What is Social Work?
A degree in social work prepares you for a professional career dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their well-being. Social workers address a wide range of social issues, including poverty, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, healthcare, and more.
Social Work Specialisations
Within the realm of social work, there are numerous avenues to explore:
- Clinical Social Work: Providing therapy and counselling services.
- Child and Family Social Work: Protecting vulnerable children and supporting families.
- Medical Social Work: Assisting patients in healthcare settings.
- School Social Work: Supporting students with their academic and social challenges.
- Geriatric Social Work: Catering to the needs of the elderly.
Social work is available to study in all education levels (Bachelor's, Master's and PhD). For those choosing between a Bachelor's or a Master's in Social Work, it's worth noting that clinical roles often require a Master's level qualification.
What will you learn during a Social Work programme?
Embarking on a Social Work degree will expose you to:
- Theoretical frameworks of social behaviour and dynamics.
- Techniques for effective intervention and support.
- Understanding of policy, law, and ethics in social work practice.
Essential courses to anticipate:
- Human Behaviour and Social Environment: Studying the interplay of individual and societal factors.
- Social Work Research: Grasping methodologies to study social issues.
- Social Welfare Policy: Understanding the policies impacting service delivery.
- Clinical Practice: Real-world training in counselling and therapy.
- Case Management: Overseeing client care from start to finish.
Social work programs typically include fieldwork or internships, where students gain practical experience by working in real-world social work settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. This hands-on experience is essential for building practical skills and applying theoretical knowledge.
Skills required for a degree in Social Work
To thrive in this field, one needs empathy, patience, and strong communication skills. A genuine desire to help, coupled with an understanding of social and cultural issues, is crucial. Meeting the Social Work degree requirements often means possessing an ability to navigate complex systems and an unwavering commitment to advocacy.
What can you do with a Social Work degree?
The horizon is broad post-qualification:
- Clinical Social Worker: Offering therapeutic services to individuals or groups.
- Child Welfare Case Worker: Ensuring child safety and family support.
- Healthcare Social Worker: Assisting patients in navigating their health journey.
- Mental Health Counsellor: Addressing emotional and mental disorders.
- School Counsellor: Guiding students through academic and personal hurdles.
Social workers work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, community organisations, and government agencies. They engage in direct client care, advocacy, policy development, research, and administration.
Read moreView all PhDs in Social Work. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Social Work.