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Social Work at The Open University prepares you to support and protect people at key moments in life. You’ll explore social justice, care systems, human services and the challenges faced by diverse communities. Through flexible study and professional practice modules, you’ll build the values, knowledge and skills needed for registered social work roles in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits
How long will it take?
Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 6 years
Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 3 years
Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits
 
How long will it take?
Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 4 years
Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 2 years
Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits
 
 
How long will it take?
Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 2 years
Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 1 year
For over 30 years, we've been delivering supported and open distance learning preparing students for the challenging, yet rewarding, experience of becoming social workers. You'll study a curriculum developed by leading academics and professionals actively engaged in the field, so you know our teaching reflects the priorities of today's employers.
The benefits of studying social work with us are:
Studying for an Open University qualification in social work is ideal preparation for personal development and career progression, whatever your level of experience. We offer a wide range of practice-related courses including single modules for professional development, qualifying and post-qualifying programmes, vocational training, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and research opportunities.
Our range of courses in social work can help you start or progress your career as a:
Study individual modules to build your skills or explore a new interest – and count them towards a qualification if you decide to take your studies further.
See our full list of Social Work-related modules
Browse all the Social Work and related courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.
See our full list of Social Work-related courses
We also offer a range of postgraduate Social Work courses.
See our full list of postgraduate Social Work courses
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