Undergraduate course
Planned new course
BA (Hons)
Social Work with Integrated Foundation Year
Begin your social work journey with a foundation year that builds confidence, skills, and insight into social issues. Gain real-world experience, expert support, and a clear path to a professionally recognised, employment-ready qualification.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
Professional recognition
On successful completion of the full programme, you will graduate with a degree accredited by Social Work England, giving you eligibility to apply for professional registration.
Immersive real-world experience
During the foundation year, you’ll build core practice skills through applied learning and placement preparation. As you progress, you’ll complete 200 days of hands-on experience across adult and children’s social work settings, learning from service users, carers, and professionals.
Supportive and innovative learning
The foundation year offers a supportive transition into university, with integrated teaching, small group support, and expert staff bringing real-world and global perspectives. You’ll study in our wide range of facilities and develop as a reflective, ethical, and globally aware practitioner.
About
Start your journey into social work and make a real difference in people’s lives. The foundation year is designed to build your confidence, develop your academic skills, and deepen your understanding of key social issues. You’ll draw on sociology, psychology, criminology, and social work theory to explore effective interventions and approaches to practice
There is no denying this, social work can be challenging, but there is nothing quite like it. It is about believing in people and helping them find their own unique strengths, even when they might have lost hope. By joining us, you will learn how to look past struggles and labels and see the real person underneath. We are here to give you the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to become an excellent social worker. When you graduate, you’ll have the wonderful privilege of helping people find their footing, rebuild their lives, challenge inequalities, and create a kinder world.
Dr Bartosz Zaniewski
Lecturer in Social Work
What is a foundation year?
A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Further information on
University of Plymouth courses with Foundation years .
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
- To build your confidence to study at university level.
- To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
This course is for you if...
you want to build your confidence and academic skills before starting a social work degree
you’re compassionate and motivated to support people through life’s challenges
you want a clear pathway into a professional social work qualification
you value learning from experienced professionals and real-world practice
Details
Foundation year
In the foundation year, you’ll build key knowledge and skills across social science, psychology, and professional practice. You’ll explore how society is structured and governed through a human rights and social justice lens, while also gaining insight into psychological theories and how they apply to everyday life, behaviour, and real-world issues.
You’ll examine the links between psychology, health, and social care, including the impact of inequality and how theory informs practice. Alongside this, you’ll develop essential academic and professional skills, learning how to study independently, reflect on your development, and prepare for a career in health and social care.
Core modules
LHSS3006
Human Rights and Social Justice
Through the lens of human rights and social justice this module introduces students to a foundational sociological understanding of the structure and organisation of society, the main institutions of domestic and international government, and the theories and concepts used by political science to study them.
PSYC002
The Psychology of Everyday Experience
30 credits
Students are introduced to psychological research into various aspects of everyday experience. They gain an appreciation of how life experiences are related to psychological knowledge, and learn how to apply psychological theory to world events. Lectures are supported by workshops and tutorials (or online equivalents) using a blended learning approach.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
PSYC005
Connecting Psychology
30 credits
Connecting Psychology provides an interdisciplinary exploration of how psychological principles intersect with societal structures and healthcare practices. Students examine the impacts of power and inequality, explore the psychology of behaviour, and learn about translating theory into practical interventions in healthcare and social care settings. Lectures are supported by workshops.
60% Tests
40% Examinations
SW001
Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions
This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.
Year 1
In your first year, your work will cover the foundations of social work. You’ll start developing your professional identity in the complex environment of social work, learning about everything from the values that underpin theory and practice to the importance of self and identity, and the perspectives of users and carers to the connections between local and global issues. You’ll learn through doing, spending a minimum of 30 days in preparation for practice.
Year 2
In your second year you’ll further your professional development, learning how to apply ethical and theoretical perspectives to human development, understanding social sciences in a social work setting and getting to grips with applying legal and social policy in the context of welfare. You’ll explore issues of diversity and difference, reflect on real-life issues that impact users and carers, and develop your skills in collaborative working. You’ll spend a minimum of 70 days on placement.
Final year
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your learning, working towards becoming a safe, competent, ethical practitioner who demonstrates sound professional judgement. Learn how to analyse complex issues, and apply your knowledge and skills to resolve them. Gain a critical perspective on complex, uncertain and changing contexts in social work, further your skills working in multi-agency settings and develop your understanding of the international arena. You’ll spend a minimum of 100 days in complex social work settings.
Professional accreditation
On successful completion of the 3-year BSc course, you are eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England.
The foundation year of the programme (Stage 0) does not fall within the scope of the above professional and regulatory bodies because their approval applies only to the award bearing stages of the programme leading to professional recognition (Stages 1 – 3 of the BA (Hons) Social Work).
Learning support
Our social work team is committed to providing you with the best possible learning experience during your time on the course. As well as the standard teaching, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in activities working with wider issues locally and globally – giving you a better understanding of the issues relevant to social workers around the world. Possibilities exist (subject to agreement) for undertaking placements in different countries such as Africa or accessing the Erasmus scheme for a European placement in the year following graduation.
Personal holidays
In order to successfully complete your course and be eligible to apply for a professional registration you must complete a specified number of practice placement hours along with your theoretical study. Therefore you’ll only be able to take personal holidays during the specified leave periods for your course. This includes induction week where it is vital you attend all sessions.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Experiential learning
Over the course of your degree, you’ll complete more than 170 days of placements, gaining invaluable experience across a wide range of real-life settings. These may include community-based projects, fostering teams, mental health services, drug and alcohol support teams, older adult care, hospital discharge units, children and family services, young adult teams, and work with asylum seekers.
You’ll engage directly with service users and carers at every stage of your learning, developing practical knowledge and confidence to apply effective strategies in the workplace. Placements take place across all three years, ensuring you graduate with well-rounded hands-on experience. Throughout your training, you’ll also refine your professional skills in an inspiring, purpose-built environment at InterCity Place, as well as observe how the criminal justice system works in our simulated law court, the Foulston Room.
Preparing future professionals
This is a really unique opportunity to do some inter-professional learning, to have some discussions between our social work and law students, to myth-bust and simply give our students a chance to ‘have a go’!
Watch our video of social work and law students teaming up in a simulated courtroom, gaining hands‑on experience that prepares them for real‑world practice.
Miss Katy Else
Lecturer in Social Work
Hear from our graduates
The second year of university provided an eye-opening journey, I would have never expected to gain such a vast range of knowledge and experiences from a degree. My practice placement was at British Red Cross Refugee Services and my degree equipped me with the knowledge to engage with the service users and provide the support they required.
Greta
BA (Hons) Social Work graduate
BA (Hons) Social Work graduate
Social work is a really versatile career and you can go into so many different sectors just from one generic degree. It's a really creative role so every day is different. When you're working with people in a really vulnerable time of their lives, you feel really privileged that they've let you in and they've trusted you and that is a really rewarding part of the role.
Enya
BA (Hons) Social Work graduate
BA (Hons) Social Work graduate
Learn from experienced social work educators
Our social work team brings a wealth of expertise drawn from frontline practice, research and international engagement. Their work spans areas such as child protection, adult safeguarding, mental health, disability and youth justice. You’ll benefit from their deep understanding of the profession and develop a strong foundation across the diverse and evolving landscape of social work. Whatever your career aspirations, our academic staff will support your development through integrated learning, real-world placements and collaborative study – preparing you to make a meaningful impact from day one.
Dr Bartosz Zaniewski
Lecturer in Social Work
Academic Lead
Miss Katy Else
Lecturer in Social Work
BA Programme Lead
Mr Lawrence Badman-Richards
Lecturer in Social Work
Lecturer and Admissions Tutor
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
Plymouth city centre is only a few minutes' walk away from the University and it has all the shops that you are likely to need. If you are into water sports or generally love being around the ocean, then Plymouth is the place for you, as you look forward to enjoying a summer's day at the seafront and swim at many of the beautiful beaches nearby.
Brigitte
Social Work student
Social Work student
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Be inspired by our graduates
Social workers support individuals and families through challenging life changes, safeguarding rights and improving outcomes using social care legislation. Whether working with children, adults, or vulnerable groups, they provide advocacy, create safe environments, and ensure voices are heard.
They address diverse societal issues – from homelessness and addiction to mental health and safeguarding – and work with a wide range of clients including older people, refugees, those with disabilities, and young people in the justice system.
Career opportunities span statutory and non-statutory roles in settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries, children’s homes, charities and research. Social workers are united by a shared commitment: to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to live safe, independent, and fulfilled lives.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys from the latest available data covering the three years of 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
Full-time study
£5,760 per year
£5,760 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
£480 per 10 credits
£480 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying .
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, which must include English (consideration may be given to equivalent literacy qualifications).
A levels
Typical offer of 32 points from a minimum of 2 A Levels including grade E in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and Mathematics must be included.
Access courses
Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma (E.g.; Science/Combined Studies/Natural Sciences/Nursing).
T level
Accepted, a minimum of a Pass (D or E in the Core) = 72 points – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC
PPP in a Science related subject.
Other qualifications
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of English literacy qualification and/or must demonstrate that they have a good command of English.
Degree holders are not eligible to apply to this programme.
Non-academic requirements: Access and participation
In addition to the requirements above, applicants must meet at least three of the following criteria:
- Live in a local South West region (Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, or Wiltshire
- Live in a low participation area as determined by POLAR4 postcode analysis
- Live in an area categorised as being in indices of mass deprivation (IMD) classes 1-4 or local equivalent
- Attend a low performing school/college based on 16-18 performance
- In receipt of UCAT bursary, EMA, or 16-19 bursary
- Be in receipt or eligible for Free School Meals
- Participant in the Peninsula Pathways Programme
- Estranged from parent
- Refugee/Asylum seeker
- Carer/Care leaver
- Or be an international student
Explanation of above terms
South west resident
Living in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset as determined by your postcode.
POLAR4
Indices of Mass Deprivation
Living in an area categorised as being in Indices of Mass Deprivation (IMD) 1–4 or 20% most deprived as determined by your English postcode, Northern Ireland postcode, Scottish postcode, and Welsh postcode.
School performance
Attending or attended a low performing school/college whilst completing your level 3 qualifications e.g. 16–18 performance in the ‘below’ or ‘well below average’ classifications.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in England, please visit the Compare School and College Performance gov.uk website.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in Wales, please visit My Local School website.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in Northern Ireland, please visit the Schools Plus, Department of Education website.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in Scotland, please visit the School information dashboard, Education Scotland website.
UCAT, EMA or 16-19 bursary
In receipt of one or more of these bursaries. UCAT bursary entitlement can be evidenced by providing a copy of your award email or a copy of your invoice showing a deduction of the test fee. EMA or 16-19 bursary entitlement to be evidenced by an official award letter or a school letter. Documents should be submitted at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Free school meals
Being in receipt of free school meals whilst completing your level 3 qualifications, at the school/college you undertook these qualifications – evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Significant engagement in the Peninsula Pathways programme
Significant engagement includes completion of the five-day summer Work Experience Programme, being a member of the e-Mentoring scheme and having attended a minimum of three of the various Peninsula Pathways workshops by the end of Year 12.
Refugee status
Evidenced by either an official letter from the Home Office or preferably a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), submitted by the applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Where English is not your first language and you do not have a GCSE or IGCSE Grade 4 in English language you, must have an alternative English language qualification. Examples of acceptable language qualifications are the Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge - Grade C) or the International English Language Testing System IELTS (at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in every element).
In care/care leaver
Being in care or care-experienced – Evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
What's a care experienced student?
A care experienced student is someone who has spent any amount of time in local authority care, such as foster care or residential children's homes, but may not meet the definition of a care leaver.
Extended entry requirements
- Applicants for this course will normally not meet the full Level 3 and/or GCSE entry requirements for the 3- years
BA (Hons) Social Work programme. However, applicants who meet some elements of the entry criteria for the three-year programme—for example, those who meet the GCSE requirements but not the Level 3 requirement—may be considered for admission to the Foundation Year route. - In addition to the qualifications and experience requirements listed above, applicants for this course MUST meet at least three of the contextual markers outlined in the 'Non-academic requirements: Access and participation' section above.
- You must pass
disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course. - If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade 4/C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
- IELTS – 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all elements.
- Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
English language requirements - We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our
tariff glossary . - Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Further information
Further information
Direct entry to year 2
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access Moodle site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.
Deferred entry
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
L503
L503
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
L503
L503
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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