Social Work University Interview Questions

There are many different questions you may be asked at your Social Work university interview, so we've provided a comprehensive list of those commonly asked by nursing admissions tutors at UK universities.

As well as the example questions below, you can find further help in our University Interviews Guide.

Background & motivation

  1. Tell us about yourself.
  2. Talk us through your personal statement.
  3. Why do you want to be a Social Work?
  4. What have you done to prepare yourself for a career in Social Work?
  5. What strengths do you have that will help you deal with all the work involved?
  6. What do you think a social worker does?
  7. What interests you most about social work and why?
  8. What are you looking forward to most about becoming a social worker?
  9. How do you think social work differs from other health professions?
  10. If you were to become a social worker, how would you like people to describe you and why?
  11. How do you know whether you really do want to become a social worker?
  12. Do you have any life experiences that you think may help your career in social work?
  13. What skills do you have to become a social worker?
  14. What qualities do you think make a good social worker?
  15. Discuss a time when you had to convey an important message to someone - describe how you did this and what the end result was.
  16. How do you cope with stress?
  17. How do you manage your time?

Knowledge & work experience

  1. What is the role of a social worker?
  2. What is the most demanding aspect of the study programme, and how would you overcome this?
  3. Where does social work take place?
  4. What other professionals in health and social care might you work with as a social worker?
  5. What do you know about current welfare issues in the media?
  6. Do you want to specialise in helping families and children, or vulnerable adults?
  7. What might a typical day involve for a social worker?
  8. What can you tell us about the NHS Values?
  9. What problems might you deal with as a social worker?
  10. What might your strategies include?
  11. What are the benefits of social workers?
  12. What is advocacy?
  13. What is the cycle of disadvantage?
  14. What is empowerment?
  15. Tell us about your work experience - what did you learn from it and what did you enjoy?
  16. Were there any aspects of your work experience you didn't like?
  17. Give us an example of when you had to adapt your communication skills?
  18. Explain the pros and cons of being a social worker?
  19. What is discriminiation and can you provide an example of this?
  20. What would a service user expect from you as a social worker?

Communication & leadership skills

  1. Why is communication vital in social work?
  2. Give us an example of when you worked as part of a team?
  3. Can you think of a team situation where your communication skills have been essential? Tell us more about the situation and how you contributed.
  4. Tell us about a group activity you have organised. What went well and what went badly? What did you learn from it?
  5. What have you learned about yourself and successful team-working?
  6. Who do you think will be the most important people you will work with as a social worker?
  7. Describe a time when you had to lead a team of people?
  8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being in a team? Do you believe teams need leaders?
  9. Do you think humour can help a team? Give an example.

Career plans & your future

  1. Do you have any career aspirations?
  2. How will university benefit your future?
  3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
  4. If you had to take a gap year, what would you do?

Further information

For more tips and advice on university interviews, please see: