Entry requirements
England
Applicants will be required to have an honours degree with a minimum 2:2 classification in any discipline together with a proven record of experience of engaging directly with Service Users in a professional setting. Candidates’ experience will be considered individually on application but we would normally expect a minimum of one year's experience – either paid or voluntary – in a setting such as a local authority or a health or 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:
- Health and Social Care
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Psychology
- Sociology/Social Studies
- Law/Legal studies
- Teaching/Education
In addition, you must satisfy the following entry criteria:
- Complete an OU application form which will include a personal statement, references and employer’s endorsement
- Complete a declaration of suitability for social work
- Have GCSE grade 9–4 (A*–C) in English and mathematics or certified equivalent
- Demonstrate IT competence through self-declaration
- Achieve an International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) score of 7 if English is not your first language
- Undertake a written test
- Take part in an interview
- Have an enhanced DBS with lists check (i.e. checks against all registers including both children and vulnerable adults) dated within one year prior to starting the programme
- Complete a health check. If, in exceptional circumstances, there are serious doubts about your fitness to practice on health grounds, the University’s doctor may ask you to undergo a medical examination. This examination will be at your own expense.
You must be supported by your employer, who must undertake to provide the required practice learning opportunities. Applications for this qualification can only be made via the supporting agency.
Scotland
Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant health/societal/psychology or other cognate discipline such as:
- Health and Social Care
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Psychology
- Sociology/Social Studies
- Law/Legal studies
- Teaching/Education
Applicants will preferably also have a proven record of experience of engaging directly with Service Users in a professional setting. Candidates’ experience will be considered individually on application but we would normally expect a minimum of one year’s experience – either paid or voluntary – in a setting such as a local authority or a health or social care provider in the private, voluntary or independent sector.
In addition, you must:
- Complete an OU application form, which will include a personal statement and relevant references (Employer and Academic)
- Demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate in written and spoken English
- Demonstrate that you have appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to train as a social worker
- Be part of a selection process including an interview
- Register as a student social worker with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) which includes a check under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
- Either provide evidence that you have maths qualification at SCQF Level 5 (Standard Grade Maths, Pass 2 or equivalent) or be willing to take the OU numeracy test
You must also have the support of your employer:
- This may involve them sponsoring you on the programme, which involves paying your fees, arranging your placements and supporting you through the programme.
- If you are making an individual (Independent) application, you will still be required to obtain a line manager’s/supervisor’s reference which takes the form of a supportive statement, asking them to provide their opinion on your personal qualities and suitability to undertake training as a social worker.
- Your employer would also have to agree to release you for 2 periods of practice learning (170 days in total).
Further information and how to apply is available from the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care website.
How long it takes
This qualification comprises two modules, K832 and K833. We advise that the minimum time required to complete this qualification is 17 months, and most students will be able to achieve the qualification within this timescale by successfully completing the modules in sequence.
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 23 weeks at a time.
Geographical availability
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work is available for study in England, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland 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). We have not applied for approval from the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC), however reciprocal arrangements are currently in place such that any social work qualifying award approved by one UK regulator, will be recognised by the other three.
This qualification is not currently available for students working in Wales.