Social Work

Social work changes lives. Our BSc(Hons) Social Work course enables you to become a qualified social worker and develop the understanding and skills to support society's most vulnerable people to ensure their wellbeing.

Why study social work?
Our BSc(Hons) Social Work course at UWE Bristol is a practical degree. It offers the grounding you need to become a skilled social worker with the professional skills, knowledge base and placement experience that will help you stand out.

You'll get a direct route into practice with 170 days on placement through our links with a variety of partner agencies and gain exposure to a variety of social work roles in statutory, voluntary, private and independent organisations. Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees.

It's challenging but rewarding work, where you'll be taking an active role in addressing pressing social problems.

Read more about the impact you could make as a social worker on the British Association of Social Workers website.

Why UWE Bristol?
You'll be taught by experienced and enthusiastic staff, most of whom are registered social workers and all bring a wide range of practice knowledge and research interests. The HUB group (who consist of service users, carers and people with lived experience) are central to the teaching and learning on this course.

Based in a vibrant and diverse multi-cultural city, UWE Bristol provides the backdrop to your social work education. The city of Bristol provides a unique learning experience and a range of opportunities for social work students, supported by practitioners working in a variety of social care settings.

Our award-winning Careers Service offers support in developing your career.

Listen to our current students talk about their experience of studying BSc(Hons) Social Work at UWE Bristol.

Where can my social work degree at UWE Bristol take me?
After completing your degree, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England, allowing you to practise social work in England.

You'll be qualified to work with adults or children in numerous roles and sectors including statutory teams, hospital social work, and voluntary sector organisations. Our students often find work with the organisations they've trained with on placement.

Your Social Work degree will provide you with the basis for a rich career which can take you in a wide variety of directions.

University is a time to try new things, meet new people and make new goals. With Clearing at UWE Bristol, you'll get the chance to take control of your future and choose an exciting path for yourself.

UWE Bristol offers over 100 professionally accredited courses, including Architecture, Accounting and Finance, Games Technology, Mathematics and Sport Rehabilitation. Whether you're studying an arts, business, healthcare or science degree, all undergraduate courses are designed with employability in mind. You can work a year in industry, study across the world, and get one-to-one careers advice on campus. It's no wonder an outstanding 89% of students find work or further study just 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, published 2025).

You'll also be studying in a top 10 most popular city in the UK (YouGov, 2026). With famous festivals, renowned galleries, lively nightclubs and independent restaurants right on your doorstep, you're guaranteed an incredible student experience in Bristol. With famous festivals, renowned galleries, lively nightclubs and independent restaurants right on your doorstep, you're guaranteed an incredible student experience in Bristol.

Your Future, Right Here. Study at UWE Bristol. Choose to do Clearing right.