BSc (Hons) Social Work Bachelor's degree at the University of Salford
BSc (Hons) Social Work at University of Salford. The university holds Silver status for teaching quality under the Office for Students' TEF 2023 assessment.
About this course
Our BSc (Hons) in Social Work provides cutting-edge approaches to teaching and learning. By engaging you in a critical and meaningful approach to practice, the course will provide you with the knowledge, values and skills needed to begin to recognise and address some of the most difficult social problems facing individ From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Social Work is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Salford. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Social work graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (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: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 92% (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 one 6 modules
- Introduction to Social Work
Module details
This module will give you an introduction into the role of the social worker and the context you will practice in. You will be introduced to social work from the service user perspective and gain knowledge of social work values, ethics and conduct including the impact of personal values and ethics on practice
- Contemporary Issues in Social Work
Module details
This module will provide an understanding of key social problems that impact on society today and help you consider how these problems reflect and contribute to wider inequalities in society. You will identify and understand the role of social work and social policy initiatives in working with these challenges.
- Law and Policy for Social Work
Module details
This module will give you knowledge and understanding of the law and policy that is relevant to social work practice. The module will ensure you understand the roles and responsibilities of the social worker in relation to the legal context.
- Skills for Social Work
Module details
This is the first of three skills modules across the programme. This module will provide an opportunity to learn core social work skills for working directly with service users and to have an opportunity to practice those skills in a safe environment. The module will help develop your skills in preparation for your practice placements.
- Human Growth and Development
Module details
An understanding of human growth and development is essential for social work practice. Social workers work with people at all life stages and this module will provide students with a knowledge base about human development from conception to death.
- Theories and Interventions 1
Module details
This module will provide students with an introduction to some of the major theories used in social work practice. You will learn and understand key concepts underpinning theories and interventions and how to apply theory to interventions used in social work practice.
Year two 5 modules
- First Placement
Module details
In your second year you will undertake your first placement of 70 days, this placement will provide you with the opportunities to demonstrate through practice, with supervision and support, the knowledge, skills and values set out in Professional Capabilities Framework (end of first placement level capabilities) and the Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Research Methods in Social Work
Module details
To ensure students have the relevant knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to evaluate research appropriately and apply findings to practice. To develop an understanding of the debates surrounding evidence-based practice in social work
- Skills Two
Module details
This is the second of three skills modules across the programme. These are scaffolded each year and build on the skills developed during your first module and placement. The workshop-based sessions include key statutory work you will undertake in practice.
- Social Work with Adults
Module details
This module will help you to understand and critically examine the role of the social worker in Adult social work. You will develop knowledge and understanding of social work theory, models and interventions applicable to Adult social work.
- Social Work with Children and Families
Module details
This module will critically examine the role of the social worker in children and family social work. It will help you to develop knowledge and understanding of social work theory, models and interventions applicable to children and family social work.
Year three 3 modules
- Developing Skills and Competencies in Social Work Practice
Module details
This module helps you to prepare for social work practice by developing skills in applying theory to practice and by introducing the importance of evidence-informed practice and critical reflection. It requires you to reflect on your experiences of training and supervision whilst on placement.
- Final Placement
Module details
In your final year you will undertake a 100 day placement in an audited social work setting, which will provide you with the opportunities to demonstrate through practice the knowledge, skills and values set out in The Professional Capabilities Framework (Qualifying Social Worker Level Capabilities) and the Social Work England Professional Standards.
- Skills Three
Module details
This is the final of the three skills-based modules across the BSc programme. These will again include workshop-based sessions. You will reflect on ways social workers can continue to practice ethically, creatively, and effectively in contemporary settings and analyse current and developing issues in the field
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
This BSc (Hons) in Social Work equips you with a critical, practice-based approach to recognising and addressing complex social problems. You'll usually begin with foundations in communication, person-centred practice and core clinical skills, alongside body systems and how illness affects them. Placements run throughout the degree, typically around half your time, starting from Year 1 in supervised practice settings. Year 2 builds on assessment and management of acute and long-term conditions, medicines and pharmacology, with placements in community, mental health or specialist settings. In Year 3, you'll move to complex care, leadership and evidence-based practice, consolidating your competence for professional registration. Specialisations are available in areas such as mental health, community and primary care, and leadership.
Who it's for
This course suits graduates seeking to enter social work practice and contribute to supporting vulnerable individuals and families. It is designed for those with a genuine commitment to the profession and the capacity to engage with complex human situations. The programme prepares you for direct practice roles within local authorities, voluntary organisations, and other social care settings.
Careers & job market
Across Nursing & Health courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of working graduates in this field, 87% are in highly skilled work or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows graduates in Nursing & Health earn £27,000–£30,500 at the 15-month point, rising to £23,800–£33,600 after three years and £27,200–£38,400 after five years. These figures reflect national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention across the university stands at 85%.
University & format
The University of Salford is a public university in Salford, Greater Manchester. This is a 3-year, full-time degree taught in English. The course is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body and meets NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) standards for professional registration. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023). Additional bursaries and scholarships are available through the university's funding support.
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.
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 | 75% |
| an Access course | 25% |
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. 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Salford →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 | £33,000 | £28,000 – £34,500 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £27,500 | £22,000 – £31,000 | 125 |
| 5 years after | £31,000 | £22,500 – £37,000 | 135 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; 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: 25; 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 · 80% of published destinations · ASHE median £39,047
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
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: 50; response rate: 60%. 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £33,000. 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 8.9 out of 10: NSS 88.7% · in work or study 85% · continued 92%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Salford
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 Salford University
10 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 University of Salford from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,600 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 University of Salford’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 University of Salford and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
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