What can I do with a degree in Social Work?

What can I do with a degree in Social Work?

A degree in Social Work from the University of Kent qualifies you to work as a professional Social Worker, providing you with the skills, knowledge and values to support individuals, families and communities. You’ll graduate with a solid foundation in communication, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, assessment and advocacy skills valued across a range of public, voluntary and private sector roles. Get ideas and inspiration here before booking a one-to-one session with a Careers Adviser.

Careers in Social Work

Social worker Improve people’s lives by helping with social and interpersonal difficulties, promoting human rights and wellbeing. Social workers protect children and adults with support needs from harm. 

Upon graduation and successful registration with Social Work England, you can work in a variety of statutory and non-statutory settings.

Social workers can work in many different places, such as: councils (local authorities), hospitals, courts, prisons, schools and charities

Social workers work with all kinds of people and often specialise in a specific field of work. For example: learning disabilities, children in need and child protection, criminal justice social work, dementia, domestic abuse, fostering, special guardianship and adoption, children’s residential, hospice social work, leaving care post 18+, mental health, older people, physical disabilities, unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees, youth justice and homelessness.

Alternative career paths

Care Manager Responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations within the care setting, including recruiting and managing staff, managing budgets and ensuring that the quality of the services provided meets national care standards.

Education Welfare Officer Aim to improve pupil attendance and promote the welfare, development, and protection of children.

Charity Careers Working in the charity sector involves supporting social or environmental causes through non-profit organizations. It typically includes roles in fundraising, program delivery, advocacy, administration, and community engagement. The work is mission-driven  and focused on creating positive impact rather than profit.

Education and Teaching Teaching from Early Years Education through to adults, sharing knowledge and preparing students for their future.     

Advocacy roles Supporting individuals to have their voice heard in decision-making processes.

Policy and Research Roles in think tanks, local authorities or charities focusing on social issues, safeguarding, or inclusion.

Wellbeing and Inclusion roles Including Equality, Diversity & Inclusion advisers, or support roles in higher education or public services.

Where do University of Kent graduates work?

This is a selection of organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past. There are many more possible employers in these and other industries.  

  • Local Authorities: Kent County Council, Medway Council, London Borough Councils, Surrey County Council
  • NHS Trusts: NHS Trusts Directory including Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
  • Voluntary Sector: Barnardo’s, Mind, NSPCC, Refuge, Shelter, The Children’s Society
  • Specialist Organisations: Catch22, St Mungo’s, Crisis, Action for Children
  • National Services: CAFCASS, Youth Offending Teams, HM Prison & Probation Services

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.

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Social Work recruitment platforms

British Association of Social Workers

Community Care Jobs

Local Government Jobs

Third Sector Jobs

CharityJob

Children & Young People Now Jobs

NHS Jobs

Civil Service Jobs

Frontline Social work graduate programme focused on children’s social care.

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General graduate job search platforms

Gradcracker

Prospects

TargetJobs

LinkedIn Jobs

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Useful resources

Social Work England Registration, standards and career information.

British Association of Social Workers Professional body for UK social workers.

Skills for Care Resources for social care professionals.

Tips to stand out

  • Demonstrate your values: Highlight your understanding of social work ethics, anti-oppressive practice, and person-centred support.
  • Build strong placement experience: Use your university placements to gain relevant experience and reflect on your learning.
  • Join a professional body: Consider joining BASW to access events, networks and professional development resources.
  • Tailor your CV and applications: Use CareerSet to refine your CV and tailor it to roles in social work or adjacent fields.
  • Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with policy developments via resources like Community Care, The Guardian Social Care, and Skills for Care.
  • Network: Attend career panels, CPD events, and connect with alumni or employers via LinkedIn.

Year in industry

A  year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.     

Work experience
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Further study  

Some social work graduates return to study at postgraduate level to specialise or progress into areas such as:

  • Mental Health or Child Protection
  • Practice Education (training social work students)
  • Management or Policy
  • Research (MRes or PhD)

Postgraduate Courses at Kent 

Prospects – Postgraduate Study 

Find a Masters