Social Work

Inciting change through expert teaching

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Research

What is Social Work?

For over 50 years, social work at Lancaster has been at the forefront of education, research and policy development. We work tirelessly to empower individuals and communities through outstanding professional education and globally leading research and advocacy. We deliver a high-quality professional education programme (BA in Social Work) which qualifies our graduates to work in the UK and a number of international contexts. We provide bespoke supervision for doctoral students, post-doctoral students and fellows.

Social Work is a dynamic, values-led academic discipline, grounded in a deep commitment to social justice, human rights, and the critical analysis and transformation of the social, political and institutional structures that shape people’s lives. We are also home to the Centre for Child and Family Justice Research, which hosts annual programmes of events and serves as a meeting place for students, international visitors, policy makers and practitioners.

Our course is accredited by Social Work England (SWE), and you’ll develop the skills and experience employers in this area need.

Learn more about the Social Work England accreditation

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A welcoming and diverse community

We welcome students from diverse backgrounds, including students with experience of social work in their own lives, who may also be care leavers or refugees. We are committed to fair access to higher education and take a flexible and holistic approach to all our applicants.

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Research Spotlight: Come to us in a peaceful way: Improving experiences of Roma families with Children's Services in England

This is a collaborative research project led by Lancaster University, Anglia Ruskin University, and Law for Life. It explores the experiences of Roma families involved with children’s services in England, highlighting how systemic barriers, such as institutional discrimination and limited legal knowledge, impact access to support. Through interviews, community engagement, and policy analysis, the study offers vital insights for developing more inclusive, culturally competent social work practices.

Social Work resources

For more information on our placements, funding and research, please follow the attached link

Resources