What can you do with a social work degree? Career options and next steps

If you’re the person others turn to in a crisis - someone who listens, thinks clearly and takes action - then social work could be the right career for you.

Social work is demanding. It requires resilience, sound judgement and emotional intelligence. But it is also one of the most impactful and varied professions available. As a social worker, you support individuals, families and communities through complex challenges - and help create safer, fairer outcomes.

What does a social worker do?

Social workers support people at critical points in their lives. This might include:

• Protecting children and supporting families through safeguarding processes
• Helping older people remain independent
• Supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises
• Working with people in the criminal justice system
• Advocating for those whose voices are not being heard

The role combines practical support with legal and ethical responsibility. You will assess needs, develop care plans, work with professionals across health, education and housing, and make decisions that can significantly affect people’s lives.

No two days are the same.

Social work career options

A social work degree opens up opportunities across a wide range of settings.

• Children and families social work

One of the most recognised career paths, this area focuses on safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare. Social workers are employed by local authorities, schools and family courts, supporting foster and adoptive families and making informed decisions to protect vulnerable children.

• Adult social care

Adult social workers support older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with long-term health conditions. Roles exist within local authorities, NHS trusts and community teams, helping people maintain independence and quality of life.

• Mental health social work

Working at the intersection of health and social care, mental health social workers support individuals experiencing acute or ongoing mental health challenges. With further training, you can qualify as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), taking on specialist responsibilities under the Mental Health Act.

• Education and school-based roles

Social workers in education settings help remove barriers to learning. They work with pupils, families and teaching staff to address emotional, behavioural and safeguarding concerns.

• Criminal justice and youth offending

Social workers contribute to probation services, youth offending teams and prison in-reach programmes. The focus is on rehabilitation, safeguarding and supporting individuals to rebuild their lives.

• International and humanitarian work

For those interested in global impact, opportunities exist with NGOs, charities and humanitarian organisations working with displaced communities and vulnerable populations.

What qualifications do you need to become a social worker?

To practise as a qualified social worker in England, you must complete an approved social work degree and register with Social Work England.

Undergraduate route

A BA (Hons) Social Work is the most common pathway. These programmes combine academic study with substantial practice placements, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in real social work settings. You’ll study safeguarding, law, human development, ethics and social policy.

Postgraduate route

If you already hold a degree in another subject, you can qualify through an MA Social Work. This intensive route is popular with career changers who already have experience in care, community or support roles.

Choosing a recognised, practice-focused programme is essential, as your qualification determines your eligibility to register and practise.

Social work salary and job prospects

Starting salaries for newly qualified social workers in local authorities typically range from £30,000 to £35,000, rising with experience and progression into senior, specialist or management roles. London-based roles often include additional weighting.

Demand for qualified social workers remains consistently strong across the UK. Local authorities, NHS trusts, schools and voluntary sector organisations continue to recruit, offering flexibility across sectors and specialisms.

Is social work right for you?

Social work requires:

• Emotional resilience
• Strong communication skills
• Analytical thinking
• Professional integrity
• A commitment to social justice

It's not an easy career. But for many, it is deeply rewarding, combining intellectual challenge with meaningful, real-world impact.

Study social work at the University of East London

At the University of East London, our undergraduate and postgraduate social work courses are designed to prepare you for professional practice from day one. With strong employer links across London and extensive placement opportunities, you’ll graduate ready to meet the realities of frontline social work.

Explore our social work courses and take the first step towards a career that makes a lasting difference.