Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Admission Interview Guidance
Thank you for your interest in our BA Hons / MA Social Work. The information provided here will assist you in preparing for your interview and will give you an idea of what to expect.
Do remember that an interview is a two way process and that you should treat the interview as an opportunity to ask the course team questions.
You will receive a case example to read in preparation for discussion in your interview and you will be asked questions relating to the content of this example.
When preparing for your interview, we would advise you to consider the expectations outlined on the Professional Capability Framework: Point of entry to training, which can be found online at https://new.basw.co.uk/training-cpd/professional-capabilities-framework/point-entry-training.
We recommend that you complete some reading and research about social work as a profession before your interview, and would suggest the following resources:
- The British Association of Social Workers is the UK’s professional membership organisation for social workers. Their website includes a range of free materials, such as this collection of anti-racism resources- www.new.basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/anti-racism-resources-basw-england, as well as a podcast series- www.basw.co.uk/training-cpd/lets-talk-social-work-podcast
- Community Care is a website which helps social workers stay up to date with the latest developments in practice and can be found at www.communitycare.co.uk/
- Siobhan Maclean is a social worker, author and trainer whose YouTube channel includes lots of resources for social work students- https://www.youtube.com/@siobhanmaclean9614/videos
The following books would also be useful:
- Banks, S. (2006). Ethics and Values in Social Work.
- Howe, D. (2009) A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory.
- Trevithick, P. (2005). Social Work Skills: A Practice Handbook. (Available via Google scholar).
- Thompson, N. (2020). Understanding Social Work.
The date and start time of the selection session are those agreed with you, and confirmed via email. You will receive an email prior to the event with an MS Teams link to your interview.
Your interview will be held online using MS Teams. If you haven’t received your link prior to your interview, please check your spam/junk emails first and then contact us on 0113 812 3113.
Access to MS Teams will differ depending on the type of device you will be using. If you will be using a desktop computer or laptop to attend your interview, you should be able to attend simply by clicking on the link sent out via email. If you are using a smart phone or tablet you will need to download the free MS Teams app prior to your interview before being able to access the given link. If you have a headset, we advise that it is used with the device you will be logging into the interview with.
You will be required to have your camera turned on during your interview, so please check this is working prior to your interview.
Your interview session will consist of a one-to-one interview led by a member of staff from the social work course team. There may also be a social work practitioner or person with lived experience who is part of your panel.
At the start of the interview you will need to show your interviewer a form of photographic ID, such as your passport, driving licence or school/college ID card. Please have your ID available and camera turned on at the start of the interview to avoid delays.
You will be informed of your interview outcome via email.
We welcome any requests for reasonable adjustments in the interview process and if this is something that you feel you need, please email ucasadmissons@leedsbeckett.ac.uk as far in advance as possible, letting us know about support that you might need to be able to perform your best. We would also encourage you to feel able to discuss any relevant aspects of your identity with the panel if you choose to. It is important that you have all the information that you need to help you to make the decision about where to study.
Equality and Diversity
We believe that opportunities for study at university should be provided to all of those who can demonstrate that they have the existing skills, knowledge and experience required. We are proud to celebrate diversity, and we are committed to supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds who have diverse identities and personal characteristics. Each cohort of students typically includes learners of different ages and from a range of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. We welcome applications from people experiencing neurodiversity, diversity in gender identity or sexuality, people from any socioeconomic background and people who are care experienced or estranged. This commitment is in keeping with the values of social work as a profession and is a focus of our teaching throughout the course. Our admissions policies, procedures and staff training reflect these beliefs. You can read our Equality and Inclusion policy online at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/equality-and-inclusion/.
You can apply to live in University accommodation as long as you have selected Leeds Beckett University. Further details about the accommodation the University has to offer and how to apply can be found on our website:
We will send you further details about completing a DBS (formerly Criminal Record Bureau) enhanced check and the occupational health screening questionnaire. The health screening process will establish your immunisation status. Once you have started the course, you will receive any additional immunisations needed to comply with the requirements of healthcare professionals.
Useful Contact Details
The Admissions Team is based at Headingley Campus. If you have any questions prior to or following your interview, please contact:
0113 812 3113
Our Accommodation Office will be pleased to assist you if you are interested in finding accommodation in Leeds for the duration of your studies. The office can be contacted as follows:
0113 812 5972
The University has a team of staff who can offer advice and guidance to applicants on a range of issues, including disability advice and student money advice:
