Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Malta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work at the University of Malta is designed to provide students with the knowledge, values, and practical skills required to pursue a professional career in social work. The 4-year, 240 ECTS full-time program combines theory-based and practice-based learning and exposes students to different social work settings across Malta and Gozo.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students build foundations through psychology, social welfare, social policy, community engagement, social skills development, family law, and an introduction to social work.

In the second year, students develop research and professional skills through research methods, social work methods, helping skills, human development, mental health, poverty, social exclusion, and welfare studies.

In the third year, students focus on advanced professional practice, including ethics, disability, residential social work, community care, human rights, group work, and Placement A, providing practical experience in a social work setting.

In the fourth year, students develop advanced practice, leadership, management, specialist social work knowledge, and case-study skills. Students complete Placement B and a 10-ECTS dissertation, bringing together their research and professional learning.

Focus Areas: Social work practice, social welfare, social policy, community engagement, mental health, family and child welfare, disability, poverty and social exclusion, human rights, counselling, and community care.

Learning Outcomes: Develop professional social work knowledge and skills, work effectively with vulnerable individuals and communities, recognise diversity and individuality, identify strengths and needs, apply social work methods, conduct research, and develop empathetic and ethical professional practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is the main route in Malta for entering the social work profession and prepares graduates for professional practice across different social work settings.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The program combines more than 40 years of social work education experience with extensive theory and practical learning. Graduates can work in children and family services, disability services, community settings, health and mental health, elderly care, drug and alcohol services, asylum and refugee support, and residential social work, while also having opportunities to progress to Master's-level study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work at the University of Malta is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in social work. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in real-world scenarios that enhance their understanding and application of social work principles. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges they will face in their professional lives.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Field Placements: Students participate in supervised placements in various social work settings, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the profession.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects encourage teamwork and the development of communication skills, essential for working in social services.
- Workshops and Seminars: Regular workshops led by industry professionals provide practical skills and knowledge on current social work practices and issues.
- Digital Tools: Students have access to specialized software for case management and data analysis, enhancing their technical skills in a modern social work context.
- Research Laboratories: The university offers dedicated spaces for research, allowing students to engage in projects that contribute to the field of social work.
- Library Resources: The university library is equipped with extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases specifically related to social work and social sciences.
- Field Trips: Organized visits to various social service agencies and community organizations provide students with a broader perspective on the social work landscape.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enrich the academic experience but also prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Embarking on this journey at the University of Malta will empower you to become a skilled and compassionate social worker, ready to face the challenges of the profession.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work from the University of Malta opens up a world of opportunities. Our graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce in various roles, including social worker, community development officer, and mental health support worker. The skills and knowledge gained during this program equip students to make a meaningful impact in society:

- University Services: The University of Malta offers dedicated career services, including job placement assistance, CV workshops, and interview preparation sessions to help students transition smoothly into the job market.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates in social work enjoy a high employment rate, with many securing positions shortly after graduation. The average starting salary for social workers in Malta is competitive, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
- University–Industry Partnerships: The University has established strong partnerships with various local and international organizations, providing students with valuable internship opportunities and real-world experience that enhances their employability.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work is accredited by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE), ensuring that your degree holds value in the job market and meets professional standards.
- Graduation Outcomes: Our graduates are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, making them highly sought after by employers in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and community services.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a Master’s in Social Work or related fields, such as Public Health or Community Development. This advanced study will deepen your expertise and open doors to leadership roles within the social work sector. Additionally, you may consider specializations in areas like child welfare, mental health, or substance abuse, further enhancing your career prospects and impact in the community.

Choosing to study at the University of Malta is a step towards a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference.