Studies & Degrees in Social Work
Social Work Study Programs
Social work is both a profession and a university subject. The global definition approved in 2014 by the International Federation of Social Workers and the International Association of Schools of Social Work describes it as a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity are its central principles.
In practice, social workers assess the situation of a person, family or community, plan support with them and connect them with services. They work with children and families, older people, people with disabilities or mental health problems, migrants and people in poverty. Students learn social work theory and methods, social policy and law, psychology, sociology and research methods. Supervised placements in real services are a required part of every professional degree.
Qualifications and levels
Social work is a regulated or licensed profession in many countries, so the first thing to check is whether a degree gives access to practice in the country where you want to work.
- Spain. The qualification is the Grado en Trabajo Social, an official bachelor's degree of 240 ECTS credits taken over four academic years. At the Universidad de Oviedo the plan includes 18 ECTS credits of external placements and a final project of 6 ECTS credits, and teaching is in Spanish and English. The Universidad de Huelva offers the same 240 ECTS credits with pathways such as social intervention with families, immigration and diversity, and dependency and disability. Official master's degrees of 60 to 120 ECTS credits follow. The profession is organised in professional associations (colegios) under the Consejo General del Trabajo Social.
- United Kingdom. Qualifying degrees in England are approved by the regulator, Social Work England. The BA (Hons) Social Work at Anglia Ruskin University lasts three years and includes 170 days on placement in years 2 and 3; graduates are eligible to apply to register as social workers. London Metropolitan University states the same for its BSc (Hons) Social Work.
- United States. Social workers typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in social work (BSW or MSW), according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. They may also need a licence, and requirements vary by state. Clinical social workers need a master's degree, supervised clinical experience and a state licence.
- Australia. The Bachelor of Social Work at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) takes four years, includes two field placements of 1,000 hours in total and is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
- Latin America. Schools of social work also offer postgraduate study: the Universidad de Valparaíso in Chile, for example, has a Magíster en Trabajo Social Clínico.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 232 active schools for social work. The United States has 93, Spain 38, the United Kingdom 20 and Canada 10. Chile, Australia, Brazil and Argentina have five each, and Finland has four.
The language of instruction follows the country, and this matters more than in most subjects: placements take place in local services, with local users and under local law. In Spain the degree is taught in Spanish, sometimes with a few subjects in English. Schools in Spain include the Universidad de Oviedo, the Universidad de Cádiz and the Universidad de Huelva.
When comparing programmes, check these points:
- approval or accreditation by the national regulator or professional body
- the number of placement days or hours and where they take place
- specialisations (children and families, health, mental health, community work)
- whether the degree is recognised in the country where you plan to work; a foreign degree usually has to go through a recognition procedure before you can practise
Careers
Social workers are employed by local and regional government, social services, hospitals and health centres, schools, prisons and courts, and non-profit organisations. Common fields are child protection, family support, care of older people and people with disabilities, mental health and addiction, and work with migrants and refugees.
In the United States, social workers held about 816,100 jobs in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About half were child, family and school social workers (405,100), followed by healthcare social workers (194,800) and mental health and substance abuse social workers (138,900). The largest employer was state and local government, with 27 percent. The bureau projects employment to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a social work degree take?
Four years in Spain (Grado en Trabajo Social, 240 ECTS credits) and at UniSC in Australia, and three years for the BA at Anglia Ruskin University in England.
Do I need a licence or registration to work as a social worker?
In many countries, yes. In England graduates of approved courses apply to register with Social Work England. In the United States licence requirements vary by state. Ask the regulator or professional body of the country where you want to work.
Are placements compulsory?
Yes, in professional degrees. Examples are 170 days at Anglia Ruskin University, 1,000 hours at UniSC and 18 ECTS credits of external placements at the Universidad de Oviedo.
Can I work abroad with a social work degree?
Often, but not automatically. Because the profession is regulated nationally, a degree from another country normally has to be recognised first, and you need a good command of the local language.