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Personal Statement:Social work 1 - The Student Room

Social work personal statement.

I have decided to take up the course in social work because firstly the subjects which I am doing sociology looks at people and society's problems, I have in this subject done work on family and at the moment doing religion, this has fascinated me to help people who are facing problems such as abuse in families. Secondly I have done personal study on this subject which I have enjoyed reading around in periodicals and journals which had fuelled my interest in gaining a more depth knowledge of working with different type of people and their problems. Thirdly I would like to take up a course which fascinates me and in which I will determined me too succeed and the challenge of working to deadlines

My part time job which is shop assistant helped develop my understanding of responsibility and has given me increased confidence also enabled me to act initiatively with dealing with unexpected problems and has helped to develop my communication skills . Working with the children in school has improved my interpersonal skills so that I can now work with children who can be awkward sometimes without any problems

As an individual I like keeping fit which I have a gym in my house, I also like listening to music and going out with mates which provides me a different environment from college and work, this gives me an opportunity to make new friend and meet new people. I also in my part time help my younger brother and sister with their homework or I sometimes learn from my mum how to sew clothes

General Comments:

This statement does have some good points, especially explaining what experience they have.

However, a lot of work needs to be done to the structure, grammar and writing style. It does not read very well because words are used in the wrong place or context throughout. This statement will not demonstrate the level of English required for a degree. It should also be remembered that this is a professional statement, so words like 'mates' should not be used.

This sounds like an early draft of what could be a successful personal statement, but despite its content, universities may well not look beyond the mistakes in the writing.

Comments on the statement:

I have decided to take up - you are applying, you haven't got a place yet the course in social work because firstly the subjects which I am doing sociology looks at people and society's problems, I have in this subject done work on family and at the moment doing religion, this has fascinated me to help people who are facing problems such as abuse in families. Secondly I have done personal study on this subject which I have enjoyed reading around in periodicals and journals which had fuelled my interest in gaining a more depth knowledge of working with different type of people and their problems. Thirdly I would like to take up a course which fascinates me and in which I will determined me too succeed and the challenge of working to deadlines - studying social work is about being a social worker, and gaining a professional qualification. You need to show that you are dedicated to that, not applying for it because it fits with your current subjects

Whilst in the sixth form I have been involved in a scheme which aimed to provide children entering school with a low reading age, with the help their required to improve their reading levels. I also at in my private time tend to go to old people house who are disabled because one of my close relative is there also this house is opposite my house so I go in and talk to different people and talk or play games with them - this section is written very badly and doesn't make sense. It also doesn't matter where the house is, but you do need to say more about what you do there, and much more importantly, what you have got out of it. . This is another reason why I want to do this course because I have some experience of what I will be facing in this course, it won't be shock to me at first time round because I know in social work you get people who are hard to handle especially youngsters - this is a stereotype and it doesn't sound like you are speaking from experience. Be very careful with sweeping statements, don't say anything unless you can also justify/explain it. My part time job which is a shop assistant helped develop my understanding of responsibility and has given me increased confidence also enabled me to act initiatively - as far as I know, this isn't actually a word - with dealing with unexpected problems and has helped to develop my communication skills . Working with the children in school has improved my interpersonal skills so that I can now work with children who can be awkward sometimes without any problems - more depth is needed, an explanation of particular responsibilities you have had, how you have dealt with problems, what personal qualities you have that you can bring to social work.

As an individual I like keeping fit which is why I have a gym in my house, I also like listening to music and going out with mates which provides me a different environment from college and work, this gives me an opportunity to make new friend and meet new people. I also in my part time help my younger brother and sister with their homework or I sometimes learn from my mum how to sew clothes - just listing these isn't enough. Analysis and reflection is needed, relating back to social work.

As an applicant, I will bring with me an enthusiasm and motivation for this subject. My ethics background and cultural awareness should allow me to become and integrated yet individual of a university member in an increasingly cosmopolitan society. - this is another paragraph that is written badly. As well as the grammar mistakes, there needs to be more detail on why you would be an asset for the university. As it is the last paraphrah it also needs to round off appropriately and leave the reader with a lasting positive impression. ---

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Social Work Personal Statement Example 17

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. This is a quote that has always meant so much to me, especially when I was faced with many problems in my life. I have always had a great interest in helping and working with others, as far back as I can remember. Facing my own personal problems at the tender age of six made me insightful beyond my years. My own mother had an alcohol problem and when my parents divorced my father gained custody of my siblings and me. As the eldest child I grew up fast, I helped care for my brother and sisters on a daily basis.

My childhood involved a lot of social workers and court interventions that helped me gain an understanding of how social workers can intervene and help. It helped me develop empathy and sensitivity towards others, essential skills that a social worker requires. My personal problems made me determined to become a social worker and use my own experiences to help others facing similar difficulties.

I am currently in my second year of my Access diploma in Social Sciences. I studied sociology as one of my subjects last year. I really enjoyed this subject and especially enjoyed carrying out my coursework research on family diversity. I also previously studied Health and social care and covered a wide range of topics that relate to social work. I have previously worked at a children’s indoor play centre, a nursing home and home help. I am currently on voluntary placement in a disability centre. This has allowed me to cover a wide range of social services areas and it has given me a taste of each field I will be covering in a Social Work Degree. Working in each of these fields has helped me understand how to show respect and integrity to every individual I work with. I am a non- judgemental person and realise that different people face different problems.

I have researched Social work to a great extent to allow me to fully understand how complex a job within this area will be. I accessed the NISC and read up on practice policies as well as speaking to my auntie who has 20years experience as a social worker. I found that Social work will require honesty, the ability to problem solve, determination as well as a lot of patience and perseverance. These are all qualities I gained through personal and work experience and that make me ideal for this degree. I am committed and work well under pressure, completing my first year in my access diploma while pregnant and returning to my second year four weeks after having my son is one example.

I enjoy spending my spare time with my children, this always helps me relax and unwind after a very stressful day as they always put a smile on my face. I am part of my local Sure Start parent and toddler group that provides brilliant opportunities for individuals in deprived areas. I recently completed the baby massage course with my youngest son and I will be completing a nurture course soon that will provide me with extra skills needed for working with children. I have also completed a course in suicide prevention, an area that has unfortunately torn many families apart. These have all given me experience of what social work entails.

I want to study Social work as I want to use my professional knowledge and skills to help people make the most of their own abilities and empower them to be the best they can be. I want to assist people in solving their own problems as well as empowering them to develop skills so that they can do it themselves. Working in Social Services will allow me to devote my time and skills to help people function to the best of their abilities. Becoming a Social worker would not be just a career to me, it would be a vocation.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by bambieyes87 for application in 2012.

bambieyes87's Comments

I sent this personal statement to Ucas and received word back for a second personal statement for social work. I then forwarded my second statement and received an interview. I attended my interview on 23rd and have not heard any word yet. They said no news is good news and a couple of girls in my year have already received rejection letters. fingers crossed!!!

Related Personal Statements

I received word at end of.

Tue, 01/05/2012 - 09:52

I received word at end of April from two universities offering me conditional offers for social work. I ended up the only one from my access course gaining a place. Hope this personal statement is of some help :)

Congratulations and good luck

Fri, 21/09/2012 - 13:39

Congratulations and good luck x

Excellent personal statement.

Sat, 08/12/2012 - 17:39

Excellent personal statement. I've just finished mine. Yours was great to give me a guideline. Why did you have to do second personal statement?

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Personal statement advice: social work

Applying to university

Social work personal statement basics

According to University Campus Suffolk social work admissions tutor Martin Fookes, talking about your personality should not be the dominant feature of your personal statement. It’s your understanding of what social work is all about, and how you reflect on your experiences, skills, and prior reading that will indicate whether or not you are sufficiently well-prepared.

Here are some more tips gathered from tutors (with special thanks to staff at Anglia Ruskin, Leeds, Portsmouth, and Sheffield Hallam Universities, and University Campus Suffolk). You won't be able to cover them all, but they will help you to focus your application, or perhaps to see what you need to do to strengthen it.

Your knowledge of social work

Relevant work and extra-curricular experience

The right skills and qualities for social work

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Social Work

Top reasons to study with us

2nd for Social Work

The Complete University Guide (2023)

3rd for Social Work

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2023)

Joint #1 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Social Work), Complete University Guide (2023)

Why Lancaster?

Everything you need to start a career in social work is here – inspiring lecturers, support tailored to your needs and insight into the issues impacting social work today in the UK. As part of our welcoming community, you’ll always have someone to turn to for support and advice throughout your coursework and placements.

Small close-knit cohort

Our course is accredited by Social Work England (SWE), and you’ll develop the skills and experience employers in this area need. An important part of your study will be your two practice placements. You’ll get hands-on experience within different organisations such as local authorities, Barnardo's or Age Concern.

Providing individualised support is important to us. That’s why we keep our social work cohort small. It means we can get to know you. It also means we’ll try to match your placement to your area of interest, whether that’s in youth offending, children and family intervention, or another area of social work.

Shape the future of social work

Our teaching team aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced social workers, advocates and change-makers. Some of the team carry out research, while others are practising social workers working in statutory sector services and charities.

Our team of experts contribute to national policy and practice discussions around vital areas like online child sexual abuse risk, family justice and youth resilience. We aim to inspire you to follow in our footsteps and become a part of a new generation of social workers who value human rights and social justice.

Your department

Social Work at Lancaster University

With personalised support and a valuable mix of practice and theory, see where your Social Work journey at Lancaster University could take you.

Course accreditation

This programme is accredited by Social Work England.

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll be eligible to apply to join the register as a professional social worker in England.

Most of our graduates go on to positions as social workers within local councils, the NHS, the private sector, charities and voluntary agencies. Some continue with their studies and complete a postgraduate degree.

Your degree will open doors across a whole range of areas:

If you want to pursue further research instead of going into Social Work practice, you might decide to look into postgraduate degrees in Sociology, Social Policy and Research.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring that you gain a highly reputable degree. We are also dedicated to ensuring that you graduate with relevant life and work-based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award, which offers you the opportunity to complete activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development.

Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry Requirements

Grade requirements.

Each year we accept a wide range of entry qualifications including BTECs, A levels, and Access to HE Diplomas. Applicants must also meet specific English requirements, and we accept a wide range of qualifications that meet these. We also want to ensure that you have some relevant understanding before studying with us, and so your personal statement must highlight either experience of voluntary or paid work in a social service or welfare setting, personal experience with such support, or engagement with a topic related to social work that you have either studied at school or college, or have researched online. There is further information below but please contact us if you have any questions.

A Level BBB

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Merit

Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject with 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit

International Baccalaureate 30 points overall with 15 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects

English Requirements

GCSE English Language grade C or 4

We will accept other qualifications in English including O level grade C, CSE grade1, Functional Skills Level 2 Pass.

English language requirements (if English is not your native language)

IELTS 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages. Please check with the admissions office for the higher grade equivalents required.

Candidates with appropriate qualifications will be invited to take part in one of our interview days, where applicants can learn more about our programme, and complete assessments that inform our final decision, such as an individual interview and a written test.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

All members of social work courses are required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check, which will reveal details of any cautions or convictions. Whilst a caution or conviction may not be a barrier to accessing the programme, some agencies may refuse to provide placements to students with convictions. If they do this, we will be unable to register you on the course. You will also be required to declare if you have ever been subject to any disciplinary action, or if you have ever been subject to an allegation involving child protection issues and/or the abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults. Failure to declare is viewed very seriously and will normally result in students being asked to withdraw from the course.

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via [email protected]

Course Structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and others which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism. We divide academic study into two sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). For most programmes Part 1 requires you to study 120 credits spread over at least three modules which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects. A higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster please visit our Teaching and Learning section.

The following courses do not offer modules outside of the subject area due to the structured nature of the programmes: Architecture, Law, Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Sports and Exercise Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine and Biomedical Science.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research.

This module challenges you to think about why some private troubles become public concerns or social problems while others do not. It considers how certain issues are constructed as ‘problems’ and the factors that contribute to this. It helps you to understand more about both why we study social problems and the various ways in which we can do so.

Throughout the module we explore broad historical and contemporary responses to social problems. In particular, we will seek to understand how contemporary social problems reflect and reproduce economic and social inequalities and how those inequalities are constructed through different welfare ideologies and approaches.

This full-year module is organised into different ‘blocks’ underpinned by key themes, such as: need, community, citizenship, rights, and equality and social justice. We look, for example, at research and conceptual ideas that can help us understand poverty in contemporary society: we explore different ways of defining and measuring poverty, explanations of why people are poor, how the state attempts to tackle poverty and how it impacts upon the lives of individuals.

Are social workers agents of the state – or defenders of human rights? Or could they be both? Setting the foundation for your social work practice, this module explores the role of a social worker, considers the policy framework in which social work operates, and develops your awareness of the tensions and challenges inherent in social work practice.

It introduces you to a variety of social work settings and areas of practice with individuals, families, groups and communities, and familiarises you with established and innovative social work processes.

We explore the legal, ethical and value-based foundations of social work practice, and encourage you to reflect on how these relate to your own experience. We examine ethical and cultural issues involved in practice, and working with difference and diversity – within an ethos of anti-discriminatory practice. You begin to consider your skills development and how your skills might map to the professional standards and frameworks set out for social work practice.

We also examine legislation affecting each of the different areas of social work, and case studies are used to help you take a critical approach to how the law is applied in practice.

Tutors and contributors to this module have wide experience of a range of social work settings, and during the workshops you will have the opportunity to talk with people with first-hand experience of both delivering and receiving care.

In this module we explore the challenges facing young people in the UK today, particularly those involved with the criminal justice system. Youth justice has been a contentious area of social policy for many years, and the contemporary situation is no different, with the national and local policy formulations posing particular considerations for social work within the values, ethics, skills, and methods which are so important to it, within a multi-professional and multi-agency setting.

The module seeks to draw out the particular features of a system which contains within it a variety of identifiable views on the causes of youth offending, and various means to deal with the problems which the young people themselves might face, and problems which they may present to others.

Social work is a messy, unpredictable, complex and intangible activity. This is because it is tied up with human emotions and emotions are very difficult to explain, quantify, objectify or fit into neat boxes. Actively engaging and using the emotions involved, both in terms of the practitioner and service user, enables a deeper social work approach to take place and enables the forming of relationships. Such relationships can then be used as the tool themselves to bring about positive changes for children and families who are receiving intervention from youth justice social workers.

Social workers working within the youth justice system know through their experience what is most likely to be effective in meeting the aims of the system – that is prevention of offending. To achieve this means real questions need to be asked about the effectiveness of the technical-rational risk focused approach of the current youth justice system in favour of a system which adopts the principles of Munro (2011). Such a system empowers social workers to actively use critically reflective and reflexive practice and supports the use of self to build powerful social work relationships with the vulnerable children they work with.

This module focuses upon developing your understanding of the contribution that social work can make to the lives of disabled and older people who use adult social care services or who may be in need of support.

Its starting point is that concepts such as the social model of disability, independent living and personalisation are ways of thinking as well as doing. This requires social workers to understand the philosophy and principles that underpin ways of delivering support and that enable choice and control for people who use services.

This module helps you to appreciate how working effectively in partnership with service users and the wider community around them requires social workers to understand the legacy of paternalistic, oppressive and dependency cultures in creating ways of understanding the problems of disability and old age, and the forms of provision that these understandings have led to.

This module builds on the module Social Work Practice 1, and continues the process of preparing you to demonstrate your readiness for practice, through critical examination of the social work knowledge base.

The module examines the contested nature of social work knowledge by considering differing theoretical perspectives and how different theories of knowledge come about. It introduces you to methods and theories of social work, and the importance of use of self, reflexivity and critical thinking to practice.

The classroom sessions also include guest speaker input from both practitioners and service users, enabling you to learn directly from their experience.

The module gives you the opportunity to build on the knowledge, values and skills you have developed during your first placement and to reflect on the learning and feedback you have gained from the practice context. Importantly, it is about helping you to be not simply a passive recipient of knowledge but more aware of how you can apply that knowledge actively within your own practice.

This 70 day placement in the private, voluntary or independent sector provides professional learning, personal development and assessment, complemented by skills development sessions. It is assessed through a practice assignment and portfolio.

This module helps you to apply a wide range of knowledge and skills to help build family relationships, resource and resilience so that the welfare of the child remains paramount. You will learn the latest child care law, policy and statutory guidance, and how to think critically about the assumptions, language and practices that underpin ‘risk’ assessments and social work practice relating to child care.

We explore the role played by developmental psychology in shaping concepts of childhood within welfare and protection practices. We also consider child harm and crimes against children and the problematic nature of child-rearing practices in conditions of poverty, isolation, single parenthood and cultural diversity.

You are introduced to key elements of effective practice, with a particular focus on how to safeguard and engage children and families – especially when the social worker also has to balance the often competing interests of parent and child and to deal with the challenges of multi-agency working.

The importance of timely assessment and intervention to prevent family breakdown is also stressed, as is the need for care planning and partnership working with parents whose children have become subject to legal proceedings. You will study court structures, roles and processes relevant to child care social work.

The module exposes you to the latest research, including analysis of serious case reviews, enabling you to demonstrate a high level of skill in evidence based, effective social work approaches to helping children and families which support change.

How can social workers know that their decision-making is informed by the best possible evidence? How prepared are they to defend the evidence on which they rely to service users and other professionals in court or in case conferences?

Whilst there are many forms of evidence, one important source is that of research. Social Work’s Professional Capabilities Framework and the HCPC Standards of Proficiency both insist that research and research-mindedness is central to confident and effective social work practice. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s subject benchmark statement for Social Work also emphasises the importance of social workers having the skills to engage with research and employ knowledge from research in their practice.

This module is designed to give you the opportunity to develop the skills and attributes needed to become a practitioner who understands and can demonstrate the value of research evidence for practice, can critically appraise different forms of evidence and interpret complex and sometimes conflicting findings, and can apply research appropriately in your own practice.

The module also supports your ability to develop and apply the skills necessary to undertake independent study for your dissertation.

This module enables you to explore in some depth a social-work-related topic of your choice by undertaking a coherent and logical review of a relevant piece of literature relating to your chosen topic. It thus demonstrates and extends the knowledge and skills you have developed through other modules and through your placement experience.

You start thinking seriously about your dissertation during the summer term of Year 2 when there are two briefing sessions which help you to produce a dissertation rationale. After you have been allocated a supervisor, you then agree a plan of study before the end of the summer term. In the final briefing session, at the beginning of Year 3, the focus is on structure, writing strategies and how to produce a chapter plan.

The assessment of the dissertation examines whether you are able to produce a coherent and substantial piece of writing on a chosen issue, draw on and evaluate research evidence and other relevant literature, and address critically the policy and practice context of contemporary social work.

Mental health is an increasingly complex area of social work practice, due to competing rights and sanctions, fast-paced legal change and controversial case law precedents. The boundaries between lawful and unlawful practice are not easily identifiable, which presents a challenge for social work – especially given our duty as social workers to defend people’s human rights.

This module is designed to enable you to develop a critical understanding of the nature of contemporary mental health services, and the associated legislative, policy and practice context. It emphasises the importance of alternative constructions of mental health, as opposed to the dominance of the medical model, and asserts the importance of service user expertise.

The module concludes by re-evaluating the role of social work in mental health services and considering implications for future practice.

This module focuses on transitions in complex times: from the transitions that we all face across the life course to those which contextual factors, including service boundaries, impose; from students' transitions in to social work employment, to those which result from broader shifts in identity and perspective. In preparing to change, individuals have to manage complexity and uncertainty, which is exacerbated by limited socio- economic resources. In conditions of austerity, options to respond to individual and communities become ever more restricted; how can newly qualified social workers maintain the ethics and values of the profession whilst operating within techno-rational organisational systems? How, in that context, can a student hold an empathic position about difficult social circumstances? The module aims to help students understand how to balance competing priorities without creating undue personal and professional stress.

This 100 day placement prepares you for the statutory aspect of the social work role, and gives you the opportunity to gain practical insight into the legal context of social work. It is assessed through a practice assignment and portfolio.

Fees and Funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2024/25 entry fees have not yet been set.

As a guide, our fees in 2023/24 were:

Additional costs for this course

For social work students ordinarily resident in England, there are normally bursaries available through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). Information for your entry year, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the NHSBSA website (www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/social-work-students). Further information about criteria that we use to allocate NHS bursaries is provided at interview days and upon request by emailing us. Travel costs may be incurred in getting to Social Work placements. The amount will vary depending on the location of the placement but students may be able to claim a placement travel allowance from the NHS or a contribution from the agency offering the placement towards the cost of travel. Social Work students may need to pay for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or for appropriate attire for placements. Following graduation, there is a fee to register with Social Work England in order to work as a qualified social worker.

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities.

For students starting in 2022 and 2023, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2024 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

Study abroad courses

In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.

Placement and industry year courses

In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2024-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2023-entry applicants as guidance.

Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries .

Download the course booklet to find out more about Lancaster University, how we teach Social Work and what you'll study as a Social Work student.

Social Work at Lancaster

Funding and support

From funding to personal support, we are here to help during your study and placements.

Meet our team

Find out more about some of the people you will meet in our friendly and diverse department.

Your first year studying Social Work

Our degree is unique because you can choose a complementary subject alongside social work in your first year.

How social work improves lives

Our high quality research helps us move the social work profession forward.

Your placements and career

Excellent quality placements and a great reputation among employers set our graduates apart

Undergraduate open days 2023

Our summer open days give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.

two students sitting and reading on some outdoor steps

A tour of the Campus

Join Meenal and Vlad as they take you on a tour of the Lancaster University campus. Discover the learning facilities, accommodation, sports facilities, welfare, cafes, bars, parkland and more.

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The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

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What to include in a Personal Statement

Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement examples social work personal statements.

We've collected a list of Social Work templates from students who have been accepted at university on Social Work related courses.

Social Work Personal Statements

Submitted by anonymous

BSc Social Sciences Personal Statement

Human behaviour is complex and constantly evolving. Since studying A ...

Submitted by Lola

Social Science Personal Statement

I want to study Sociology at a higher, more advanced level. The reas...

Submitted by Anisa

Social Science (Foundation) Personal Statement

After researching all areas of law, criminal law is one of the aspect...

Social Work Personal Statement Advice

A Social Work personal statement is an essential part to your UCAS application. Every single student has to complete a personal statement. This gives universities the chance to see what kind of person you are and to gauge just how interested and passionate you are about the subject you're applying for. In terms of what your Social Work personal statement should be about, you should treat this as a chance to convey just how passionate you are about the subject and why you would be an asset to the university. Before writing a Social Work personal statement, you should take a look at some Social Work personal statement examples beforehand to gauge an idea of what you should include and what the structure and tone of the statement should be. Your personal statement is only 4,000 characters long, so make sure that you are using that character count to the best of your ability. With regards to what to include in a Social Work personal statement, you should make sure you talk about the things that make you tick. You should talk about your passions, your interests and what your career goals are. These things are essential for a Social Work personal statement and universities will be looking out for them, so make sure you mention them!

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How to write a personal statement

Want to know how to write a personal statement? If the prospect of writing about yourself for your UCAS application feels like the hardest thing in the world, you’re not alone.

Writing a UCAS personal statement may seem like a mammoth task right now, so we recommend you start off by breaking it into more manageable chunks. Break it up into sections and approach them one at a time – you don't necessarily have to fully write up any of your paragraphs, in fact we advise that you brainstorm ideas before putting pen to paper.

But should you make the opening line really exciting? Should it be about you or the course? Are you worried you might be saying the same thing as everyone else? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! We have boiled down your top seven questions with examples from real students.

1. When should you start a personal statement?

The UCAS deadline is 25 January for 2023 entry so it’s good to get started before Christmas so you can enjoy the holidays. Our student Ella Squires advises to start early! “I had exams in January so it was important for me to complete my statement and send it off as early as possible!

You can still apply through UCAS after 25 January up until 30 June, however some of our courses may be full.

2. How long should a personal statement be?

The personal statement should be one to two pages long. You have a maximum of 47 lines or 4,000 characters to work with so use short, concise sentences and delete any unnecessary words. This is all the space UCAS give you on their online application system to show off that you’re a great student – so don’t worry if it takes you’re a good few redrafts until you’re happy with it.

3. How do you start the opening line in a personal statement?

The most effective opening sentences are simple, to the point and personal to you. Think about what made you pick the subject and what you enjoy the most about it. Remember showing your interest and enthusiasm in the course is the biggest thing. Start with why you chose it, then try and summarise this in one or two sentences. But be careful, avoid overused opening sentences, quotes and clichés like ‘when I was young…’ They want to know about you now, not your childhood or Shakespeare!

Top 10 opening clichéd lines

"From a young age I have (always) been…" and most of these continued "interested in" or "fascinated by". 1,779 applicants "For as long as I can remember I have..." 1,451 applicants "I am applying for this course because..." 1,370 applicants

Here’s some better lead sentences from our students:

“I am applying for a place to study social work because I have always wanted to be able to make a difference to people's lives. With social work I believe I can do this in a caring and supportive way.”

“When deciding what I should study at university, I came to, what was for me, a natural conclusion: History. I find myself constantly astounded and inspired by history and I have never found another subject as exhilarating and interesting. My personal interests lie mainly in Early Modern and Modern History.”

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4.What should you include in a personal statement apart from your studies?

Example from one of our students:

"I have the skills and determination to succeed on this course. After six months working as an intern in my summer holidays, I knew I wanted to train to be a journalist. This course will fulfill my dreams".

5. How do you structure a personal statement?

Write a plan. Planning is a great way to get your thoughts and ideas in order and make sure you don’t miss any crucial information. Answering these questions will help you: Why do you want to study the course? What have you done that makes you suitable for the course? What else have you done that makes you somebody who will contribute to the course and to the university? Make sure you structure your personal statement with an 80/20 percentage split: 80 per cent academic experience and 20 per cent social experience.

6. How do you end a personal statement?

In your conclusion, just round-up all the evidence you have given in your statement so far to show your knowledge, skills and experiences. Specify not only why you want to study the subject you’re applying for but also why it will help you succeed in the future. Make sure you don’t waffle and keep it simple.

"Studying at university has been my ambition for many years. I find immense enjoyment in reading and researching History and believe that, in the future, I am confident that I will be very successful in inspiring and encouraging others to study the subject".

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Download for free: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Statements

Not sure how to write your personal statement? Download your free guide which includes real examples from our students.

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Social work personal statements
My TSR · University · Personal statements. Social work personal statements. A-Z of articles. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S.
Personal Statement:Social work 1
As an applicant, I will bring with me an enthusiasm and motivation for this
Social Work Personal Statement Examples
Our social work personal statements will inspire you to write your own unique statement, and help you understand how students have successfully applied for
Social Work Personal Statement Example 17
I want to study Social work as I want to use my professional knowledge and skills to help people make the most of their own abilities and empower them to be the
Writing a social work personal statement (With FAQ and tips)
Learn about writing a social work personal statement for a cover letter or university application and explore steps and tips to help you
Social Work Personal Statement Advice
Writing a personal statement for social work? We asked social work admissions tutors how you can convince them that you are right for the course.
Social Work BA Hons (L500)
We also want to ensure that you have some relevant understanding before studying with us, and so your personal statement must highlight either experience of
Social Work Personal Statement Examples
PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES Social Work Personal Statements. We've collected a list of Social Work templates from students who have been accepted at
How to start a personal statement
Most students find that starting a personal statement is the hardest part, ... Voluntary work: This can include peer mentoring and being a prefect.
How to write a personal statement
Here's some better lead sentences from our students: “I am applying for a place to study social work because I have always wanted to be able to make a