Edge Hill provides Social Work degree for the first time

Edge Hill University will offer a degree in Social Work for the first time from September 2008.

The three-year, BA (Hons) Social Work degree, approved by the General Social Care Council, has been devised to accurately reflect social work today.

The views of people using social work services and their families and carers have been instrumental in shaping every aspect of the programme, giving students a highly-realistic view of the profession and a thorough preparation for their careers.

Liz Rafferty, Programme Leader said: "The launch of this degree is a major milestone for Edge Hill and has huge significance for the provision of social work training and education in the North West.

"We have consulted with an extensive range of people involved in the profession and also with users of social work services to devise a robust, vocational programme which ensures our graduates reach the exacting standards required of the profession."

Social work professionals, students, staff and partner organisations will gather at a launch event for the degree at Edge Hill's Ormskirk campus on Thursday, 4 September, when two leading figures from the profession will speak.

Jennifer Bernard, a director with City & Guilds, will talk on ‘The Crucial Importance of Social Work'.

Charlie Barker, Director of Health and Social Care, Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, will speak about ‘Transforming Social Care and the Values of Social Care'.

Liz Rafferty added: "Many of those people who have helped us reach this significant landmark will be attending, including our first group of students, University colleagues and individuals from organisations from across Lancashire, Merseyside and beyond. We are indebted to all of our partners for their support.

"In time our partners will influence the programme in a range of ways, resulting in a professional degree which stays fresh and relevant and which places humanity and integrity firmly at its core."

For more information please contact Liz Rafferty, Programme Leader in the Department of Social and Psychological Sciences, Edge Hill University, on 01695 584102 or email rafferte@edgehill.ac.uk.