Social Work (England)

Key features of the course

• Continue in your employment while you study, earning while you learn
• Study through work-based and distance learning
• Develop the knowledge and practical skills that underpin effective practice
• Learn to deal professionally with complex, difficult and sensitive issues
• Improve your career progression opportunities within social work

Entry requirements

Although some modules in this degree are available to all students, the full degree programme is at present restricted to students who are being supported in their practice by their employing agency.

You must also:

• have GCSE at grades A*-C in English and mathematics or certified equivalent 
• meet the UCAS tariff threshold of 96 points or equivalent
• show that you can communicate clearly in spoken and written English
• demonstrate that you have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a social worker
• obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with barred lists (children and adults) check
• undertake a written test
• take part in an interview.

Entry to the degree must be through your employing agency; you cannot apply direct to the OU. Students who get a place on the degree course can pay their own fees or be funded by their employer.

Please ask your employer to complete an Expression of interest form by contacting us at [email protected] or +44 (0)300 303 0529.

Skills for career development

This degree will develop the skills needed to work with individuals, families, carers, groups, communities and other professionals, and you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers your professional competence in social work practice. Employers sponsoring staff on this degree have commented that:

• OU graduates are enthusiastic social workers who are well equipped to provide high quality interventions with service users
• a very high percentage of their OU qualified staff remain within their organisation and progress to more senior roles.

Career relevance

An honours degree in social work is now the minimum professional qualification required for all social workers in the UK.

Accreditation

Once you’ve successfully completed this degree course, you’ll be entitled to apply for registration with Social Work England (SWE) and begin your career as a qualified social worker.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

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