BA (Hons) Social Work Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University
BA (Hons) Social Work at Lancaster University leads to a nationally recognised degree from a UK degree-awarding body. Lancaster is a public university founded in 1964, with around 12,000 students.
About this course
Find out more about studying Social Work BA Hons (L500) at Lancaster University From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Social Work is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Lancaster University, based in Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Social work graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 85% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £34,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 3 modules
- Social Work Practice 1Core
Module details
Gain the foundational knowledge, skills and values required to set you off on your social work journey in this year-long module. Developing your understanding of the social worker role, this module will help you prepare for direct practice in your first placement, which takes place at the start of year two. As a central focus, you will learn the essential listening, communication and relationship skills for a role in social work, whilst developing the self-care and resilience skills that are essential for your employability. The module also has a strong emphasis on skills to support your own wellbeing. Additionally, this module will help you lay the foundations for attachment and trauma info
- Contemporary Social Issues 1: Power, Inequality and Everyday LifeCore
Module details
How can the world we live in be understood and why does it often feel unequal? This module introduces ways of looking beneath the surface of everyday life to understand how power, inequality and social norms shape what comes to be seen as normal, fair or just. You will explore how ideas about success, poverty, gender, race and belonging are formed, challenged and changed over time. Rather than focusing on abstract theory, you will connect key ideas directly to contemporary life, from media narratives and political debates to everyday experiences. You will be encouraged to question taken for granted assumptions, recognise less visible forms of power, and understand how social problems come to
- Contemporary Social Issues 2: Social Issues in a Changing WorldCore
Module details
What are the biggest challenges shaping people’s lives today and why do they feel so difficult to change? This module focuses on the world as it is now: complex, fast moving, and often uncertain. You will explore issues that many of us are already encountering in our own lives, including the cost of living, housing insecurity, racism, gender inequality, mental health, digital harms and environmental crisis. Rather than treating these as separate topics, the module highlights how they connect, overlap and play out in everyday life. You will consider why some problems dominate public attention while others remain less visible, how media and political narratives shape understanding, and why res
Year 2 3 modules
- Placement 1Core
Module details
Building on skills from your first year and 70-day placement, this module is designed to continue the development of your social work knowledge, skills and values, essential for your future career in social work. You will be introduced to more social work theories and supported to think about how they may be used in practice. An example of this is how we use assessment to guide our work with people and to keep them safe. This will build your thinking skills, as well as develop your critical thinking and reflective skills. With a firm focus on anti-oppressive approaches to practice, you will learn how these can be implemented when working with other professionals and the people who use social
- Social Work Practice 2Core
Module details
Building on skills from your first year and 70-day placement, this module is designed to continue the development of your social work knowledge, skills and values, essential for your future career in social work. You will be introduced to more social work theories and supported to think about how they may be used in practice. An example of this is how we use assessment to guide our work with people and to keep them safe. This will build your thinking skills, as well as develop your critical thinking and reflective skills. With a firm focus on anti-oppressive approaches to practice, you will learn how these can be implemented when working with other professionals and the people who use social
- Social Work with Children, Young People and FamiliesCore
Module details
Join us as we learn how to keep children and young people safe and support their wellbeing in families and communities. This module considers the social, economic, cultural and other factors that bring children and young people into contact with formal services, including the criminal justice system. You will develop a critical understanding of the foundational concepts that underpin social work practice including development, caregiving, need, harm, attachment and permanence. A range of interventions designed to support or improve caregiving are explored, such as Contextual Safeguarding and trauma informed approaches to social work. The content of the module will help you to develop a thoro
Year 3 3 modules
- Mental Distress, Disability and Decision Making in Adult Social WorkCore
Module details
Discover the unique contribution social work can make to the lives of people experiencing mental distress and disability, as this module secures your ability to apply relevant law and policy to social work with adults with varied needs. You will be equipped to bring a Human Rights focus to your work with adults and their families, as well as evaluate existing legislation and policy. Using social models of disability and mental distress, you will gain a firm understanding of stigma and inequalities. This will involve evaluating different understandings of contested concepts such as care, independence, vulnerability, risk and decision-making capacity. You will also explore the theories and eth
- Placement 2Core
Module details
Your final placement is 100 days and will enable you to put into practice all the skills and knowledge you have developed across the programme. Your placement may be in a variety of settings such as community centres, hospitals, care homes, schools or colleges as well as visiting people in their own homes. You will have opportunities to manage a case load and work with professionals from other disciplines and agencies. You will also undertake formal needs and risk assessments within legal frameworks and organisational policies. Your Practice Educator and Practice Tutor will be available to support you, sharing their knowledge and expertise to facilitate your learning. As with your first plac
- Social Work Practice 3Core
Module details
In this final taught module of the Social Work Practice modules, you will build on your learning throughout the programme so far. Designed to prepare you for your final placement, we will support you to further advance your social work skills, knowledge and values. You will be encouraged to think and reflect on what you need for your own successful transition into becoming a qualified and registered social worker. You will also be supported in moving towards a more advanced understanding of social work that appreciates its complexity and uncertainty, whilst developing the skills to recognise and respond to the challenges of social work practice. Covering topics including working with risk, w
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the theory and practice of social work across three years. A course like this typically begins with foundations, core skills in communication, assessment and person-centred practice, alongside modules in law, sociology and psychology relevant to social work. Year 2 usually moves into specialist areas and more complex casework, covering topics such as mental health, children's services, adult safeguarding and community support. Throughout, you'll undertake supervised placements in real settings, gaining hands-on experience alongside academic study. Year 3 typically focuses on advanced practice, research and your consolidation as a reflective practitioner, drawing together theory and experience to prepare you for professional registration and employment.
Who it's for
This course suits graduates seeking to enter professional social work practice. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among recent entrants was 128–143 points. You'll study full-time in English. The course is part of the Nursing & Health field, which encompasses specialisations such as Adult Nursing, Mental Health, Child Health, Midwifery, Public Health, Physiotherapy and Paramedic Science.
Careers & job market
Across Nursing & Health courses nationally, 90% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 87% were in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows graduates in this field earned £27,000–£30,500 at 15 months post-graduation, £23,800–£33,600 after three years, and £27,200–£38,400 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes; individual circumstances vary. Retention data shows 85% of students continued past their first year.
University & format
This is a full-time, three-year Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree taught in English at Lancaster University, a public university located on Bailrigg Campus in Lancaster. The course is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and graduates are eligible for professional social work registration. Lancaster University received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code L500). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Lancaster University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £34,000 | £30,000 – £35,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £27,500 | £21,500 – £32,000 | 50 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £27,500 – £37,000 | 50 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Welfare ProfessionalsSOC 2020 246 · 75% of published destinations · ASHE median £39,047
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Nursing Home ManagerJarrodean Healthcare RecruitmentSenior Charge Nurse Uist Community Nursing teamNHS National Services ScotlandCare Assistant - Nursing Home | Flexible Hours, Weekly PayMpa RecruitmentCare Assistant (Nursing) - Nightshift - RatheaneMacklin Care Homes LimitedSenior Support Worker: Meaningful Care & Flexible ShiftsPotens GroupDental NurseBupa Dental CareIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £34,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.3 out of 10: NSS 90% · in work or study 95% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Lancaster
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster
28 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Lancaster University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Lancaster University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Lancaster University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Lancaster University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Lancaster University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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