Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Social Care, Justice and Recovery
Develop your capacity to respond to complex social needs. This broad degree will empower you to help people across a range of community practice settings.
Course overview
-
L514 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
As part of this course, you'll:
- Develop the skills and knowledge to support and safeguard vulnerable people, families and communities
- Mix academic study with practice to better understand and guide those in crisis
- Hone your communication and therapeutic skills within practical sessions
- Explore and analyse child and adult development, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues
- Learn about the different policies and frameworks behind community development, criminal justice, mental health and social care settings
- Explore psychological and sociological informed theories and approaches
- Examine contemporary issues that frequently make headline news, such as female genital mutilation, addiction and mental health
- Study relevant law and policy to inform your future practice
Developed in consultation with several welfare agencies, this degree has been created in response to the increasing diversification of community and social care services.
Hands-on experience
You'll practise your counselling and therapeutic techniques in simulated environments and take part in small group sessions to enhance your communication and negotiating skills. You'll also get the opportunity to apply your practice and legal knowledge to real life case studies.
Work related learning opportunities
You'll further enhance your expertise and bolster your career networks and prospects through work related learning opportunities, available in a range of social care and community contexts. You'll choose your own work related learning according to your interests, enabling you to enhance and develop a bespoke CV and be ready for the workplace upon graduation.
A rewarding future
With your broad academic grounding, practical experience and professional connections, you'll be prepared for a richly rewarding but challenging career supporting and protecting the vulnerable.
Global opportunities
The course takes a global outlook in your final year. We'll explore the impact of globalisation on practice as you learn to look further and link macro context to micro practice.
Study options
You'll share some modules with students from related courses, promoting multidisciplinary working and enabling you to learn about different areas of practice.
After you complete your first year, you'll have the opportunity to transfer to our BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People & Families course. If you choose to transfer, you won't need to repeat any modules.
Why study the BSc Social Care, Justice and Recovery course at Leeds Beckett University?
- 100% of students on BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*
- Fantastic work related learning opportunities - enhance your expertise and build a network working with local social care services
- Access specialist facilities - including simulated sessions to support the development of your essential skills prior to real-world practice
- Learn from experts - further your understanding of social care, environments and communities, guided by staff who engage in continuous research
- Build your understanding and knowledge of local authorities and organisations - you'll be guided by tutors who have significant experience and developed professional networks
- 100% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation**
*National Student Survey 2025
**Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 22-23
Social Care, Justice & Recovery at Leeds Beckett University Find out what the course is all about, how it ties together and applies topics spanning politics, sociology and psychology, and what sort of jobs you can expect to go into as a graduate.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
104
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104 points required.
(Minimum 64 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff. Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
Develop the academic and professional skills necessary to successfully complete the course and become competent practitioners in a social care setting. You will be introduced to a range of skills which include: study skills, reflection, communication, working to deadlines, management of self and independent learning.
Examine how politics impacts on everyday life and seek to gain an understanding of how globalisation affects and shapes political organisation(s) and this effect on young people, families and their communities.
Gain an understanding of the qualities and skills needed for effective communication and engagement skills for practice. You will explore key aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication and relate them to established therapeutic techniques and communication skills theory.
Study the knowledge concerning physical, psychological and psychosocial development across the human life course, in a political, cultural, economic and environmental context.
Develop your understanding of multiple inequalities and the way that these limit choices and opportunities for individuals, groups and communities. This engages you in contemporary debates that surround social justice, diversity and inequality in a broad inter disciplinary network of health, criminal justice, housing, addiction, and welfare services.
Explore the role of volunteers within an organisational framework. You will develop a range of interpersonal skills for use when working with individuals and groups, and informed by a set of value-based understandings. You will begin to understand and evaluate your learning journey in a work-related environment.
What you'll learn
You will develop enhanced communication skills methods within a group work setting. Study key theoretical and evidenced based approaches to group work intervention within a social context looking at interventions with young people, families and adults. You will explore, analyse and implement a range of approaches to group work in socially complex situations and with those experiencing social crises.
Reviews the legal and social policy drivers which govern the relationship between the state and its citizens. You will critically examine statutory state powers to intervene in private life and in communities when there are safeguarding concerns for Children, Young People and Adults at risk. A theoretical framework is explored to consider evidence based approaches to risk management and the professional responsibilities to 'Work Together' to respond to personal and community issues that pose a Safeguarding risk.
Study the basic approaches of social research, helping foster critical thinking and research skills, alongside the direct application of research ethics in practice.
Late modern society presents a myriad range of issues that require a nuanced understanding of social complexity. You will look at and analyse the contemporary issues and social complexity practitioners face within the community.
Explore current development in social and community enterprises by engaging in 120 hours of work-related learning. You will get the chance to volunteer in a social/community enterprise or another setting of your choice, such as an international volunteering opportunity, to meet these aims.
Option modules may include
Explore current debates and themes within the study of crime and justice. You'll understand how these impact on individuals, families and communities, and look at key relevant legal and policy drivers. This module will analyse how macro factors influence the contemporary practice landscape in which crime and justice are situated.
Explore the concept of community and examine the ideas, perspectives and approaches of critical thinkers and writers/practitioners. You will study contemporary issues that impact on communities such as Preventing Violent Extremism, Forced migration, Brexit, Poverty and Inequality and Environmental concerns. In a second section, you will investigate in more depth community development - both as a set of National Occupational Standards and as a distinctive practice that sits alongside youth work. Learn how to facilitate community research, collaborative partnership work and promote community learning that creates meaningful social change.
What you'll learn
Explore the concept of globalisation and locate global forces within contemporary practice. You will critically explore the impact of globalisation on local practice, with reference to themes such as economics, migration and conflict.
Advance your communication skills for working with socially complex services users experiencing social crises. You will explore the theory, evidence base and philosophical concepts behind established clinical and therapeutic intervention.
During this module, you'll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and practice skills to become a competent community practitioner. Progressing skills developed in year 2, you'll be encouraged to gain social care experience in a community setting through undertaking voluntary work or relevant employment.
Undertake a substantial piece of original, independent research, building on and focused on the topic or topics that are of particular interest to you and your chosen area of adult social care practice. You will be equipped with the research skills required to carry out supervised, independent research. The module lectures cover topics such as an introduction to the process of writing a dissertation, identifying relevant data sources and searching for literature.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Interpersonal Skills Suite including plenty of private rooms equipped with recording facilities.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Work-based learning / placement opportunities. You can choose a workplace location which is convenient for travel. Travel expenses thresholds are tiered dependent on the location of the placement. You can claim public transport receipted costs as follows: regional travel up to £300, national travel up to £500, international placement travel up to £750. You'll need to cover any costs above these limits.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or occupational health (OH) check. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fee, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate.
Optional Costs
- Overseas trips (maximum £200), costs will vary depending on course and location and could include visit, flight and accommodation.
- Books (£100) E-books available for some key texts.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Interpersonal Skills Suite including plenty of private rooms equipped with recording facilities.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
Essential Costs
- Work-based learning / placement opportunities. You can choose a workplace location which is convenient for travel. Travel expenses thresholds are tiered dependent on the location of the placement. You can claim public transport receipted costs as follows: regional travel up to £300, national travel up to £500, international placement travel up to £750. You'll need to cover any costs above these limits.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or occupational health (OH) check. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fee, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate.
Optional Costs
- Overseas trips (maximum £200), costs will vary depending on course and location and could include visit, flight and accommodation.
- Books (£100) E-books available for some key texts.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
4th
Leeds Beckett University Health Studies courses ranked 4th in England
100%
of students on BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Why Leeds for health? Employing over 196,000 health and science professionals, Leeds is the UK’s leading centre for healthcare and innovation. Find out why studying here is the right choice for you.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
100%
of BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*
The work experience element of the course has provided me with a set of skills I can now apply to my chosen career path. These skills include supporting vulnerable people and communicating with service users and colleagues.”
Aneela Sultan
BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery student
The course has allowed me to explore different ideas, concepts and theories clearly. Lecturers encourage all voices to be heard in the classroom which enables our knowledge and skills to grow and develop."
Oliver Bourke
BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery student
This course has taught me the foundations of how to successfully connect and work with people from all walks of life and within different professional environments.”
Talulla Cullen-Walsh
BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery student
Career Prospects
In the field of social care, there's a considerable demand for professionals with a broad spectrum of skills, knowledge, values and experience. We'll prepare you for a diverse range of careers in this landscape. You'll learn to understand and successfully negotiate with the complex, multi-layered welfare services and organisations in safeguarding people, families and communities. After you graduate, you can expect to go into a variety of roles, including:
- Recovery practitioner
- Criminal justice worker
- Family support worker
- Adult services practitioner
- Housing worker
This course provides you with a toolkit for practice, combining relevant skills, knowledge and experience. It will enable you to successfully engage with and make a positive difference to socially marginalised service users in complex community settings. This could be across a range of social care, criminal justice and recovery services.
Max Bell
Course Director
Max Bell
Course Director / School of Health
Max is Course Director for the BA Working with Children, Young People and Families and BSc Social Care, Justice and Recovery, and the MSc in Mental Health and Addiction programmes.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us. Find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice and Recovery Student Olivia talks about her experiences at Leeds Beckett University.
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Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
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