BA (Hons) International Social Work and Community Development (with Foundation Year) · University of LancashireBachelor's degree · 4 years
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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.

BA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
95%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

On our International Social Work and Community Development course you’ll 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.

8.7
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent86

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional95

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)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80

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.

The teaching on my course
89%
Learning opportunities
90%
Assessment and feedback
89%
Academic Support
86%
Organisation and management
87%
Learning resources
86%
Student voice
78%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Open daysAttend our next Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent75% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Lancashire's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent75%
another higher-education qualification13%
an Access course5%
a previous degree3%
Other3%
No / unknown prior qualifications1%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*AAA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeL525quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code L525). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Lancashire whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,325 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Lancashire →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Lancashire funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Financial Support Package£500–£750 a year
Means-tested2026/27

Undergraduates from low-income households, subject to eligibility

How it worksAutomatic assessment after enrolment when Student Finance shares household-income data.
TimingNo separate application
Check eligibility →
Means-tested2026/27

Eligible undergraduate students with experience of care

How it worksApply through the Student Hub after enrolment.
TimingNine months after the academic year starts
Check eligibility →
Means-tested2026/27

Eligible undergraduate or taught-postgraduate unpaid carers

How it worksApply through the Student Hub after enrolment and provide evidence.
TimingNine months after the academic year starts
Check eligibility →
Sanctuary ScholarshipFee waiver + up to £5,000 a year
Means-tested2026/27

Forced migrants who are not eligible for student finance

How it worksComplete the university application form; an offer is not required to apply.
TimingCheck the current application form
Check eligibility →

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.

StudyKit · free

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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£34,000£33,000 – £36,00030
3 years after£27,500£21,000 – £30,000155
5 years after£32,000£24,000 – £36,500165

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

95%
in work or further study 15 months on
90%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
95%
find their work meaningful
95%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£34,000
£27,000 – £30,500
After 3 years LEO
£27,500
£23,800 – £33,600
After 5 years LEO
£32,000
£27,200 – £38,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,500 – £39,500

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.

95 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

80% working10% working and studying0% in further study90% in highly skilled work or study

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.

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.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Nursing & Health courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
87%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • NHS trusts
  • Private healthcare
  • Care providers
  • Community & mental-health services

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

All students23,865
International20.5%
Aged 25+43.6%

Subjects allied to medicine across the UK

Students360,360
Aged 25+51.5%

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.

Violent Crime 695Anti Social Behaviour 332Shoplifting 263Criminal Damage Arson 138Public Order 129

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.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 144 - 159 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Lancashire. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
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 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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