Getting into social work

An honours degree in social work is now the professional award for all social workers. As long as you meet conduct and competence conditions, once you have successfully completed the award you will be entitled to register with the relevant professional organisation as a social worker. For example, in Scotland this would be with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

The OU offers a work-based learning route to the honours degree in social work. Although some modules in the programme are available to all students, the full programme is currently restricted to students living in England, Wales and Scotland who are being supported in their practice by their employing agency. You have to enter this study through the employing agency – you cannot apply direct to the OU.

The requirements for the degree in Scotland are different from those in England and Wales. In England and Wales, students must complete 360 points to qualify for the degree, whereas in Scotland they need 480 points.

If you are studying a different degree, you can still qualify as a Social Worker by doing an approved Masters course. You can find a list of these courses on the UCAS website. Please note that the Open University doesn't offer this course.