Overview
Health and social care workers are the largest proportion of key worker occupations (Office for National Statistics) and the services provided by these workers are vital to society. Our stimulating and challenging Social Work degree could be for you if you would like to have a rewarding career that makes a positive contribution to society. Our degree combines practical experience with theory, and gives you the professional qualification you need to practise social work and help change people’s lives.
You’ll be taught by qualified social workers and allied professionals, as well as members of national and international social work organisations. Our course content draws on the latest knowledge and experience of people working in social work today. Social workers are often involved in complex and difficult situations, as well as meaningful work. We equip you with the skills you need to successfully deal with the variety of social problems you could encounter in social work.
For entry onto this highly regarded course, you’ll need to demonstrate some involvement with social work, the care system or a related field prior to starting the degree. This can take the form of volunteering or unpaid work.
When you successfully complete your Social Work degree, you can register as a qualified social worker with the Scottish Social Services Council. England, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own registration body and they all accept this degree.
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
AABB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
Numeracy and Literacy requirements evidenced at a minimum by Maths and English Standard Grade 3,
Those without the formal qualifications for numeracy may be able to undertake additional study in the
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
Numeracy and Literacy requirements evidenced at a minimum by Maths and English Standard Grade 3,
Those without the formal qualifications for numeracy may be able to undertake additional study in the
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Essential subjects
Numeracy and Literacy requirements evidenced at a minimum by Maths and English Standard Grade 3,
Those without the formal qualifications for numeracy may be able to undertake additional study in the
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
Voluntary, paid or personal experience of social work or related activity is essential for entry onto our Social Work degree.
Application procedure
There is a two-stage, paper-based selection process for our Social Work degree.
First stage: your UCAS application form.
This is screened for social work-related knowledge and experience, as well as qualifications, so your personal statement is particularly important.
Second stage: additional written work.
If your application form covers the required areas, in terms of qualifications, experience and understanding of social work, you’ll be invited to submit an additional piece of written work. You’ll be given two social work scenarios and asked general questions about the challenges and attractions of being a social worker.
You must register with the Scottish Social Services Council by the start of the second semester in Year 1. As part of the registration process with the Scottish Social Services Council, all applicants are subject to a Criminal Records check. You must be registered on the social work student section throughout your course and this is your responsibility to fulfil.
Previous criminal convictions may not exclude you. However, certain convictions must be declared during the University application process and some previous convictions may result in your application being unsuccessful. Please see the Disclosure Scotland Website for guidance on which spent convictions must be declared.
Our Social Work course is not available as a combined degree.
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language
- IELTS Indicator 7.0 with 6.0 in each skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 185 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 185 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 overall with a minimum of 60 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 94 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 94 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
- Trinity ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR C1 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL C1 Expert - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-ski
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language
- IELTS Indicator 7.0 with 6.0 in each skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 185 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 185 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 overall with a minimum of 60 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 94 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 94 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
- Trinity ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR C1 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL C1 Expert - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-ski
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
Semesters 1-3
You’ll follow introductory courses in Sociology and Social Policy to give you an understanding of the wider context for social work.
In addition, you’ll take four modules that introduce you to social work knowledge, skills, law and policy, and one which incorporates community-based practice. You’ll also take two other modules of your choice.
Semesters 4-8
You’ll benefit from working alongside postgraduate students who are studying social work at MSc level. Through a combination of well-supported work placements and class-room learning, you’ll cover:
- How to apply theory to social work practice, with two assessed practice placements in Semesters 5 and 6. You’ll work directly with people who use social services, as well as being supported and supervised by qualified social workers and other professionals.
- Specific social work skills in relation to different members of society, including: children; families; adults and people who offend.
- In your fourth year you’ll write an Honours dissertation and carry out a piece of empirical research. We believe it’s vital to have experience in carrying out research to understand its relevance in practice.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
You will be taught by qualified Social Workers with a strong commitment to the profession, in terms of sharing knowledge and research. We also use online resources and learning methods to benefit your study experience. From Semester 4 onwards, we encourage you to engage with theory and research through case studies, role plays, discussions and project group work.
Involving Social Services Users and Carers
Our University of Stirling Social Work Service Users and Carers’ Group, ‘UNITY’, was established in 2005 in recognition of the important contribution that people who use social services have for social work education. UNITY members are involved in many aspects of the Social Work degree, including direct teaching and the selection processes. They also provide you as a student, the opportunity to practice your interviewing skills.
We use a number of assessment methods, including analytical accounts of practice, video-recorded assessment of practice skills, class presentations, an oral examination, placements and essays.
When you reach your final Honours year, you’re required to write a dissertation based on a piece of empirical research. We believe that you should have experience of carrying out research in order to fully appreciate its relevance to practice.
You’ll have two professional practice learning opportunities in Semester 5 (75 days) and a second module spanning across the summer period and into Semester 7 (95 days). You’ll work directly with people who use social services, under the supervision of qualified social workers and other professionals, and be assessed by a qualified Practice Teacher.
You could also join the Social Work Society through the Student Union. This offers a support base for you to discuss issues regarding social work and professional development, as well as the opportunity to get involved in related activities.
Dr Paul Rigby, Course Director
Fees and funding
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
To register with the Scottish Social Services Council as a Social Work student, you’ll need to pay an application fee of £15, plus an annual fee of £15 thereafter.
In third and fourth year of your course you will undertake two full time practice placements (75 and 95 days’ duration). We partner with placement agencies across central and South East Scotland but do not usually have access to placements in the West of Scotland. Students should, therefore, be prepared to travel to placement. Many settings require students to drive and have access to a car and some have pool cars which students can use. It is advantageous, therefore, to hold a UK driving license. A smaller number of placements can be undertaken using public transport. It is not possible to guarantee practice placements close to the University so many students have to travel to other towns and cities in order to undertake their placements.
Undergraduate students can claim expenses towards the cost of travel to placement.
NHS Social Work Bursary
The NHS Social Work Bursary is available for students domiciled in England. Undergraduate students can apply for this bursary from their second year of study.
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will automatically receive our Undergraduate Welcome Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Preparing you for the world of work
Your employability is one of our highest priorities, and we want to give you an advantage when you enter the job market. Our Social Work degree includes two work experience placements. We also provide you with many opportunities to gain insight into the sector: from our qualified teaching staff, to social service users and carers, and staff from local voluntary organisations and agencies, we make sure you get the best support to start your social work career.
There are more than 1.5 million people working in the social care sector in the UK in 38,000 different settings and the adult social care sector alone contributes an estimated £43 billion to the economy (prospects.ac.uk).
Through our partnerships with local authorities and voluntary organisations, we regularly receive excellent feedback on our students – both on practice placements and as newly qualified social workers. We prepare our Social Work degree students for the demands of agencies and real social work practice.
It has been my experience, and that of my practice teaching colleagues, that social work students coming from Stirling are of exceptional calibre and bring with them a high level of knowledge and skills which they appear to easily transfer to practice. This of course has been enabled by the quality of teaching that they receive from both tutors and practitioners who’re involved in various aspects of the course prior to students undertaking a practice learning opportunity.
Vivian Fitzsimmons, Practice Teacher/Coordinator, Falkirk Council
Practice teachers (who supervise students on placements) comment favourably on the preparedness of the students and also on the quality of the work they undertake.
Shelagh Low, Workforce Development Officer for Fife Council.
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