Social Work

Social workers support and protect some of society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. It’s immensely challenging and rewarding work, requiring a high level of motivation and commitment. The OU offers a work-based distance learning route to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work. All social work students in Scotland must be eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). Successful graduates can apply for registration as qualified social workers with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), working in children’s, adult or justice services. To take this course, you need to have at least one year's experience working alongside service users and carers in a supportive capacity. The programme is available to students who may be sponsored but also for those who may be studying independently. You'll need to be released from your substantive post to undertake two contrasting placements (of 80 days and 90 days). It should be assumed that these placements will not be in your substantive role.

Key features of the course
• Approved as a social work qualifying award in England by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
• Includes a residential weekend, face-face workshops and two substantive work-based practice placements under the supervision of a practice educator
• Equips you to engage in critical and reflective professional practice, according to the Standards for social work education and Codes of Practice and Conduct for the nation in which you train.

How long it takes
This qualification comprises two modules, K832 and K833. We advise that the minimum time required to complete this qualification is 17 months, and most students will be able to achieve the qualification within this timescale by successfully completing the modules in sequence.

Average study time per week is likely to be 12–15 hours but will be considerably higher during periods of practice-based learning when you will typically be required to attend the placement setting four days per week for up to 23 weeks at a time.

Geographical availability
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work is available for study in England and Scotland. It is approved as a social work qualifying award in England by Social Work England (SWE). It has been approved as a social work qualifying award in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

This qualification is not currently available for students working in Wales.

Modules
To gain this qualification you require:
120 credits from the following compulsory modules which must be studied in the order listed below.

Compulsory modules
• Developing social work practice (K832) 60 Credits
• Advancing social work practice (K833) 60 Credits

You’ll be required to attend compulsory practice skills workshops on these modules and a compulsory residential weekend (or online alternative) on Developing social work practice (K832).

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

England
Applicants will be required to have an honours degree with a minimum 2:2 classification in any discipline together with a proven record of experience of engaging directly with Service Users in a professional setting. Candidates’ experience will be considered individually on application, but we would normally expect a minimum of one year's experience – either paid or voluntary – in a setting such as a local authority or a health or social care provider in the private, voluntary or independent sector.

Applicants who do not meet the work experience requirement but hold a 2:1 classification in a cognate discipline will also be considered. Relevant subjects include:
• Health and Social Care
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology
• Sociology/Social Studies
• Law/Legal studies
• Teaching/Education

In addition, you must:
• Complete an OU application form which will include a personal statement, references and employer’s endorsement
• Complete a declaration of suitability for social work
• Have GCSE grade 9–4 (A*–C) in English and mathematics or certified equivalent
• Demonstrate IT competence through self-declaration
• Achieve an International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) score of 7 if English is not your first language
• Undertake a written test
• Take part in an interview
• Have an enhanced DBS with lists check (i.e. checks against all registers including both children and vulnerable adults) dated within one year prior to starting the programme
• Complete a health check. If, in exceptional circumstances, there are serious doubts about your fitness to practice on health grounds, the University’s doctor may ask you to undergo a medical examination. This examination will be at your own expense.

You must be supported by your employer, who must undertake to provide the required practice learning opportunities. Applications for this qualification can only be made via the supporting agency.

Scotland
Due to the selection process and pre-entry Reflective Practice Activities necessary for this programme, applications have closed for entry in January 2024. Applications for the Independent route close on Friday 12th April 2024 for entry in January 2025. For sponsored students, please discuss with your employing agency for further information and deadlines.

Applicants are expected to hold a degree in a relevant health/societal/psychology or other cognate discipline such as:
• Health and Social Care
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology
• Sociology/Social Studies
• Law/Legal studies
• Teaching/Education

Holders of other degrees may be considered, depending on the content of their degree, completion of other relevant qualifications, work/volunteer experience etc.

Applicants must also have a proven record of experience of engaging directly with Service Users in a professional setting. Candidates’ experience will be considered individually on application, but we would normally expect a minimum of one year’s experience – either paid or voluntary – in a setting such as a local authority or a health or social care provider in the private, voluntary or independent sector.

In addition, you must:
• Complete an OU application form including a personal statement and satisfactory references
• Be part of a selection process which includes an interview
• Demonstrate that you have appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to train as a social worker
• Demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate in written and spoken English
• Provide evidence of numeracy equivalent to a minimum SCQF level 5 Core Skills Numeracy at Grade C. The Scottish Qualifications Certificate documents the Core Skills Profile. Numeracy skills may also be evidenced by a numeracy test during the selection process if you do not hold an appropriate qualification.
• Register as a student social worker with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), which includes a check under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme

You must also have the support of your employer.
• This may involve them sponsoring you on the programme, which involves paying your fees, arranging your placements and supporting you through the programme.
• If you are making an individual (Independent) application, you will still be required to obtain a line manager’s/supervisor’s reference, which takes the form of a supportive statement, asking them to provide their opinion on your personal qualities and suitability to undertake training as a social worker.
• Whether you are an Independent or Sponsored student, any offer of a place is conditional on the successful completion of pre-entry Reflective Practice Activities (equivalent to 30 days practice) prior to module registration. Further details will be provided to successful candidates.
• Your employer would also have to agree to release you for two periods of practice learning (170 days in total) during the programme.

How to apply
Further information and details on how to apply are available from the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care website.

120 credits

Minimum – 17 months

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance
On successful completion of the diploma, you will become eligible to apply for registration as a qualified social worker in England. This is a broad qualification spanning children and families, adults and mental health social work and prepares you to work in a range of settings including local authorities, healthcare providers and the private, voluntary and independent sector.