Social Work

Entry requirements

We normally require an upper second class degree (2:1)

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the profession with previous paid or voluntary work experience of at least three months. This should have been gained over the past five years in a part-time or full-time basis.

Relevant experience

We consider experience to be relevant where you have been in a responsible position looking after the welfare of children or vulnerable adults. We have presented a few examples below of the sorts of experience we might consider.

Example 1: I have been working as a care assistant in a residential home for older people for the past 3 months

Example 2: I have been volunteering at my local church run youth centre most Saturdays for the last year offering advocacy and support to young people who are asking for help

Example 3: I have volunteered at a help-line offering support to members of the community.

Further requirements

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C or higher or an equivalent qualification
• Enhanced DBS check
• You are also required to provide evidence of study within the last 5 years.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work is an academic and professional qualification where you will experience an integration of practice and research. Social workers have a key role in working with other professionals to offer support to some of society's most vulnerable citizens.

This innovative and accelerated postgraduate social work course, approved by Social Work England, offers the opportunity to engage with an intensive and immersive programme of teaching and learning integrating practice placements. Over the duration of the programme, you will develop into a competent and enthusiastic social work practitioner ready to engage with the rigours of this dynamic and exciting profession.

We have excellent relationships with local employers through our long-standing stakeholder group. As a result, some of your teaching with be co-delivered by practising social workers and service users.

This programme offers an accelerated route to becoming a professional social worker for highly motivated recent graduates or for career changers looking for new challenges and opportunities. You will be able to develop into an excellent and valued social worker with the capacity to work in all statutory social work settings and in a wide variety of private and voluntary workplaces in the UK. You will also be able to take advantage of high quality placements in both adult and children’s services including a final 100 day placement where you will undertake statutory interventions.

Teaching and learning will be on campus with the use of on-line platforms.

Course highlights

• You will benefit from high levels of tutor contact time through extended teaching sessions, interactive workshop style seminars and e-learning resources
• You will be taught by staff from within our Department of Mental Health & Social Work, where prominent and pioneering research projects in the disciplines of social work and mental health is undertaken
• As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module, free printing and copying, 24 hour library services and access to a range of other valued resources.

Approval and registration

This programme is approved by the regulatory body for the profession, Social Work England. Graduates with PGDip Social Work are able to eligible to register as social workers once their qualification has been published by the university.

Fees and funding