What's on this page?
This is a challenging but rewarding career where you’ll work with children and adults in need, helping with everything from mental health to emotional challenges, to financial aid.
During your studies you’ll combine elements of sociology, psychology, law, care, and other skills that will prepare you for a role where you have to react quickly but compassionately.
There are opportunities for social work graduates – jobs are expected to grow by 1.92% over the next eight years. You could go on to specialise in one area of social work, move into management or training, or decide to study for a master’s or PhD.
- Safeguard a vulnerable child from harm and abuse.
- Organise a package of support to help an adult with learning disabilities live independently.
- Design and deliver training for student social workers.
- Understanding social work
- Communication and relationship building skills
- Diversity, ethics, and values
- Law and social work
- Sociology for social work
- Work placements
- Safeguarding children and adults
- Managing risk and complexity in social work
Chat to current social work, childhood, and youth studies students
Chat to current social work, childhood, and youth studies students using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
Chat to students
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- Social work
- Mental health
- Child protection
- Learning disabilities
- Risk analysis
- Communication
- Management
- Planning
- Resilience
- Empathy
What is a… life coach?
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study social work, childhood and youth studies at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from social work, childhood and youth studies applicants.
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Find out more
Read our guide to care services apprenticeships.
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British Association of Social Workers (BASW)
Follow the BASW on YouTube to understand more about the industry and the kinds of things you’ll need to be aware of as a social worker. -
The Dumping Ground
Watch some of this light-hearted CBBC TV series set in a children’s care home. It gives an idea of some of the challenges children in care face, and some of the roles adult social and care workers play. -
Community Care
Scroll through this website for research and articles on social work practice, law, and policy. -
Channel 4 series ‘Kids’
Follow real-life children’s care services and get a real insight in this Channel 4 series. It contains some strong language and is only suitable if you're aged 16+.
- Illustrate when you’ve had to be resilient and/or make tough decisions. Maybe you’ve failed a driving test, had to resit some exams, or adjust to a change in your school or home environment.
- Talk about what inspires you about social work, and that you have the determination and dedication needed. When else have you seen something challenging through to completion?
- Show your care and compassion. Maybe you already volunteer at a care home, youth club or charity, or maybe you mentor younger students at school.
- If you don’t have work experience with vulnerable people, mention other part-time jobs or volunteering. Do you teach a drama group or help at an after-school club? Even working in a restaurant requires patience and interpersonal skills.
- Mention your hobbies or interests too. Show what makes you a well-rounded person, such as how you unwind by crafting, swimming, or football.