2025/26 entry
BA (Hons) Social Work
Why study Social Work at Liverpool John Moores University?
Every day, social workers support people to improve their life chances. Good at building positive relationships with people and supporting them to solve their problems? This degree apprenticeship could be for you!
- Qualify to become a social worker with our established degree apprenticeship
- Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills and values to practise as a professional social worker
- Earn as your learn
- Progress your career in a job that gives something back to society
- Become an in demand graduate with clear career progression and excellent earning opportunities
- 100% of students surveyed said teaching stuff on this course were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
- 100% of students surveyed said the academic support on this course was good or very good (National Student Survey 2024)
About your course
This integrated Degree Apprenticeship in Social Work will equip students with the knowledge, skills and values to practise as a social worker in the full range of social work settings.
The course recognises that social issues become problems when social processes and institutions fail to meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities. Personal experience cannot be separated from the social, political and economic context in which social work is practised.
In our teaching, we provide opportunities for students to develop an enquiring, analytical and creative approach to working with a range of people. The programme will build graduate knowledge and skills to study systematically and independently at degree level. The programme will support students to develop their theoretical understanding and ability to critically evaluate research evidence, which forms the foundation of effective Social Work practice.
On completing the course you will be a caring, sensitive, confident, autonomous, competent, critically reflective, reflexive and research-minded Social Work practitioner, committed to engaging in ethical and politically aware practice to change systems which preserve inequality, oppression and social exclusion.
To study for this degree apprenticeship students will need to exhibit the following skills and behaviours:
- communicate openly, honestly and accurately
- listen to people and apply professional curiosity to evaluate and assess what information they need to gather
- provide quality advice, support or care
- treat people with compassion, dignity and respect and work together to empower positive change
- adapt approaches according to the situation and context
- commit to continuous learning within social work, with curiosity and critical reflection
- adhere to the Professional Standards (Social Work England, 2020).
"I always felt like something was missing in my practice and I didn't really know what it was until I came here. Once I was here, I realised that it's learning about the theory and about the law and combining the two. It just made sense. I'm a better practitioner now that I'm coming to university and I've got a much better understanding of the subject."
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Degree Apprenticeships are funded courses, with learning costs being paid to the university by the employer, through the Degree Apprenticeship levy, if a large company, or with the help of the government’s co-investment model, if a smaller company.
If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.
You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.
Information for potential employers
If an employer has a wage bill of over £3 million, it would automatically pay the Government levy and would use this to fund learning via the company Apprenticeship Service Account.
Non- Levy companies can access funding via the Government co-investment model, whereby the Government will fund 95% of the learning costs and the company will fund the remaining 5%.
To access the Government funds, non-levy paying employers are required to set up an account on the Apprenticeship Service and reserve funding for apprentices, no earlier than three months before the course start date. Information regarding setting up an account can be found here. LJMU will still invoice non-levy paying companies for their contribution, but without this account LJMU will be unable to draw down the Government co-investment funding for the apprentices.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Communication
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to consider and develop effective communication skills for practice with both adults and children.
Professional values and ethics
20 credits
By the end of the module students will be able to evaluate how personal and professional values can influence social work practice.
Social Work Theory and Methods
20 credits
The aim of this module is to enable students to engage in theoretically informed practice, which is ethical and needs led.
Life course development
20 credits
To equip student social workers with a critical awareness of knowledge and theories related to the human life course, that they will be able to use in practice.
Service User Participation and Co-production
20 credits
By the end of the module students will be able to identify and discuss key features of service user participation and strategies to empower and engage service users, their families and communities.
Social work law, rights and responsibilities
20 credits
The aim of the module is to explore the responsibilities of the professional social worker, to provide a comprehensive examination of the legislative framework in which social work operates and the impact of social work intervention on the rights of service users, their families and carers.
Level 5
Core modules
Working with Adults with Care and Support Needs
20 credits
The aim of this module is to explore the different dimensions of working with adults with care and support needs.
Working with Children and Young People
20 credits
The aim of this module is to enable students to locate themselves in the contested context of children and family social work and to critically apply their social work skills and knowledge to their own practice.
Social Work behaviours, knowledge and skills in practice
20 credits
To enable students to evidence the behaviours, knowledge and skills for social work practice. To enable students to meet the PCF and SWE requirements for the end of Placement 1.Students will be enabled to develop and evidence their capabilities, knowledge and skills that are required for working with children and vulnerable adults. Students must complete 70 days of new work based learning to pass this module. The student will produce a portfolio of work which will be marked as a pass or fail. This course is mapped against all the professional standards for both Social Work England and the Degree Apprenticeship. It includes both practice, work based learning and academic reflection and learning. The work based learning will be in a specific agency/service which could be either children or adults thus some of the standards may be focused on either of these groups. Students must complete 70 days of new work based learning to pass this module.
Interprofessional Working in Social Work and Health
20 credits
The aim of the module is to build your understanding, knowledge and confidence in practicing as part of a multi-agency team, working with adults or children.
Understanding and using evidence and research
20 credits
After completing the module the student should be able to understand a range of research methods and source evidence to develop a research protocol and inform practice.
Social justice and inequality
20 credits
This module enables students to critically appraise the impact of poverty, inequality and social justice on social work practice.
Level 6
Core modules
Personal and Professional Development
20 credits
This module aims to enable students to consolidate their social work knowledge, skills and values, identify developmental needs and plan for professional progression.
Project / Dissertation
60 credits
To explore, in-depth, a topic of interest and relevance to contemporary social work policy and practice utilising an empirical or literature based or 'hybrid' approach.
Critical application of social work skills, knowledge and behaviours
20 credits
This module is mapped against all of the Professional Standards required by Social Work England.
It will also enable students to critically apply their social work skills, knowledge and behaviours to their own practice in order to demonstrate their achievements against the apprenticeship standard for social work.
Consolidation of professional social work practice
20 credits
This module will enable students to evaluate social work practice, its benefits and challenges in the complex and contested world of social work practice
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Qualification requirements
A levels
Candidates will normally have A-Levels or equivalent. 120 UCAS points
International Baccalaureate
26 Points
Alternative qualifications considered
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs. A minimum of 2 years work experience in health and social care or in a social work support role would be required. Recruitment for the programme will be facilitated jointly by employer agencies and LJMU. Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. A satisfactory occupational health check will also be required. Non-UK applicants should achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment (or an equivalent assessment).
International requirements
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Other international requirements
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will be required after enrolment for these students.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.
You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.
Just like any other job application, you’ll go through a recruitment process with the employer. Check out our interview tips to help you prepare for your Degree Apprenticeship interview. You’ll also need to meet the entry requirements to attend Liverpool John Moores University just like any other student. To do this, find your course and make sure you meet the requirements of the particular course associated with your Degree Apprenticeship.
To apply for a Degree Apprenticeship course complete the online application form.
You will need to provide evidence of your Maths and English certificates and, if these meet the minimum requirements, you will be invited to an academic interview.
You will be required to complete and return a skills scan document that is automatically sent to you upon receipt of your application.
Following completion of your skills scan and successful academic interview, you and your employer contact will be invited to attend a meeting with a member of the Programme Team to further discuss the requirements of the apprenticeship alongside your skills scan. This will enable the programme team to carry out an initial assessment of your current knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) and offer the opportunity to discuss your new learning based on your previous experience and study.
If your application is successful, you’ll enter into an employment/apprenticeship contract with your employer which will set out the obligations of all parties involved in the apprenticeship.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.