Social and Community Studies

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Help transform your community

Social and Community Studies brings together a dynamic and interdisciplinary team dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of social systems and the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Our academic portfolio encompass a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and degree apprenticeship programs, preparing students to become skilled and compassionate professionals.

Through hands-on learning opportunities, students and apprentices are immersed in diverse community settings, gaining invaluable experience in collaboration, critical thinking, and advocacy. In addition to our teaching, the Social and Community Studies subject area is at the forefront of impactful research, with a strong international reputation in areas of public health, social work and social policy.

Our research influences practice, shapes public discourse, and informs policy decisions, addressing contemporary challenges such as mental health, inequality, and the social determinants of health.

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Our mission is to inspire our students and apprentices to drive positive change, enhance individual lives and strengthen communities. Through an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and social justice, we prepare graduates who are ready to make a meaningful difference, both locally and globally.

Our curriculum is grounded in real-world practice and theoretical rigor, with well-respected courses relating to Social Work, Public Health, Play Work, Youth Work, Counselling and Mental Health, and Children Young People and Families. These courses are designed to equip students and apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge to respond to societal challenges, from supporting vulnerable individuals to leading health initiatives and shaping social policies.

Professor James Woodall Head of Subject

your student experience

From our hands-on training to our partnerships with local organisations and charities, you'll graduate with the practical experience to shine in your career. You'll be trained and supported by experienced practitioners, and hone your skills in facilities such as our simulated housing, hospital and courtroom spaces.

In my roles as youth worker and social worker, children and families allowed me to be close to them at the most vulnerable and challenging times of their life which I deemed to be a privilege.

Shirleecia Ward Senior Lecturer

4th

Leeds Beckett University Health Studies courses ranked 4th in England

National Student Survey 2025

BLOG School of Health

The school's partnership with Leeds City Council means there are lots of opportunities for interesting placements

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By Tom Creasey

100%

of BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*

*Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 22-23

The facilities are also great at Leeds Beckett and the campus is easy to navigate around. I am so glad I decided to return to Leeds Beckett as a Masters student.

Deirdre MA Social Work

90%

of BA (Hons) Social Work graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*

*Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 22-23

BLOG School of Health

I chose this course as I have a passion for safeguarding children

By Latoyah Louise Wong

My favourite thing about my time studying at Leeds Beckett is being lucky enough to physically go out on to placement at The Big Swing...which gave me an insight into how play provision is provided in deprived areas.

Georgia BA (Hons) Childhood Development and Playwork

BLOG School of Health

Working as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities inspired me to become a social worker

By Niamh Hanlon

Tracy Lambert, MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health

I feel I have had the opportunity to be taught by very committed lecturers who were willing to challenge your perspective in a strong way, whilst respecting your own interpretations and stance within the research undertaken.

Tracy MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Get to know our courses

Whether you're looking to enter a front-line role or to develop deeper research, you'll find a course that inspires you at Leeds Beckett.

MSc

Public Health - Health Promotion

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PG Cert

Public Health - Health Promotion

PG Dip

Public Health - Health Promotion

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more about our courses

Accredited by

BSc (Hons)

Therapeutic Counselling (Top-Up)

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BSc (Hons)

Counselling and Mental Health

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DipHE

Therapeutic Counselling

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Integrative Counselling

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Integrative Counselling (Top-Up)

Health & Community Studies students in discussion the Communications Suite

MSc

Mental Health and Addiction

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PG Cert

Interpersonal and Counselling Skills

A student listens to a discussion within a seminar

PG Dip

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Female student looks up from her notebook

PG Cert

Mental Health Practice

MSc

Applied Mental Health Practice

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more about our courses

BSc (Hons) Counselling and Mental Health | Student view Student Cherise talks about her experiences of studying at Leeds Beckett University.

Counselling and mental health with image of woman

BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Counselling | Student view Student Elka Sykes talks about her experience of studying at Leeds Beckett University.

Therapeutic counselling with image of woman

PG Cert Interpersonal and Counselling Skills Postgraduate Course Director Paul Nicholson discusses our part time courses

Interpersonal and counselling skills with image of man

PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy PG Dip Counselling and Psychotherapy student Amanda talks about her experiences at Leeds Beckett

Counselling and psychotherapy with image of woman

"We work consciously to represent and address diversity, issues and debates within the mental health and counselling field to encourage our students to develop an open-minded, inclusive practice and to become positive role models and leaders in the field."

Maryam Riaz Senior Lecturer
"Dissemination/sharing research can be just as important as writing it, but the process can be pretty mysterious. The staff on the course were active in the research community and well informed of how to break into the research world."

Andrew Kidd MA Psychotherapy
"Whilst the university will help direct you, there are several elements that you will need to organise – such as arranging a professional supervisor, finding a placement, and arranging personal therapy."

Chris Hodgson PG Dip Counselling and Psychotherapy (2019), MA Psychotherapy (2020)

Join the conversation and keep up to date with the latest activities around Psychological Therapies and Mental Health from within Leeds School of Health.

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BA (Hons)

Social Work

More about our courses

MA Social Work | Student view Student Shasheena discusses her experiences studying at Leeds Beckett University.

Approved by

BA (Hons)

Childhood Development and Playwork

Student studying in an outdoor playwork setting

BSc (Hons)

Social Care, Justice and Recovery

Three female social care students in discussion in a classroom setting

BA (Hons)

Working with Children, Young People and Families

Two laughing female students sitting around a classroom table

Youth Work and Community Development

MSc

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Female student sits in large orange chair sits facing fellow student in deep discussion

More about our courses

BA (Hons) Childhood Development and Playwork Discover what it’s like to study Childhood Development and Playwork at Leeds Beckett University.

BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice and Recovery Explore what our Social Care, Justice and Recovery course covers.

Social Care, Justice and Recovery video thumbnail. Text reads: Leeds Beckett University. School of Health. BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice and Recovery.

BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families Explore what it's like to study Working with Children, Young People and Families at Leeds Beckett.

Working with Children, Young People and Families video thumbnail. Text reads: Leeds Beckett University. School of Health. BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families.

Accredited by

Validated by

Specialist teaching facilities

Practical skills tuition and role play takes place in our bespoke communications suite where audio-visual recording facilities enable you to safely practice therapeutic, communication and interpersonal skills alongside supervision and guidance from expert tutors.

Communications suite | interview and control rooms

Housed in our clinical skills suite, the communications suite comprises of many small interview rooms, used to undertake observational study of listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, coaching and counselling techniques. The rooms are equipped with audio and video recording enable learners to download their footage for study and reflection.

View all facilities

your teaching community

Our teaching staff have a range of skills and experience, and will prepare you for the next step in your journey. We're a community of active practitioners, dedicated researchers and inspiring lecturers. Together, we're committed to training you to tackle tomorrow's big health challenges.

Our community