Social Work

Social workers play a crucial role in supporting society's most deprived and vulnerable people. The work is highly challenging and deeply rewarding, requiring strong dedication and commitment. The OU offers a work-based distance learning route to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, designed for working professionals. Our PGDip in Social Work (England) is approved by Social Work England (SWE). Successful completion of the programme enables graduates to apply for registration as qualified social workers with the regulatory body. In Scotland, social work students must meet the eligibility requirements for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). Graduates who complete the course can apply for registration as social workers with the SSSC, qualifying them to work in children’s, adult, or justice services. The course is open to both sponsored and independent students. Applicants must have at least one year's experience working alongside service users and carers in a supportive role. They will need to be released from their current position to undertake two contrasting placements outside of their usual roles.

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.

For information on entry requirements go to:

https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e85



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



How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work part-time, finishing the qualification in 17 months by successfully completing the modules K832 and K833 in sequence.



The 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 25 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.

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.