Social work is about changing lives for the better. Our degree has been designed with professional practice in mind, helping you to develop the knowledge and practical skills you need to become a confident, competent social work practitioner.

The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research is one of the best in the country for teaching and research. You are taught by qualified social workers with diverse practical experience who are active in research and scholarship.

This programme is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

Our degree programme

Your first year introduces the key skills and knowledge you need to qualify and practise as a social worker. Modules cover a wide range of subjects including communication and interpersonal skills, the English legal system, lifespan development, sociological theory, and values, ethics and diversity.

In your second and final years, you gain a thorough understanding of issues and trends in adult services and social care for children and families. You critically examine how to work with individuals experiencing mental distress, and the role of mental health services. You must also complete a 70-day practice learning placement and five skills development days.

Your learning covers a range of subjects from partnership working and advanced interventions to critical and reflective practice. Your final year includes an additional 100 days of practice learning and five skills development days.

Extra activities

The Social Studies Society is run by Kent students for anyone with an interest in Criminology, Sociology, Law, Social Policy, Economics and Politics. Events in the past have included:

• research seminars and webcasts
• career development workshops
• informal lectures by guest experts followed by group discussion.