Undergraduates from low-income households, subject to eligibility
BA (Hons) International Social Work and Community Development (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at the University of Lancashire
BA (Hons) International Social Work and Community Development (with Foundation Year) at University of Lancashire. You'll study at the University of Lancashire's Burnley Campus, a university founded in 1828 and recognised as a UK degree-awarding body.
About this course
On our International Social Work and Community Development course youâll explore the global challenges that are shaping social and community professions. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) International Social Work and Community Development (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Lancashire, based in Burnley Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Social work graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% 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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 80% (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.
Foundation year 4 modules
- Study skills and Digital LiteracyCompulsory
Module details
The module aims to help you develop a range of study skills including digital tools needed to succeed both on this course and on the degree level study. You'll develop confidence in study skills, including digital applications available on the University network as you continue to acquire and develop a range of course skills.
- Asset-based Community DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to offer you opportunities to reflect upon, assimilate and apply key asset and arts-based community development concepts and skills, in partnership with residents and practitioners to community-led projects and in volunteer placements with local organisations.
- Understanding Individuals, Families and CommunitiesCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide you with opportunities to learn about and experience approaches that have proven to be effective in understanding individuals, families and communities.
- Working with Individuals, Families and CommunitiesCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide you with opportunities to learn about and experience approaches that have proven to be effective in working with individuals, families and communities
Year 1 6 modules
- International Social Work and CultureCompulsory
Module details
Gain an understanding of the anthropological and sociological theories used to examine international social work. Using appropriate research methods, you will look at communities in the context of macro and micro politics and explore Paulo Freire's approach to community pedagogy. Both practical and theoretical tools will be used to help you develop an informed vision of community wellbeing.
- Modern Slavery and Transnational CrimeCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide you with a thorough grasp of human trafficking and modern slavery. You will be introduced to key concepts and issues of transnational crime and corruption. Through engaging in critical thinking and problem-solving you will develop skills needed to tackle these complex issues.
- Social InjusticeCompulsory
Module details
On this module you'll gain an understanding of the issues related to social injustice. You will analyse the influences of media, politics and technology, and explore the effects of injustice on individuals and communities. Through investigating innovative strategies, you will develop the skills to manage or resolve social injustice.
- Doing Community ResearchCompulsory
Module details
Learn the key community research skills needed to conduct effective and ethical research on this module. To enhance your critical thinking, reflexivity and collaborative skills you will engage in real-world research opportunities. Developing your communication and presenting skills you will share your research findings widely.
- Global Migration, Refugees and AsylumCompulsory
Module details
You'll get a comprehensive understanding of the historical, socio-political, and economic contexts of global migration. You will explore the legal frameworks and policy issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers. You'll also critically engage in migration debates and the impact it has on host societies and migrants themselves.
- Community Development and PracticeCompulsory
Module details
Learn the definition of community development and the key principles. By introducing you to the conceptual frameworks, you will explore transformative and transactional practices. You will also develop a foundation for wider learning, gaining skills of research and evaluation in community development and emancipatory action.
Year 2 6 modules
- Mentoring Methods in the CommunityCompulsory
Module details
On this module you'll learn the key components to the mentoring process, mainly identifying the skills needed for impactful mentoring. By exploring mentoring projects in the community, you will develop an awareness of effective action planning and goal setting.
- Participatory Action ResearchCompulsory
Module details
Discover the key principles and practices of participatory action research (PAR). You will develop practical skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating PAR projects. The module fosters critical reflection on the ethical dimensions of community-based research. It also encourages collaborative learning and the co-creation of knowledge with community partners.
- International Social Work and Sustainable DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
Gain an understanding of the sustainable development principles, with a focus on social and community aspects. You'll explore community development as a core component of social work by focusing on social welfare and sustainability. You will explore community participation and capacity building using sustainable initiatives. This will develop your skills for planning and implementing community projects.
- Community Project DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide you with the skills to effectively develop a community project. You will gain an understanding of the various stages of project development and how to meet targets. This will ultimately prepare you to carry out a social return on investment (SROI).
- Sport for International DevelopmentOptional
Module details
You'll have the opportunity to investigate a range of political, social and economic factors that underpin international aid and development through sport in a global context. You will look at how both national and international development agencies impact and limit sport for development.
- International Humanitarian Aid and Community ResilienceOptional
Module details
On this module you'll gain an understanding of the contributing and detracting factors to community resilience. You will explore various approaches to enhancing resilience and applying critical thinking to real-world contexts.
Year 3 6 modules
- Empowering and Engaging Marginalised GroupsCompulsory
Module details
This module will provide you with an understanding of the different marginalised groups and the methods of empowerment used to achieve social inclusion and wellbeing. Combining theory with practice you will apply the different methods and techniques to real world settings.
- Communities Skilled for ChangeCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you will develop an understanding of the relationship between lifelong learning and community development. You will explore new ways of empowering communities through skills development and capacity building. You'll also be given a chance to explore innovation in practice.
- Leading a Community Research ProjectCompulsory
Module details
Develop the skills and experience to become an effective community leader in a variety of contexts. You will learn how to plan, develop, and lead your own community research project. You'll also gain the practical skills and knowledge needed for research design, methodology and analysis.
- International Impact through PracticeOptional
Module details
This module aims to give you the knowledge to explore core concepts of community development within an international context. You'll connect global and local issues both theoretically and practically. You will evaluate anthropological perspectives of community development and social capital. You'll also examine global citizenship and the roles of community and non-governmental organisations in an international context.
- Human Rights, Communities and Social ChangeOptional
Module details
On this module you'll get a comprehensive understanding of human rights in community development. You will examine the role of communities and social movements in advocating for human rights and social change. You'll also apply critical thinking skills through case studies and engaging in contemporary debates on human rights, community development and social change.
- Leadership and Management of CommunitiesOptional
Module details
Gain the practical skills you need for effective community development. You will explore the ethical implications in community development. You'll also examine leadership and management strategies for people from disadvantaged, minority or marginalised groups.
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 course centres on exploring global challenges shaping social and community professions. Over four years, you'll typically move from foundational learning through to specialised and reflective practice. In your early years, you'll usually cover core principles of social work and community development, alongside anatomy, physiology and person-centred care approaches. Supervised placements run throughout, forming a substantial part of your learning. As you progress, you'll explore acute and long-term care, medicines management, and evidence-based practice. In your final year, you'll focus on complex care, leadership and quality improvement before transition to professional registration. Specialisations available include adult nursing, mental health, children's nursing, community and primary care, and leadership pathways, each deepening your expertise in particular client groups or settings.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in social work and community development at an international level. You'll benefit from the Foundation Year if you're building confidence in academic skills or coming from a non-traditional background. The programme welcomes full-time learners committed to developing knowledge in areas such as social work, mental health, and public health practice.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90% of Nursing & Health graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 87% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Graduate earnings across the field vary: starting salaries typically range from £27,000 to £30,500 at 15 months; after 5 years, earnings range from £27,200 to £38,400. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. Check the university's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
You'll study full-time at the University of Lancashire, a university founded in 1828, based on its Burnley Campus. The course runs for four years, leading to a BA (Hons) degree in International Social Work and Community Development (with Foundation Year). Teaching is delivered in English. The degree is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body and meets NMC registration standards. The University holds a Silver award for teaching quality from 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.
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% |
| another higher-education qualification | 13% |
| an Access course | 5% |
| a previous degree | 3% |
| Other | 3% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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 L525). 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 Lancashire →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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Eligible undergraduate students with experience of care
Eligible undergraduate or taught-postgraduate unpaid carers
Forced migrants who are not eligible for student finance
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
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £33,000 – £36,000 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £27,500 | £21,000 – £30,000 | 155 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £24,000 – £36,500 | 165 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 · 85% of published destinations · ASHE median £39,047
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: 85; response rate: 50%. 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.
Is 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 8.7 out of 10: NSS 86.4% · in work or study 95% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Lancashire
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 Burnley Campus
1,999 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 Lancashire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,325 / 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 Lancashire’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 Lancashire and gov.uk before you apply.
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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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