken at university.

Incentive Scheme, Department of Health

Social work students resident in Northern Ireland currently receive an incentive scheme from the Department of Health. This is a bursary valued at £4000 GBP per year with an additional fund of £500 GBP to assist students with the cost of studying. This scheme remains under review. Please see full details, following the link below.

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-degree-in-social-work.pdf

A compilation of stories, advice and wisdom from service users, carers, social workers, and students about what makes a good social worker. So-You-Think-You-Want-to-be-a-Social-Worker.pdf

YOUR JOURNEY TO A CAREER IN SOCIAL WORK

During Practice Placements (two periods of 85 days and 100 days) you will work full time alongside social work practitioners and be supported and assessed by a Practice Teacher. A range of placement opportunities are provided by a wide range of agency partners from Health and Social Care Trusts and other voluntary and statutory agencies, and these providers are integral to the development and delivery of the programme. For further information on modules please see link below.

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202324/social-work-3-year-full-time-course-30883#modules

Module Overview: (Subject to review 26-27).

This Honours Degree will require students to study a variety of specialist modules to develop knowledge, skills and values relevant to professional social work practice. The programme also includes underpinning learning within the Social Sciences, such as Social Policy, Psychology and Sociology.

: Research and Academic Skills for Social Work

Introduction to Social Work Practice

Sociology and Social Policy for Social Work

Building and Maintaining a Professional Identity

Introduction to Life course Psychology

Preparation for Practice Learning

Theories and Methods

Law

Practice Learning Opportunity

Assessment and Risk Assessment in Practice Settings

Working in Organisations

Critical Perspectives and Skills for Contemporary Practice

: As this is a professional programme, all modules are compulsory.

All applications to this programme must be made through UCAS.

A-Levels

Offers are normally made on the basis of 3 A-levels i.e. BBB. The offer for repeat applicants is set in terms of 3 A-levels and is the same standard as for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year. Combination of A-level plus BTEC Level 3 Qualifications Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. The normal GCSE profile (or equivalent) will be expected. Other Qualifications Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Irish Leaving Certificate, Access programme or a Foundation Degree will also be considered.

Combination of A-level plus BTEC Level 3 Qualifications

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. The normal GCSE profile (or equivalent) will be expected.

Other Qualifications

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Irish Leaving Certificate, Access programme or a Foundation Degree will also be considered.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those applicants taking a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma qualification. Offers are made on the basis of ‘Successful completion of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with overall grades DDM (RQF) or overall grades DDD (QCF).

Irish Leaving Certificate

Offers are normally based on 5 Highers in the Irish Leaving Certificate i.e. grades H3, H3, H3, H3, H3. If not offered at Higher Level, English and Mathematics are required at Ordinary Level minimum grade 04.

Access Programmes

Applications from those offering Access Diploma/Certificate in Foundation Studies programmes are welcomed and each is considered individually on its merits. Access programmes are designed for adults who left formal education without the qualifications needed for entry to higher education, who did not progress beyond Level 3 qualifications, e.g. A-levels, and who are returning to study after a significant break (normally a minimum of two years). Where offers are made, these are based on completion of the full qualification, which is normally available on a one-year, full-time or two-years, part-time basis. For last year's entry, the standard set was completion of the Access Course with an average of 65% (Level 3 Units).

Applicants who have progressed beyond A-level (or equivalent Level 3 qualification)

Higher National Certificate (HNC)/Higher National Diploma (HND)

HNC (total of 120 credits) with an overall DISTINCTION to include 90 level 4 credits at Distinction. HND (total of 120 credits) for entry to Year 1 with overall MERIT to include 60 Level 5 credits at Distinction.

Foundation Degree

Applications from those offering a Foundation Degree are welcomed and each is considered individually on its merits. Successful completion of Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 55% in Level 5 modules.

NB: ALL APPLICANTS

All applicants require GCSE Mathematics and English at minimum Grade C or equivalent. Essential Skills, Level 2 in Application of Number and Communication is acceptable in lieu of these requirements.

For additional entry qualification information -Social Work (3 year full-time course) BSc (Hons) at Ulster University 2025/26 entry - Full-time Undergraduate Study

Assessment can take many forms, for example: essays, reports, seminar papers, class tests, presentations, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journals, group work.

You will undertake the first two years of this Honours Degree at SWC, Dungannon Campus. In the third year, you will transfer to Ulster University’s Derry/Londonderry campus. Following this, you may progress into the Social Work Profession on completion of their academic award. You will complete a further assessed year in employment to become a fully qualified and registered social worker with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

How to Apply for BSc Hons Social Work at South West College Dungannon Campus UCAS CODE L506.

Deadline for Applications NB: All applications submitted by the normal closing date of 14th January 2026 (18:00 hours) are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Applications to the BSc (Hons) Social Work at South West College at Dungannon Campus are dealt with centrally by the Admissions Office at Ulster University. All the information on your application is important and you should ensure that full details are given about qualifications completed or still to be completed. Applicants are advised that some experience in employment or voluntary work of a social work nature is beneficial but not essential.

Applicants who meet the initial selection criteria will be invited to participate in an in-person interview. The questions will assess their suitability for Social Work training. Interviews are a requirement of the professional body i.e. The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (SCC), as set out in its ‘Rules for Approval of Degree in Social Work courses’. The interview is organised on a regional basis enabling applicants to have a single interview for Northern Ireland Social Work programmes offered by Ulster University, South West College, Belfast Metropolitan College and Queens University Belfast.

Decisions on applicants who have been unsuccessful following interview will be made on an ongoing basis and notified to the applicant via UCAS. Offers are not made until all applicants who are eligible have been interviewed, normally late April/early May. Thresholds vary from year to year. Further details on the ‘Application and Selection Process Timeline’ are outlined below.

Please use the link below to access important additional information regarding the application process.

Social Work (3 year full-time course) BSc (Hons) at Ulster University 2026/27 entry - Full-time Undergraduate Study

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the Admissions Office at Magee Campus, giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

admissionsmg@ulster.ac.uk

2026/27 fees:

£4,800 per annum

*The fees quoted are payable for each year.

*Fees are subject to annual review.

Criminal Records Checks and Occupational Health Screening Costs

This programme is subject to Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (2003) legislation. Applicants with a firm offer require an Enhanced Access Northern Ireland Criminal Records check due to the nature of social work. This will cost approximately £33 GBP. This Criminal Records check happens in advance of becoming a student and may be repeated prior to practice learning placements during the 3-year training cycle.

Occupational Health Screening

Occupational Health Screening is required in advance of becoming a student (those with firm offers). Costs associated with this currently, are approximately £35 GBP for initial health screening with an additional approximately £50 GBP charge if vaccinations are required. A further Hepatitis B vaccination may be required if a student is allocated a placement in a clinical or hospital setting at an additional cost of approximately £90 GBP. Please note these are 2025/26 prices; prices are indicative only and are subject to change in any given year.

Registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council: Social work students in Northern Ireland are required to register with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NI_SCC). You will be asked to sign a declaration that you will comply with the NI_SCC Standards of Conduct for Social work students available at the following link https://niscc.info/app/uploads/2020/09/standards-of-conduct-and-practice-for-social-work-students-2019.pdf

As part of the registration process you will be asked to provide information so that NI_SCC can assess your suitability to train as a social worker. This is known as, ‘Fitness to Practice’. The purpose of Fitness to Practice is not to punish potential registrants but to protect the public. Each case is considered separately and on its own merit further information can be accessed at the following link.

https://niscc.info/fitness-to-practise/

Students successfully gaining a place on the course each year tell us they find the resources available on the NI SCC website very helpful for preparation for the admissions interview and they tell us that these resources helped them to improve their interview performance. Further information on a career in social work can be found on Interested in becoming a social worker? - NISCC

Confirmation of Understanding: If you are successful in obtaining a place on the BSc Hons in Social Work, all students have to sign a ‘Confirmation of Understanding’ which sets out all disclosures required in relation to issues related to ‘fitness to practice’. Students must read this document carefully and declare any issues noted in the document within a week of receipt.

All applications to this programme must be made through UCAS.

Students are required to:

Comply with College policies and procedures, rules and regulations (available in your Higher Education Student Handbook, on-line via the College website: Policies, Reports and Strategies | South West College and on the College Virtual Learning Environment -VLE).

Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates. Coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted.

The minimum overall pass mark of 40% is required to be achieved in all modules.

1 Available Session

* The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration and are subject to additional examination fees as per fees policy.