Interview and test information for the Social Work BA (Hons) and MA

Interview and test information for the Social Work BA (Hons) and MA

Hero Carousel

Interview and test information for the Social Work BA (Hons) and MA

Interview and test information for the Social Work BA (Hons) and MA

Congratulations on being invited to our admissions day. Please read the following information carefully.

The University of East London is the leading provider of social work training in East London, with strong links to local agencies and employers. Many of our graduates progress directly into newly qualified social worker roles.

Our programmes are taught by experienced, registered social workers and combine interactive teaching with real-world practice. UEL is accredited by Social Work England to award professional social work qualifications alongside academic degrees. All qualifying programmes meet government requirements, including the required number of supervised practice days in statutory and voluntary social work settings.

Test and Interview FAQs

Congratulations on being invited to our admissions day. Please read the following information carefully.

What do I need to know before I arrive?

To confirm or decline your attendance, book a test or interview, or request an alternative date, log in to your UEL Applicant Portal. 

Due to high demand and limited places on the BA and MA Social Work courses, we may not be able to offer an alternative date. Please only request a change if you are unable to attend your original booking. 

All applicants must first pass the Social Work Test. If successful, you will then be required to attend a Social Work interview. Dates shown in your portal include both tests and interviews, so please ensure you select the correct appointment when booking.

Where does the test and interview take place?

The Social Work Test takes place online, either: 

  • Via email on a set date and time (instructions will be provided), or
  • Through a secure webpage link sent to you in advance

What will happen on the day of my test and interview?

The test will be completed online, either via email or a webpage link, at the scheduled date and time.

You will be notified of your test result. If you pass, you will be invited to book: 

  • An interview, and
  • A group task 

Interviews are held individually and are conducted by a Social Work academic, often alongside a stakeholder. Stakeholders may include service users, carers, practitioners or employers. All interviewers are briefed on the selection process and entry criteria. 

The interview lasts approximately 30 minutes. 

For further details, please refer to our Admissions Handbook. You may find the FAQ section particularly helpful.

How should I prepare for the interview?

You are strongly advised to prepare carefully for your BA or MA Social Work interview by familiarising yourself with contemporary social work issues and relevant literature. 

Possible sources include: 

Suggested reading - BA Social Work:

  • Davies, K. Jones, R. (2016) Skills for Social Work Practice London: Palgrave
  • Parker, J. (2020). Introducing Social Work. London: SAGE Learning Matters
  • Thompson, N. (2015). Understanding social work.  4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave
  • Thompson, N. (2016). Anti-discriminatory practice: equality, diversity and social justice. 6th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave
  • BASW (2012) Professional Capabilities Framework  (accessed 18/10/2024)
  • SWE (2019) Professional Standards (accessed on 27/7/2020) 

Suggested reading - MA Social Work

  • Collins, P. H. & Bilge, S. (2016). Intersectionality. John Wiley & Sons
  • Gay, R. (2014). Bad feminist.  Hachette UK.
  • Maclean, S. Finch, J, and Tedam, P. (2017) Share: A New Model of Social Work.  Kirwin Maclean Associates
  • Megele, C. (2015) Psychosocial and Relationship Based Practice. Northwich: Critical Publishing 

What will happen after my test and interview?

Your Applicant Portal will be updated with the outcome. If successful, your offer will be made via UCAS, along with any conditions that must be met before the programme starts.

Do you have a waiting list for places?

Once sufficient firm offers have been made, waiting list offers may be issued. If this applies to you, we will notify you by email, as waiting list offers cannot be made via UCAS. 

There is no fixed deadline for being offered a place from the waiting list. This may occur as late as the start of the course, depending on enrolment. 

Further information will be provided if you are placed on the waiting list.

Can I re-apply if I am unsuccessful?

Only one application per cycle is accepted. If unsuccessful, you may reapply in the following year. 

Please note that due to changing entry requirements and competition for places, selection is not guaranteed. You should ensure each application is as strong as possible.

Can I apply during Clearing?

It is rare for BA or MA Social Work courses to have vacancies at this stage, as applications are accepted up to a year in advance.

If places are available: 

  • Entry requirements remain the same
  • Repeat applications from previously unsuccessful applicants in the same cycle are not accepted

How do I submit documents for my conditional offer?

If you receive a conditional offer, you will be asked to upload certificates for relevant qualifications via your Applicant Portal. Certified copies will be retained on file.

When is the deadline for meeting my conditions?

Deadlines vary depending on: 

  • When you applied
  • When your offer was made
  • The conditions attached 

If you are concerned about meeting any condition, contact us as soon as possible for advice.

I haven't met my condition, can I still enrol?

This is unlikely. However, please contact us to discuss your options.

In some cases, this may include: 

  • Completing an alternative Level 2 qualification, or
  • Considering an alternative course

Can I defer my offer?

Deferrals are only considered if you hold an unconditional offer. If your offer is conditional, deferral is not possible. You would need to submit a new application via UCAS for the next intake.

We hope you have found this information useful. If you have any further questions, please call 020 8223 3333.

We look forward to seeing you at the interview, and wish you good luck! 

  • BA (Hons) Social Work

    Get a rewarding insight into contemporary social work and train to become a reflective, capable and effective practitioner in social work.

  • MA Social Work

    This MA Social Work degree equips you with the skills, knowledge and reflective capacity you need to practise as an effective social worker.