England

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.
If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.
Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work
Social workers play a vital role in supporting society’s most vulnerable people. Our work-based, distance-learning route to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers. In England, the programme is approved by Social Work England (SWE), and successful graduates can apply for registration as qualified social workers. In Scotland, students who meet eligibility requirements can apply for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to work in children’s, adult or justice services. Both eligible sponsored and independent students are welcome to apply and take the next step in their social work career.
You can progress from this Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work to our MA in Social Work (F80).
To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits. You'll study two 60-credit modules. You must pass the first module before progressing to the second.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Developing social work practice (K832)
Developing social work practice is the first of two compulsory modules leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work which is a professionally qualifying award.
Next start date: 30 Jan 2027
See full description
6030 Jan 2027
Advancing social work practice (K833)
Advancing social work practice is the second of the two compulsory modules leading to our Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work which is a professionally qualifying award.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026
You’ll be required to attend compulsory practice skills workshops on these modules and a compulsory day school (or online alternative) on K832.
By studying the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, you’ll:
You’ll study through online learning, skills workshops and supervised practice placements.
You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Dip Soc Wk (Open) after your name.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll 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.

Typically, the average study time is 12–15 hours per week, but this 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.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.
Your module website is your central point for managing your learning. It provides weekly study planners, online readings, interactive resources and clear assessment information. You will also use discussion forums to share experiences and ideas with your fellow students.
The postgraduate diploma combines distance learning with supervised practice learning. You will explore social work theory, policy, human development, ethics and law through online study, then apply this understanding in practice placements. This approach helps you integrate academic learning with real-world social work practice.
Your academic tutor will support you through online tutorials, one-to-one guidance and detailed assignment feedback. You will also attend face-to-face workshops and a compulsory residential weekend or online equivalent. These activities help you develop essential skills for communication, assessment and reflective practice.
Practice learning forms a major part of the programme. You will undertake two supervised placements in contrasting settings, supported by a qualified practice educator. Placements give you direct experience of social work practice and help you develop the professional capabilities required for qualification.
Assessment combines academic and practice components. You will complete written assignments and online tasks that test your understanding of theory and its application. During placements, your practice educator will assess your competence using evidence from your work, supervision records and reflective accounts.
You will have access to online and printed learning materials, as well as regular tutor support and guidance from practice educators during your placements. Additional support is available from specialist student services, the OU library, IT support, and the wider learning community.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (E85) is only available for study in England (approved by Social Work England) and Scotland (approved by the Scottish Social Services Council). This qualification is not currently offered to students working in Wales. If you intend to practise in Wales after qualifying in England or Scotland, it is essential to consult the relevant regulatory body before applying.
In England, applicants must have employer support, with the employer providing the necessary practice learning opportunities. Applications for this qualification can only be made via the supporting employer.
You will need an honours degree with a minimum 2:2 classification in any subject. You also need a proven record of experience engaging directly with service users in a professional setting. We consider experience on an individual basis, but we normally expect a minimum of 1 year of experience. This can be paid or voluntary work within a local authority, or a health and 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:
In addition, you must:
Further information and details on how to apply are available from the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care website.
The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2026/27 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2027/28 information will be published in March 2027.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£8,820*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about spreading the costs with monthly instalments and our other funding options below.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
On successful completion of the diploma, you will become eligible to apply for registration as a qualified social worker in England or Scotland. This is a broad qualification that spans 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 sectors.
Successful completion of the embedded Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work acts as a social work qualifying award in England by Social Work England (SWE) and in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
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, including: online forums, a website, interview simulation and 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.
Applications must be made through a supporting employer, as it’s not possible to apply for this qualification directly. See Entry requirements for more information.
Ask a question
Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.
Request a prospectus
Applications must be made through a supporting employer, as it’s not possible to apply for this qualification directly. See Entry requirements for more information.
content