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Key information

Duration:: 3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: BBB-BBC
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: L500
Start date:: September 2025

9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
9th in the UK for Social Work (The Guardian University Guide 2025)

Are you passionate about social justice, challenging oppression and discrimination, and making a difference? Are you looking for a rewarding career where you improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society? If you want a degree that combines theory and research with practical skills and outstanding job prospects, this course is for you.

Our Social Work BA is an approved social work qualification. It allows you to practise as a social worker in the UK and internationally with a variety of groups including:

children and families
refugees
older people
people with disabilities
people experiencing mental health difficulties, homelessness, or drug and alcohol issues.

Our teaching draws on our research expertise – you will be taught by experts in the field. We’re proud of our flagship teaching partnership with local employers. Through two practice learning placements, you will have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of social work practice. At Sussex, we understand that social work is a rewarding but challenging profession. Having a low student to staff ratio allows us to get to know you, and support you to meet your potential in a caring and nurturing environment.

The majority of our graduates find jobs in the local area. Many of our alumni have gone on to have successful careers in policy, academia and leadership roles.

Accreditation

Approved by Social Work England (SWE) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with SWE as a social worker in England. Find out more

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

There is so much support and encouragement from tutors – this course has changed my life.”Denise Plumstead
Social Work BA

How to apply

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A-level

Typical offer	BBB-BBC
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Additional requirements	You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.
Extended Project Qualification	We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer	Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 21 credits at Distinction
Subjects	The Access course should be in the humanities or social sciences.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English.
Additional requirements	You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M2 M2 M2

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade B at A-level and, M2 and M2 in two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades BB at A-level and M2 in Pre-U.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Additional requirements

You will need to demonstrate evidence of suitable ability in both Mathematics and English, basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession, in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

Additional requirements

You will need to demonstrate evidence of suitable ability in English, basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession, in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education ( Early Years Educator)

Typical offer

Grade A

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Additional requirements

You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer	Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Additional requirements	You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer	Grades BB in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Additional requirements	You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer	DDM
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma should be in Health and Social Care.
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Additional requirements	You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	ABBBB
GCSEs	You will need Scottish National 5 in English at grade C
Additional requirements	You will need to demonstrate evidence of suitable ability in both Mathematics and English, basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession, in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

T Level

Typical offer	Pass T-Level with an overall grade of Distinction including grade B in the Core Component
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
GCSEs	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Additional requirements	You will need to show evidence of basic IT competence and your personal suitability to enter the social work profession in line with national guidance provided by the relevant professional body and regulator.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer

BBB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Additional requirements

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

Additional requirements

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer	Overall result of at least 75%
Additional requirements	You must have GCSE (or equivalent) English, with at least grade 4 (or grade C). We also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and 85% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 5 or better.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Austria

Typical offer

Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 2.2 or better for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Belgium

Typical offer	Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bulgaria

Typical offer	Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects).
Additional requirements	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses.

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation BBBBB from 5 grade 12 courses.

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Typical offer

If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects.

We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution.

The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year.

Subject-specific knowledge

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer

Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 4.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Typical offer

Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 18 /20.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Czech Republic

Typical offer	Maturita with a good overall average.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer

Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Finland

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least MMMM

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 12/20.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Typical offer

German Abitur with an overall result of 2.2 or better.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Typical offer

Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 18 will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Typical offer

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 4,4,4 from three subjects including two electives.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hungary

Typical offer

Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

75% - 80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
80% HSC higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Typical offer	Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer	Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
Additional requirements	You must have at least O4 in Mathematics and English

Israel

Typical offer

For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Typical offer

Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato with a Final Diploma mark of at least 78/100.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Typical offer	Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Latvia

Typical offer	Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lithuania

Typical offer	Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English).
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer

Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with 43 points overall.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3 or UEC with an overall average grade B3 (75%).

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Netherlands

Typical offer

Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 7.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Subject-specific knowledge

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer

Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of 4.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Typical offer

You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies.

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 16/20.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 8.0.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Typical offer	Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer	A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer

Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade of 2.0 from 4 subjects

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovenia

Typical offer

Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 23 points overall.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Typical offer	National Senior Certificate with very good grades.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer

Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 7.5

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer	Sri Lankan A-levels.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer	Fullstandigt Slutbetyg with good grades.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer	Federal Maturity Certificate.
Subject-specific knowledge	You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile taking into account everything you are studying, including the high school graduation diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and/or ACT grades We are particularly interested in AP tests and would ideally like to see three good AP scores.

Advanced Placement Tests with scores of between 5,4,4 to 4,4,4 in three subjects.

If you have taken the SAT reasoning tests we'd normally expect a combined score of at least 1300.

If you've taken the ACT we'd expect to see a composite score of at least 26.

Additional requirements

You must also have GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics with at least grade 4 in each (or grade C).

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

Admissions information for applicants

Disclosure and barring service check	Yes. All candidates offered a place on the course will be required to satisfactorily complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. International students will additionally be required to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Health check required	Yes
Interview	Yes. Find out more about preparing for a Social Work university interview.
Specific application procedures	Yes. Find out more about specific entry procedures for this course.
Transfers into Year 2	No

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

How to apply

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Modules

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Experience Year
Year 3 at Sussex

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring and summer teaching

Practice learning

There is currently a minimum of 200 days of learning practice:

170 days will be as part of a placement (70 days in Year 2 and 100 days in Year 3)
30 days will be practice skills workshops (across all your years of study).

In the workshops, you’ll be taught by qualified Social Work practitioners who work locally and teach on topics related to their area of specialism. You’ll:

get to apply what you’ve learned to your practice
have the opportunity to reflect on your approaches and experiences in a supportive environment.

We plan our workshops in partnership with local employers, service users and carers. This ensures that what you learn helps you progress through your studies and into your first job in adults’ and children’s services social work.

Find out more about placements and practice learning at Sussex

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

All year

Practice Learning 1

Autumn teaching

Practice learning

There is currently a minimum of 200 days of learning practice:

170 days will be as part of a placement (70 days in Year 2 and 100 days in Year 3)
30 days will be practice skills workshops (across all your years of study).

In the workshops, you’ll be taught by qualified Social Work practitioners who work locally and teach on topics related to their area of specialism. You’ll:

get to apply what you’ve learned to your practice
have the opportunity to reflect on your approaches and experiences in a supportive environment.

Find out more about placements and practice learning at Sussex

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you

If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student

Practice learning

There is currently a minimum of 200 days of learning practice:

170 days will be as part of a placement (70 days in Year 2 and 100 days in Year 3)
30 days will be practice skills workshops (across all your years of study).

In the workshops, you’ll be taught by qualified Social Work practitioners who work locally and teach on topics related to their area of specialism. You’ll:

get to apply what you’ve learned to your practice
have the opportunity to reflect on your approaches and experiences in a supportive environment.

Find out more about placements and practice learning at Sussex

Support from the Department, talks from service users and placement experiences have fully prepared me for my current job.”Apryl Golding
Social Worker, Brighton & Hove Council

Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

All year

Practice Learning 2

Autumn and spring teaching

Practice learning

There is currently a minimum of 200 days of learning practice:

170 days will be as part of a placement (70 days in Year 2 and 100 days in Year 3)
30 days will be practice skills workshops (across all your years of study).

In the workshops, you’ll be taught by qualified Social Work practitioners who work locally and teach on topics related to their area of specialism. You’ll:

get to apply what you’ve learned to your practice
have the opportunity to reflect on your approaches and experiences in a supportive environment.

Find out more about placements and practice learning at Sussex

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

I enjoyed the teaching and research-based lectures. I’ve really taken my learning from university into my current practice.”OLIVER TOBUTT
Social Worker, Duty and Assessment Team, East Sussex County Council

How to apply

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Our staff

My own research focuses on the history of social work and social workers, and I share all of my research with my students in my teaching.”Dr Russell Whiting
Lecturer in Social Work and Social Care

Learning environment – Dr Russell Whiting, Social Work BA

Dr Rachel Burr

Senior Lecturer in Education

View profile of Rachel Burr

Dr Tam Cane

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Tam Cane

Dr Henglien Lisa Chen

Senior Lecturer in Social Work

View profile of Henglien Lisa Chen

Dr Jeri L. Damman

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Jeri L. Damman

Dr Robert James

Lecturer

View profile of Robert James

Prof Kristine Langhoff

Professor of Social Work

View profile of Kristine Langhoff

Dr Rachel Larkin

Lecturer in Social Work

View profile of Rachel Larkin

Dr Reima Ana Maglajlic

Reader in Social Work

View profile of Reima Ana Maglajlic

Dr Tish Marrable

Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Social Care

View profile of Tish Marrable

Dr May Nasrawy

Lecturer in Applied Social Science

View profile of May Nasrawy

Mrs Karen Okuefuna-Budd

Lecturer in Social Work

View profile of Karen Okuefuna-Budd

Dr David Orr

Senior Lecturer in Social Work

View profile of David Orr

Prof Gillian Ruch

Professor of Social Work

View profile of Gillian Ruch

Mr Paul Shuttleworth

Associate

View profile of Paul Shuttleworth

Dr Henry Smith

Lecturer in Social Work

View profile of Henry Smith

Ms Rebecca Stephens

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Rebecca Stephens

Dr Russell Whiting

Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Care

View profile of Russell Whiting

Apply now

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Fees

Home students:: £9,250 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £9,250 per year
International students:: £26,250 per year
Study abroad:: Find out about grants and funding, tuition fees and insurance costs for studying abroad
Placement:: Find out about tuition fees for placements

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our Tuition fees page.

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

DBS check

The University subsidises the mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), with no cost to the student.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

How to apply

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Careers

Supporting people to make significant life choices as well as promoting human rights, wellbeing and social change is a special position to be in. The role of a social worker is varied and rewarding.

During your course, you’ll be taught by:

social work academics with specialist research interests and practice expertise
experienced social work practitioners
members of our experts by experience network.

This enables you to gain knowledge and skills that will make you highly employable.

Graduate destinations

There continues to be a demand for social workers locally and nationally. Some of our Social Work graduates have even gone on to work in Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia.

Recent Social Work graduates who completed placements in children and family settings have started jobs in:

child protection teams
adoption and fostering teams
youth offending services
disability services.

Recent Social Work graduates who completed placements in adults settings have started jobs in:

hospital social work
mental health social work
drugs and alcohol social work.

(Department of Social Work and Social Care careers database)

Find out more about a career in social work at BBC Bitesize: How to become a social worker: Omar’s story

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

My research focuses on how social workers develop their professional identity to become the best advocates for vulnerable children and families. Our BA draws on this, and lets you integrate theory into practice through our links with employers.”Dr Henry Smith
Lecturer in Social Work

Graduate prospects – Dr Russell Whiting, Social Work BA

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

How to apply

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Social Work BA (Hons)

Key information

Accreditation

Entry requirements

A-level

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

International Baccalaureate

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education ( Early Years Educator)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Scottish Highers

T Level

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

International Baccalaureate

European Baccalaureate

Other international qualifications

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Netherlands

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

USA

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries

List of exempt countries

Admissions information for applicants

Modules

Core modules

Autumn teaching