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    PDip Step up to Social Work
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    University of Kent

    PDip Step up to Social Work

    University of Kent

    University of Kent

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    United Kingdom, Canterbury

    University RankQS Ranking
    381

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Campuses

    Medway

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 14 month(s)
    Next Intake September-2026

    PDip Step up to Social Work

    About

    Overview

    The Kent and Medway Regional Partnership will be opening a new recruitment round for 20 aspiring social workers to start this programme in January 2026.

    Students can expect to learn through a combination of academic study and real social work experience in either Kent or Medway Local Authority. On completion, the Postgraduate Diploma will enable graduates to register and practice as a social worker, making a difference by nurturing relationships with families during difficult times and by protecting children.

    Do you have what it takes to ‘Step Up’ to social work?

    Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference for vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed. Social work can be life changing for those you support.

    This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the Department for Education provides funding via a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of University fees for successful applicants. This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.

    The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research is one of the best in the country for teaching and research. Successful graduates of the Step-Up to Social Work programme are eligible to apply to register with Social Work England, the regulatory body for social work, meaning that you are ready to jump into a meaningful and successful career in social work.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Recruitment to Step Up to Social Work is managed by the Kent and Medway regional partnership, and applications to Step Up to Social Work must be made through a central Department for Education application portal. Please note that applications must be made by noon (UK time) on Monday 3 April.

    We are looking for strong graduates who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or vulnerable adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates and aim to have a workforce that represents the society that we serve.

    You will need to have a minimum 2:2 level 6 degree qualification, for example an honours degree or a graduate certificate (this can be in any subject) to apply to the programme. You should also have GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent). You will need to show all of your original certificates to us as part of the application and assessment process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online

    Please note:

    To apply to the Step Up to Social Work programme applicant must live in England and have the right to live and study in the UK (including access to public funds)

    All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

    International students

    Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

    English language entry requirements

    This course requires a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.

    Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.

    Examples:

    Examples:

    • IELTS: If English is not the first language applicants are required to achieve an overall IELTS score of 7.0.
    • PTE Academic 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
    • A degree from the UK
    • A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country

    Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

    Career

    Your future

    The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research is one of the best in the country for teaching and research.

    Successful graduates of the Step-Up to Social Work programme are eligible to apply to register with Social Work England, the regulatory body for social work, meaning that you are ready to jump into a meaningful and successful career in social work.

    Career support
    Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee

    GBP 0 

    Application Fee

    GBP  
    University of Kent

    PDip Step up to Social Work

    University of Kent

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    United Kingdom,

    Canterbury

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