BA (Hons) Social Work course preparation
To help you feel prepared for your BA (Hons) Social Work studies, we’ve gathered together a range of activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Read on to find out more.
Suggested reading
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. So we don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive. In the meantime, if you can pick some up second hand, borrow from a library or access online, the list below includes textbooks that will help you prepare for your Year One modules:
- Horner, N. (2018) What is Social Work? (5th ed) Exeter: Learning Matters.
- Thompson, N. (2015) Understanding Social Work. Preparing for Practice (4th ed) Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Bottomley, J. Cartney,P, Pryjmachuk, S. (2018) Studying for your Social Work Degree (Critical Study Skills) Critical Publishing Ltd
- Thorpe, C. (2018) Social Theory for Social Work. Oxon: Routledge.
- Cunningham, J. and Cunningham, S. (2014) Sociology and Social Work (2nd ed) London: Sage, Learning Matters.
- Doel, M. (2016) Rights and Wrongs in Social Work. London: Red Globe Press.
- Thompson, N. (2020) Anti-Discriminatory Practice: Equality, Diversity and Social Justice: 28 (Practical Social Work Series) Paperback.
Detailed and updated reading lists will be provided in your module handbook. These are supplied during the first session of every module.
Useful websites
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.
- Read the Community Care magazine on a regular basis. It’s the social care industry magazine which discusses current topics and news within the profession. It will add to your knowledge and understanding of contemporary social work issues.
- The Social Care Institute for Excellence has lots of interesting profiles, research and videos.
- British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the professional body for social work and has lots of information that would support your studies.
- Visit the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) website for more information relevant to your studies.
- Social Work England (SWE) is the professional regulator for social work and it is important to familiarise yourselves with the Professional Standards.
- Familiarise yourself with the Social Work England (2019) Professional Standards.
- Read the British Association of Social Workers (2021) Code of Ethics for Social Workers.
Your induction week
During your 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. Make a note of any particular aspects you feel you need to improve or enhance.
Your full induction week timetable will be available over the summer and we’ll send you an email when it’s ready to view.
Your semester one timetable
Your full semester timetable will be provided during your first week. And you can find the dates of each semester on our website. Please do not book holidays during term times as you will miss valuable learning opportunities.
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.
View term dates 23/24