Bachelor in Social Work Relevant Degree Entry Bsw L501

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.

At the heart of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme at Queen's University Belfast is a deep, collaborative partnership with service user and carer organisations across Northern Ireland. Students begin engaging with these community groups at the very start of their studies, gaining a grounded, real-world understanding of social work values before they even enter formal practice settings. This professional degree is accredited by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and is designed to equip graduates with the critical knowledge, ethical framework, and practical skills necessary for effective social work across the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and beyond.

A Research-Informed Practice

The curriculum is taught by international leaders in fields such as child protection, safeguarding, and social care, consistently ranking among the top in the UK for research quality. By integrating theoretical perspectives with assessed practice learning opportunities, the course ensures that students are not merely learning about social work, but are actively developing the capacity to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, manage risk, and advocate for anti-oppressive practice in diverse professional environments.