Social work is a profession that engages with people and groups in society facing challenges, trying to help and enable them to seek solutions to the difficulties they face. It involves working with complex social problems and understanding needs, rights and risks. Taking a strengths-based perspective, it aims to support, empower, and promote the rights of marginalised and/or vulnerable individuals and groups.
Welcome to the Social Work Pathway!
Welcome to the Social Work Pathway!
"We are very excited to welcome you to our social work pathway, which will offer you the opportunity to learn about how social workers help people in need and promote social justice and personal change. During the programme, you will explore problems or challenges experienced by real people who use our services. You will learn about the social work role with children and families, adults, people who have a disability or issues with mental health, dementia, substance misuse or homelessness. You will meet qualified social workers, learn about career options and our current students will share their personal experiences of the interview, the course and studying on the programme. We have also incorporated the use of virtual reality technology into our programme which provides an innovative and interesting learning experience."
Gerry Marshall
Social Work
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What do I need to study on the Social Work Pathway?
We would advise that all students check the academic entry requirements (GCSE, A-Levels or equivalent) for each course before applying for their Pathway. Many courses specify that you must have achieved a specific grade at a specific level in order to be conisidered for a place on the undergradtuate programme. Therefore, it is important that you clarify this information as early as possible in order to avoid disappointment.
Please click here to be redirected to the Queen's University course finder, where you should find all necessary details - in particular, pre-requisite information.
- What courses can I study at Queen's after taking part in the Social Work pathway?
Students completing this Pathway are eligible to apply for a range of courses under their subject area. For the full list, have a look at our Pathway Courses Available document for further information.
- What does the Summer School look like?
Over the course of the week long Summer School, you will get a chance to study alongside academics, current Queen's students and your Pathway peers. You'll get to have a look at practical skills, have an insight into university life, and a chance to explore careers and employment opportunities available to those that study subjects from within your pathway.
- What careers are available for graduates in this field?
Studying for a social work degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills, knowledge and values valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Queen’s is currently ranked 6th in the UK for career prospects for Social Work according the Guardian University Guide (2024).
Queen’s graduates are well regarded by many Social Work employers (statutory and voluntary). According to data provided by the Social Care Council, 80% of Social Work graduates are registered for their Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) within 6 months of graduation.
When you graduate, there will be a variety of job choices working across the life-span (with children, adolescents, adults and older people); as part of specialist teams (mental health, addictions, family support) residential and day care settings, hospitals, schools, prisons and community development projects. - How can I get in touch?
If you have a question about one of our Pathways, or want to ask an academic a question, please email us at pop@qub.ac.uk and someone will be in touch!
Apply for this Pathway
Applications for 2025