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#Yes2SocialWork – Campaign to increase student interest in social work as a career

08 December 2022

The annual #Yes2SocialWork awareness campaign encourages students and graduates getting ready to apply through the UCAS process for university places in Northern Ireland to say ‘yes’ and consider applying to study social work in Northern Ireland as their first choice.

The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (Social Care Council) on behalf of the Department of Health (DoH) delivers this promotional campaign over the winter months to raise the profile of social work as a positive study and career choice. It aims to promote and sell the benefits of studying social work in Northern Ireland to teachers, students, parents and also to graduates considering a career change.

The deadline for UCAS forms is fast approaching and Patricia Higgins, Social Council Chief Executive is encouraging young people and their parents to see what a fantastic opportunity a career in social work can be.

“As a social worker myself I can honestly say it is the most rewarding profession if you want to make a difference to your community and if you have a passion for advocating for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society. It is a diverse, challenging and rewarding career that spans, community development, health and social care, education and the justice sectors.

“So many young people demonstrate the values of kindness, compassion and resilience – and want to make a difference to people’s lives – if this is you we want you to apply and begin your career journey in social work right now.”

The Degree is currently offered at four colleges in NI (all of which are approved by the Social Care Council to deliver social work training and are quality checked annually):

Queen’s University Belfast
Ulster University (Magee Campus)
Belfast Metropolitan College (Millfield Campus)
South West College (Dungannon Campus)

Are you a young person, parent or a careers teacher and want to know more? Find out more about the Degree in Social Work by visiting:  niscc.info/degree-in-social-work.


This is an ongoing campaign to encourage students to consider a career in social work across a mix of communications and media platforms (digital and broadcast media) that started in 2019.

The Degree in Social Work is also offered by the Open University – this is an employer sponsored route.