• First undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline e.g.,Health and Social Care, Pastoral Support, Working with Children, Young People and Families. It is desirable for applicants to have some relevant work or lived experience which has allowed applicants to gain a good understanding of social work, as demonstrated through a personal statement, will be considered and discussed during the interview process.
• If an applicant holds a degree in a different discipline, substantial relevant work or lived experience which has allowed applicants to gain a good understanding of social work, as demonstrated through a personal statement, will be considered and discussed during the interview process.  
• Applicants with a 2:2 degree will be considered on an individual basis if they have substantial relevant work or lived experience which has allowed applicants to gain a good understanding of social work, as demonstrated through a personal statement, will be considered and discussed during the interview process.  
• GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above or accepted equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.   
• Minimum English Language entry requirements: non-UK applicants should achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment. 
• Applicants must be able to evidence that they have the capability to use information and communication technology (ICT) methods and techniques to achieve course outcomes. 

For information on meeting academic requirements by country, visit our International Your Country or Region pages. 

• Satisfactory enhanced DBS (adult and child workforce). International applicants and those who have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more in the last 10 years will need to apply for a DBS prior to starting the programme and provide satisfactory 'certificate of good character' or similar from the relevant authorities in the country/countries they have lived.
• Satisfactory occupational health check. 
• Write a values-based personal statement. 
• Attend a values-based interview. 
• Two satisfactory references. 

Your personal statement is a key aspect of the selection process. 

It's your opportunity to demonstrate your drive and passion to study to become a social worker, what's inspired and motivated you to choose this profession, and to demonstrate the skills and qualities you have that will enable you to practice as a future registered social worker, showing how you can make a difference and contribute in meaningful ways when you're in post.  

You need to detail the skills you have acquired such as specific communication skills, an understanding of and an ability to appreciate the needs of others such as supporting peers, and an understanding of cultural differences.  

You should explain the inspiration behind your social work route and the sort of qualities you have that suit the programme you've chosen to apply for. 

You should also show a genuine understanding of how the programme is structured and the differences between the practical and theoretical aspects of the programme. 

There are key themes we look for in your personal statement. Ensuring you’ve clearly covered and addressed these will further strengthen and improve your application and hopefully secure an invitation to interview. 

Making sure you’ve covered the below points will not only help you succeed in being offered an interview, but it provides excellent preparation for the interview as you’ll have already considered the key areas that will be discussed: 

Insight and understanding of the social work profession and how you are suited to the specific field of PG study: 

• Demonstrate you understand what social workers do, research the skills and qualities expected for the role.
• You can also check out the Social Work England website for further background information.
• Consider what challenges social workers face in their day-to-day work and demonstrate how you have overcome challenges or stress in your work or study.
• Tell us why you think you are well-suited to become a future social worker.  

Your motivation and inspiration for the chosen programme and profession:  

• Consider the factors that have motivated or inspired you to pursue your chosen programme and a particular field of social work.
• Be clear and concise in your writing and show how your previous experiences personal or practice have motivated or inspired you for the role of the social worker (specific field) by using real examples and maintaining confidentiality.
• An understanding and commitment to the values, qualities, and behaviours expected of the social work profession
• Demonstrate the values, qualities, and behaviours you have that suit the role of a social worker.
• Tell us how your values align with those of the Social Work England and how you demonstrate those values.
• Reading through the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work in England will help you with this section of your personal statement

Details that are relevant to the application: e.g. previous training, work or life experience, placements, transferable skills and evidence of digital literacy skills 

• Do not worry if your experiences are not social work-related or even work-related as many skills are transferable to the social work role. Be specific as to how your experiences have affected your decision to apply for MA Social Work and being part of a caring profession.
• What are your relevant hobbies or interests or influential personal/professional experiences?
• Relate how your skills and experiences are transferable to the role of a social worker.
• Share any achievements you are proud of and how these relate to your chosen profession. 

Literacy Skill

• Make use of professional language
• Check spelling and grammar
• Think about the structure of your personal statement, does it flow well and have you responded to all the criteria required?

All applications should be supported by a second reference in addition to that supplied on your application form. 

We require a second reference for courses that lead to eligibility for professional registration; this is because they are academically challenging and involve working with the public. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that applicants are suitable for professional registration on graduation. As such, recruitment to these courses requires two good, recent references as part of the entry requirements.  

One of these references will be your reference provided on application. The second reference will be requested after acceptance of a place and will attest to your suitability to commence social work training, character, behaviour, and general ethics. 

In total we require an academic and an employer reference, but we understand that this may be difficult to supply if you have not recently been in education or employment- suggested alternatives may include: 

• Employers 
• Personal tutors 
• Mentors 
• Volunteer coordinators 
• Someone you have supported or cared for in a voluntary capacity 
• A faith or religious leaders 
• Club or group leaders i.e. sports or recreational groups you participate in 

You will be asked to supply this second reference as a condition of your offer. Once you have accepted your offer, you will then be asked to provide the details of your second referee, who will be sent the Second Reference Request Form.  

This form must be completed in full and returned to the Admissions Team in a timely manner so as not to delay any progress with the status of your application. Full details on how to complete and send the form will be sent once you have accepted your offer. 

At Leeds Trinity University, we are dedicated to selecting candidates who demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and values essential for a career in social work. As part of the admissions process for our Social Work programmes, you will be required to attend an interview. 

The interview is an opportunity for us to assess your understanding of social work as a profession, your commitment to supporting individuals and communities, and your readiness to undertake professional training. It also gives you the chance to showcase your motivation, interpersonal skills, and awareness of the challenges and rewards of a career in social work. 

To help you prepare for the interview, we will provide you with a Social Work article to write about. This designed to help us understand your ability to think critically and apply social work values. More information will be sent once you have booked your interview date and time. 

We also encourage all applicants to research key issues and trends in the field of social work. Websites such as Community Care and the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) are excellent resources for understanding the current landscape of social work practice and policy. 

During the interview, we will explore topics related to your personal values, experiences, and understanding of social work’s role in promoting social justice, safeguarding, and advocacy. Please be prepared to discuss your aspirations and reflect on how your previous experiences relate to the profession. 

We are looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your passion for making a difference in the lives of others.