Social Work and Sociology

Explore the complexities of society to create and advocate for positive change.

Social work and sociology share a commitment to understanding how society functions and finding ways to create positive change.

Where they differ is in their approach:

Social work is a practice-based profession regulated by Social Work England. It focuses directly on supporting individuals, families and communities, often in health and social care settings.
Sociology offers a broader view, examining social structures and inequalities to explore how society operates as a whole.

At UEA, both degrees give you the research-informed knowledge and practical skills to understand the complexities of society, advocate for change and work towards a better world.

Whether you want to support individuals through hands-on practice or challenge societal issues through research and policy, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to create meaningful change.

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Why choose Social Work and Sociology at UEA?

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Choose a career that makes a difference

A degree in social work or sociology will open the doors to diverse careers where you can make a real impact. Both degrees empower you to challenge inequalities, influence policy and improve lives - whether through direct support or critical analysis of social systems.

With a Social Work degree, you can:

Qualify as a social worker in areas like child protection, mental health and adult services
Work in specialist settings such as hospitals, schools, adoption agencies and mental health trusts
Progress into leadership roles within social care organisations or local authorities
Influence social policy and research, driving change through advocacy or public sector roles

With a Sociology degree, you can:

Work in policy development, education or human resources, shaping initiatives that promote equality and social justice
Become a social researcher for government and private sector agencies, contributing to social policy and strategic decisions
Take on roles in the criminal justice system, charities or local government, working on societal issues like crime, welfare and inequality
Apply your sociological expertise to roles in marketing, communications or media, interpreting social trends for advocacy or corporate social responsibility

Whatever path you choose, UEA provides expert careers support to help you take the next step. And if you’re unsure what direction to take, we’ll give you the guidance you need to make an informed decision about your future.

Put your training into practice with social work placements

Practical experience is crucial for a successful career in Social Work. Placements provide essential insights into the legal frameworks, policies and procedures you’ll work with as a social worker.

On our Social Work degree, you’ll complete a 70-day (Level 1) and 100-day (Level 2) placement in real-world social work settings, working with individuals, families and communities requiring social work services. These placements are carefully sourced by our Placement Director to ensure they align with your learning and career goals.

With strong partnerships across Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, as well as various charitable organisations, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to support vulnerable individuals in the community.

Apply your knowledge to real-world social issues

While our Sociology degree doesn't require placements like Social Work, you'll still have plenty of opportunity to gain practical experience of doing your own research in the real world.

Across the degree you'll have opportunities to learn about and conduct your own research, exploring a range of contemporary sociological topics that are of interest to you, using diverse methods including observations, surveys, and interviews.

Depending on the modules you choose, you'll also have opportunities to develop your skills in analysing social policies (relating to, for example, families, health, housing, and welfare), responses to offending by the criminal justice system, and media representations depicting a range of contemporary concerns.

You'll also have the chance to explore contemporary social issues relating to social justice, social policy and social change through our innovative problem-based learning approach. Across the course, you’ll tackle real-world case studies, using your sociological knowledge to devise practical solutions.

Find the right course for you

Learn directly from Social Work and Sociology experts

At UEA, you’ll be taught by leading researchers and practitioners who are shaping Social Work and Sociology. From leading social, political and policy research, to working on the frontlines of social care, cutting-edge research and experience is embedded in our teaching.

Our research areas include:

Social justice and inequalities - Exploring race, gender, disability and class, and how they shape everyday life
Childhood, family and social care - Investigating adoption, fostering, safeguarding and transitional support
Criminology and justice - Analysing youth justice, policing, gender and crime, green criminology, and social harm
Media, digital lives and public perception - Examining how information, misinformation and power shape societies
Health, wellbeing and social policy - Researching reproductive health, mental health and the impact of policy decisions
Environmental sociology - Investigating climate change activism, sustainability and ethical consumption

These research areas demonstrate our commitment to social change. Whether you want to focus on frontline practice or critical analysis, you’ll be guided by experts who are shaping the conversations that matter.

Four students chatting on a bench near UEA Broad

Join a community

At UEA, you’ll become a part of a welcoming, student-centred environment where we know you by name. With small class sizes and dedicated academic advisors, you’ll always have someone to turn to.

In Social Work, you’ll find:

A diverse and inclusive community
Regular student-staff meetings, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard
Community events, from pizza socials to quizzes

And in Sociology, you’ll find:

Regular informal drop-in sessions where you can meet up with staff and other students
The Sociology Society, a student-led group running both academic and social events

Whether you’re discussing big ideas over coffee or connecting with peers through events, you’ll be part of a community that supports you every step of the way.

To those considering applying for sociology, my advice is simply go for it! The flexibility, freedom and independence offered by the course, coupled with the diverse module choices, amazing support and creativity provided a unique opportunity. Sociology opens doors, provides you with transferable skills, and allows you to explore a variety of topics to extend your knowledge into your day-to-day life

Ellie – Sociology graduate

I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology. This course was a brilliant springboard into the Social Work Master’s, it allowed me to gain an understanding of theory and build my knowledge around the functions of society. I am currently halfway through my Level 1 placement for MA Social Work and the wealth of knowledge and experience that the course and my placement have provided me with are undeniable. I am working alongside people with lived experience, and I love putting my knowledge into practice.

Tabby – MA Social Work

The transition from student to graduate (with a real adult job) was daunting, but also exciting. My time at university, studying sociology, taught me SO much, and the skills I gained very much laid the foundation for my career in policy. My role as a Corporate Policy Officer, involves helping inform and implement policy direction, providing senior officers and politicians with research briefings that support decision making on a range of issues – using skills I gained from my degree every day

Olivia – Sociology graduate

I have found my undergraduate degree to be a strong foundation for my current studies in the MA Social Work program. It has provided me with crucial insights into the relationships between individuals and societal systems, which have been invaluable in my social work practice. During my placement, I have had the opportunity to observe these theories in action, offering invaluable insight into how they shape real-world practice. This experience has deepened my understanding of the complexities individuals face and reinforced the importance of a holistic, empathetic approach in social work.

Alexandra - MA Social Work

I completed my undergrad in International Relations and Modern History at UEA and have now moved on to study my Master's in Social Work here too. I have found all the staff incredibly supportive, right from the beginning when I first asked for information about the degree. I'm now coming towards the end of my first placement and absolutely loving the course. I have developed new skills, knowledge, and a confidence in my own professionalism that I didn't have before.

Lydia – MA Social Work

Accreditation

Our Social Work degrees are fully accredited by Social Work England, enabling you to develop the academic knowledge and professional skills for registration as a qualified social worker.

Your next steps

Ready to explore the courses we offer in Social Work and Sociology?

Or join us for a subject taster session to get a feel for what it's like to study Social Work and Sociology at UEA.

We also hold regular webinars on a broad range of topics about university, like personal statements, student finance, and life as a student.

All Social Work and Sociology courses Subject tasters and webinars

Social Work and Sociology

Quick links

Why choose Social Work and Sociology at UEA?

4th

28th

TOP10

5th

Choose a career that makes a difference

With a Social Work degree, you can:

With a Sociology degree, you can:

Put your training into practice with social work placements

Apply your knowledge to real-world ​social issues

Find the right course for you

Learn directly from Social Work and Sociology experts

Accreditation

Your next steps

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28^th

5^th

Apply your knowledge to real-world social issues