BA (Hons) Social Work course preparation

Suggested reading

This section relates to reading specifically for your programme. For suggested reading and other materials to read or watch now, please view the other sections on this page.

You will be given far more information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.

Detailed and updated reading lists are issued out in the module handbooks, which are provided in the first session of each module.

Useful websites

• Department of Health and Social Care
• Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
• World Health Organization

Things to do over summer

Here are some ways in which you might begin to prepare yourself for the degree. It would be helpful to keep abreast of current affairs and important developments in social care by reading quality newspapers and magazines.

• If you have access to Community Care magazine, please read it on a regular basis. This is also available online. Accessing this regularly will add to your knowledge and understanding of contemporary social work issues.  It also has lots of Webinars and discussions that you could access.
• The Social Care Institute for Excellence has lots of interesting profiles, research and videos, this is available on line.
• British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the professional body for social work and has lots of information to read which would support your studies, similarly the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW).  These too are available online.
• Community Care is the social care industry magazine, which discusses current topics and news within the profession.
• Social Work England (SWE) is the professional regulator for social work and it is important to familiarise yourselves with the Professional Standards.
• During Induction you will be looking at the development of your academic skills – please come prepared for this by thinking about your existing academic writing and study skills and which particular aspects of these you feel you need to improve or enhance.
• There are two directed study/reading weeks when you will not need to attend university.  These will take place in October and February – please check your timetable once published for confirmed dates.
• Please do not book holidays during term times as you will miss valuable learning opportunities
• Please begin to think very carefully about your transport arrangements to and from university. Whilst Edge Hill does offer parking facilities, these are limited and so I would urge you to consider using public transport if at all possible.
• If you would like to get a head start, you can begin reading one or two of the books in the suggested texts reading section, although a full reading list will be provided when you begin your studies in September.

Additional ways to prepare

Preparing to start

This session examines how to make a successful transition to university. From planning your results day, accommodation and commuting tips, extra support available to you and general advice on uni life.

Watch the session

Find out more about who you are

The following information provides an insight into what to expect when coming to university along with some good advice on how to navigate some of the potential challenges you may face.

Start preparing yourself