This fast-track social work course, with a focus on children, young people and their families, will enable trainee social workers to build upon their existing knowledge and skills, and develop the expertise required for social work practice. The course is a generic social work qualification covering all aspects of child and family social work and working with adults required for graduates to be eligible for registering with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
The Department of Education funds this course through a cluster of local authorities which includes Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council and Wiltshire Council, with all applications being made directly to them. You’ll have the option to continue your studies from a Postgraduate Diploma to a Master’s by undertaking a dissertation which will be self-funded.
This course gives you the opportunity to study in a high-profile and nationally recognised department and benefit from direct access to research active and internationally linked academic staff. If you already hold an undergraduate degree and are interested in specialising in work with children and young people, this is the ideal social work course option.
Applications for Step Up to Social Work are currently closed. The Step Up to Social Work programme accepts applications every 2 years. If we confirm another cohort of the programme, the next application round would open in early 2021, for training to start in 2022. Please keep checking the programme's website for further updates.
“This course was perfect for me because I could complete it within 14 months and the financial support took a great weight off my mind. I loved every second of the course and found the knowledge and experience of my teachers and my cohort invaluable.”
Lou Oliver, graduate
See Course details for more information, including how this course will be delivered safely in autumn 2020 in response to Covid-19.
Key information
Next start date:
TBC
Location:
Bournemouth University, Lansdowne Campus
Duration:
14 months to complete the PG Dip
Entry requirements:
Applicants must have one of the following in any discipline except social work from a UK higher education institution (or an approved overseas equivalent):
- a minimum 2:1 level 6 degree qualification, for example, a degree with honours or a graduate certificate
- a minimum 2:2 honours degree plus a higher degree (level 7 or above), for example, a Master's degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Applicants must also:
- have GCSEs in English or English language and mathematics at grade C or above (or approved equivalent)
- have a minimum of 6 months experience of voluntary or paid work with children, young people or families
- live in England