International Social Work and Community Development Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Course Overview

Explore the pressing global challenges currently faced by social and community professionals on our BA (Hons) International Social Work and Community Development (with Foundation Year) degree programme.

The course covers major challenges facing our current world, including:


• Community development and practice



• Human trafficking and transnational crime



• Global migration and refugees



• Sustainable development



• Human rights and social change



• Community resilience



• Global pandemics



• Climate change



On our International Social Work and Community Development (with Foundation Year) course you’ll have the opportunity to do a voluntary work placement. You'll also take part in other initiatives relevant to your study.

You’ll get to make a difference to the lives of people around you. This could be working in your own community, or pursuing a professional career in policy-making or public services. You could also do international development work.

This course is taught at our Burnley Campus. Because we keep our class sizes small, you’ll be part of a close-knit family of students, tutors and staff.

Please note that this degree will not qualify you to register as a social worker. If you wish to become a registered social worker, our BA (Hons) Social Work is a professional qualification recognised by Social Work England.

Why Study with us


• Explore global perspectives and how these issues connect and impact on community practice.



• Engage in a community practice setting, where you’ll learn the skills needed to empower others to bring about positive change.



• You’ll develop and manage a social research project based on a topic that is meaningful and important to you.



What you'll do


• You'll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops, with an online option available. You'll also have a practice placement to enhance your knowledge and skills.



• You’ll be encouraged to develop a range of critical and analytical skills. This will help enhance your personal and professional development.



• Throughout your degree, you'll undertake various activities for assessment. You'll also conduct a dedicated community research project based on your interests.



Future Careers

Our BA (Hons) International Social Work and Community Development is for those who wish to work in areas like social care, social policy, sociology, or politics. It prepares you for roles both in the UK and internationally.

The course prepares you to work in a range of professional settings, including:


• Voluntary sector organisations and charities



• Community-based roles



• Aid and development



• National and local policy-making



• International organisations



• NGOs (non-governmental organisations)



As well as this, the course will appeal to anyone interested in related disciplines. This includes social care, sociology, social policy, economics, health studies, history, or politics. It can also lead to postgraduate study and taking on a professional level role.