Department of Social Sciences & Social Work

The Department of Social Sciences & Social Work offers undergraduate degree courses in Social Work and the Social Sciences of Criminology, Social Anthropology and Sociology. Also, we offer postgraduate degree courses in Social Work and Criminal Justice as well as a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.

The Social Sciences courses examine the social, political, economic, and cultural relations in local and global societies. We explore the relationships within and between different political formations and articulations of culture (Sociology), and the place of crime and criminal justice in societies (Criminology).

All of the Social Science courses are designed to develop graduates’ awareness of the relationship between societies, individuals and groups. They provide key transferable skills such as critical thinking and analysis, systemic presentation of ideas, creativity, and the ability to conduct meaningful research. All of which are valued by employers.

The Social Work courses are delivered by an experienced and professional Social Work team who prepare social workers for practice in the Southwest region and beyond. Staff ensure students have the sensitivity and effectiveness to support vulnerable people in a variety of challenging situations.  

Our National Centre for Post Qualifying Social Work specialises in providing high-quality education, continuing professional development and training for professionals, working in partnership with many local authorities in England.  

Staff and student research in Social Sciences and Social Work covers a wide range of topics that are important to understanding factions of society and the support they require. We have a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalised groups, and their protection and safeguarding. Through the Research Centre for Seldom Heard Voices, our social scientists, Social Work academics and colleagues from outside the department come together to develop collaborative research projects that seek to make a difference to lived experience.

Our courses

Undergraduate courses

BA (Hons) Social Work

The BA (Hons) Social Work degree prepares you to make a meaningful impact in communities. With hands-on experience and a strong theoretical foundation, you'll develop the skills needed to support individuals and families. Graduating from our accredited course ensures eligibility for social worker registration. Begin your journey with us.

BA (Hons) Sociology

This degree is for those interested in exploring human societies. It is taught by expert sociologists with international research experience. They bring this experience into the classroom to help students engage with our world’s most pressing questions.

Vibrant city center in Antananarivo, Madagascar

BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Anthropology

Explore the social and cultural dimensions of human experience, and discover universalities and diversities in how humans live. This degree is taught by expert sociologists and social anthropologists.

BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology

This degree will give you an overlapping perspective (sociology and criminology) for understanding the world around you. It will help you develop skills that are useful for working in the public and social sectors, as well as the criminal justice system. It is taught by expert sociologists and criminologists.

BA (Hons) Criminology

In addition to units on criminology, the criminal justice system, and the impact of crime on society, this degree offers a wider view of the world of crime, including terrorism, global human trafficking and organised crime.

BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology

This degree provides an understanding of crime, deviance and the criminal justice system while also exploring the psychology of individuals and their behaviour. Studying key areas in criminology and psychology enables you to develop an understanding of crime, criminal justice, human development, social interaction and forensic investigation. The degree is 70% Criminology and 30% Psychology.

BA (Hons) Criminology with Law

This degree examines the nature and causes of crime, whilst considering the many aspects of the British Legal System as well as crime and criminal justice globally. It is taught by experienced staff who have worked within criminal justice professions. This degree is 70% Criminology and 30% Law.

Postgraduate courses

MA Social Work

Join our MA (Hons) Social Work course, where you will earn both an academic and a professional qualification. Approved by Social Work England, this programme ensures you’ll be eligible to register as a social worker upon graduation. This practical degree blends a powerful combination of academic study with essential practical experience, where you will gain relevant experience operating in real-world settings. You will develop strong working relationships with those already in the profession which will support you on your journey to becoming a qualified Social Worker.

A social worker with a family in a home setting

PG Dip/MA Social Work (Children and Families)

If you already hold an undergraduate degree and are interested in working with children, young people and their families, this is the ideal social work course. As a trainee social worker, you will build upon your existing knowledge and skills, and develop the expertise required for social work practice that could see you start your career as a social worker in just 14 months.

MA Leading & Developing Services

This part-time course provides managers and experienced health and social care professionals with the opportunity to develop and extend their knowledge of management theory and enhance their management practice. It will prepare you to take on first line, middle and senior management positions and supports organisation leadership and management strategies.

MA Advanced Mental Health Practice

The aim of the course is to prepare practitioners who will be considered for appointment as approved mental health professionals. After completing the course, you’ll be able to take on the role of best interest assessor (Mental Health Capacity Act 2005).

MA Advanced Practice

This part-time course is for qualified health and social care professionals who have already studied to degree level and wish to expand their sphere of practice to include new elements within their professional role. It is designed to develop the knowledge and understanding of health and social care professionals working to, or aspiring to be, advanced practitioners.

MA Criminology & Criminal Justice

This is an exciting new course that will take your understanding of criminality and justice to the next level. Whether you are developing your career or moving on from undergraduate study, this degree will help you advance your skills to meet the demands of Criminal Justice and third-party organisations.

Our research activities

National Centre for Cross Disciplinary Social Work

The National Centre for Cross Disciplinary Social Work (NCCDSW) at Bournemouth University is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by enhancing professional health and social care practice.

Latest news

11/07/2024

Minority groups face additional barriers in accessing domestic abuse services, research finds

The research, undertaken by Bournemouth University in partnership with Yellow Door and Stop Domestic Abuse, explored the experiences of LGBTQ+, black and ethnic minority, and disabled victims of domestic abuse.

24/01/2024

Prison or Hospital? Children locked in secure homes without a clear purpose

A lack of clarity about the purpose of secure children’s homes in Government policy and among the staff who work in them makes it almost impossible to know if they are an effective way to rehabilitate vulnerable young people.

19/10/2023

BU academics supporting domestic violence capacity in the region

An educational support group for women who have experienced domestic abuse is taking place through Bournemouth University.

05/10/2023

Changes needed to Church of England’s culture to accommodate working class clergy

The work and culture of the Church of England can leave working-class members of the clergy feeling marginalised, ignored and misunderstood.

03/07/2023

Conference seeks social justice to tackle violence against women and girls

Urgent improvements are needed to Special Domestic Abuse Courts if they are to provide the intended protection and support to victims of domestic abuse.

Social Sciences & Social Work