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Social Work degrees

We have been teaching social work at the University of Birmingham since 1908, it is the longest continuing social work education programme in the country. Over this time we have developed a strong reputation for delivering high quality teaching and learning across our degree programmes.  

Qualifying programmes

We offer two qualifying Social Work degrees; an undergraduate route (3 year BA Social Work), and postgraduate route (2 year MA Social Work). Successful completion of either of these programmes will allow you to register with Social Work England as a qualified Social Worker.

• BA Social Work
• MA Social Work

How to apply to study Social Work in 9 easy steps

Post Qualifying programmes

• Practice Education Stage 1
• Practice Education Stage 2
• Higher Specialist Work in Mental Health Services Programme

Distance learning degrees

• MSc in Advanced Child Protection Studies by distance learning

Doctoral research

We have two routes of doctoral study, the traditional MPhil/PhD Social Work and Social Care , and a professional doctorate DSW (Doctorate of Social Work) . 

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Social Work - MSc *

Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry .

We have over 50 years' experience in training people to become social workers in the super-diverse and cosmopolitan city of Birmingham....

• Level Postgraduate Taught
• Study mode Full Time
• Location City South
• Start date September 2024
• Fees View course fees
• School School of Education and Social Work
• Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

This course is:

Open to International Students

Explore this course

This course is going through minor modifications for 2024 entry to ensure it meets the very highest standards, and as a result module titles are subject to change. The content, however, will remain unchanged.  The modified course will also be reviewed for accreditation by the new regulator, Social Work England, having previously been accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

We have over 50 years' experience in training people to become social workers in the super-diverse and cosmopolitan city of Birmingham. If you already have a degree and want to become a professional social worker, successful completion of this generic course will enable you work with children and adults in a variety of areas and to apply for registration with the regulator, Social Work England, to obtain the protected title of social worker.

Once you are registered, you will be immediately ready and able to engage in social work with any vulnerable citizen group in any setting. This includes working with children and families, adults, disabled people, older people and/or people with mental health problems in the local authority, health, or private, independent or voluntary sectors. 

What's covered in this course?

You will experience student-centred academic learning on campus and practice-based learning in a service delivery setting, in the community.

Academic learning will include a carefully blended mix of face to face lectures, workshops and seminars, complemented by online resources. In addition to practitioners and academics from other relevant disciplines, teachers include experienced social work academics, practitioners, who are currently in practice and service users and carers who are experts by experience. They will assist you to obtain the knowledge, skills, values and professional capabilities you need for successful social work practice in today’s world. This includes legal, theoretical and research knowledge, the core skills of reflection, assessment, communication, resilience, report writing and leadership, and the values of being empowering, person-centred, strengths-based, results and outcomes focused. 

Half of the programme involves gaining invaluable direct practice experience through placements, provided by our practice partners and overseen by our dedicated practice tutors. You will experience two placements one in year 1 and the second in year 2. Whilst on placement you will be supported by a qualified practice educator who will always be a registered social worker.

Our practice partners include Local Authorities and established private, independent and voluntary sector agencies. There are a number of innovative projects that allow you to experience social work in the growing area of educational settings.

Our experienced academic staff have worked in a variety of social work teams and settings including child and adult safeguarding, foster-care, physical and learning difficulties, sensory impairment, and mental health and hospital social work.

You will be taught at our modern City South Campus and have access to Mary Seacole library, Academic Development Department, careers support, disability services, accommodation services, financial advice, student counselling services, students union, study spaces, laptops, skills rooms, and a variety of shops and cafes. 

My experience on the course has been the most rewarding and challenging period of my life to date! While the course gives you all of the fundamental tools and knowledge for a career in social work, I’ve found that the tutors and my peers have given me so much more.

The course has taught me about myself, it has challenged my perceptions, and enhanced my understanding of politics and its impact on the services we provide to those in need. I have been encouraged to voice my opinions, concerns, uncertainties and fears in a safe space that has allowed me to grow and feel the value of sharing my experiences and feelings. I feel genuinely supported and valued.

Elizabeth Wanjiku

Why Choose Us?

• An opportunity to study in the super-diverse and cosmopolitan city of Birmingham .
• We have over 50 years' of experience in working with social work students, social workers and delivering social work education. This includes a deep commitment to pursuing excellence, and advancing human rights, social justice, equality and anti-discriminatory practice.
• You will have access to a named personal tutor who can offer academic and pastoral support throughout the programme.
• We offer a student-centered environment , and remain sensitive to your differing circumstances, aspirations, abilities, background and areas of special interest.
• You will experience high quality practice placements, inter-professional learning and opportunities to engage in international exchange.
• We are employability driven . You will have opportunities to practice at mock employment interviews and have attended a number of workshops with employers who are looking to recruit social workers. This means you will have the skills, understandings and personal attributes that make you more likely to gain employment and be successful in your chosen social work pathway
• Study in our £41 million City South Campus , with access to state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments
• Experienced and dedicated staff team   will support you throughout the course, and you will have access to a personal tutor. If you've been away from education for a while, we also have a range of excellent resources to help you with study skills such as essay writing and research
• This course is regulated by Social Work England (SWE)

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.

Next Event: 29 June 2024

Entry Requirements

Uk and international students, international students, fees & how to apply.

• International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students .

Starting: Sep 2024

• £8,925 in 2024/25
• Apply Online

International students

• £17,710 in 2024/25

Admissions Process

The admissions process is designed to evaluate your potential to undertake social work education at Masters level and professional practice. Your application and personal statement are screened for eligibility against the entry requirements, in order to make a shortlisting decision.  If you're successfully shortlisted you'll be invited to an admissions day at the University. During the day you will be evaluated in a number of areas, including your written analytical skills and your interpersonal skills. Admissions days also involve individual interviews with academic staff and service user and carer representatives. The Admissions process is mapped against the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at entry level; you will have to meet these criteria in order to be offered a place on the programme. 

NHS Social Work Bursary   

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Department for Education (DfE) allocate a fixed number of undergraduate and postgraduate social work bursaries to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) delivering qualifying social work programmes. As the number of students commencing social work programmes can exceed the number of bursaries available, there is no guarantee that all students will receive a bursary .  

To determine which students are on the ‘capping list’ and therefore, subject to their meeting the NHS Bursary criteria, entitled to a bursary, the University prioritises applicants based on a ranking during the admissions process. This ranking is based on the overall score achieved by applicants during an admissions event.

If you have accepted an offer of a place on the MSc Social Work course, we encourage you to make an application for a bursary, as even if you are not on the ‘capping list’, you may still be entitled to the Placement Travel Allowance. Please be aware that the availability of NHS bursaries is reviewed regularly by the Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care.

Further information about bursaries  

Student Finance England - Postgraduate Loans

This may be an option for those who are not in receipt of the NHS Social Work Bursary i.e. those who do not have a 'capped place', subject to the eligibility criteria. The postgraduate loan is a contribution towards the programme fees and/or living costs, while you are studying a postgraduate Master’s course. Unlike NHS Bursaries, it has to be paid back. A postgraduate loan is for the whole Master’s course with half received in Year One and the remainder in Year Two. Please visit the Student Finance England website for details on Postgraduate Loans: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan. You must confirm that you are not in receipt of an NHS Social Work Bursary in order to receive a Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan. Once you have enrolled on the course, the University can provide a letter confirming this.

Student Finance England

Personal statement

You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.

Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.

Course in Depth

The MSc Social Work course is run over two years.

In order to progress from Year 1 to Year 2, students must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits) and the two professional practice modules Core Skills for Practice, and First Placement.

Core Skills for Practice 0 credits

In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, and central to the delivery of high quality social work is the ability to understand and develop competence in using and applying a range of professional skills in direct practice with service users, carers and other professionals.

This module is a ‘professional requirement’ and must be passed before you are considered ready and eligible to safely undertake your First Placement working directly with vulnerable people. Service users, carers and qualified practitioners work alongside academic tutors as part of an interactive and practical approach to delivery and assessment.

Law and Social Policy 20 credits

Numerous court cases have emphasised the need for a sound knowledge of, and ability to critically reflect on, the relationship between social work practice and the law, and there have been calls for increased legal literacy amongst social workers. Legal and policy knowledge is inherent in the domains of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), most notably domain four (Rights, Justice and Economic Wellbeing) and domain five (Knowledge). Social workers are required to work within the legal and ethical boundaries of their profession and to demonstrate an understanding of legislation relating to social work practice across various settings.

Ethics, Values and Anti-Discriminatory Practice 20 credits

Central to the delivery of high quality professional social work will be your ability to understand the link between identity, inequality and injustice and to critically apply core values, ethics and anti-discriminatory principles and approaches during practice.

This module supports the programme aims of pursuing excellence, being practice-led, employable and having a local, national and global outlook.

Theories and Methods for Social Work Practice 20 credits

In order to prepare you for the complex and constantly evolving nature of modern social work practice this module enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of theory and methods of intervention. This module supports the programme aims of pursuing excellence, being practice-led, employable and having a local, national and global outlook.

Research Methods of Enquiry 20 credits

This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.

First Placement 0 credits

In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, the First Placement module will focus upon practice learning. Social work is a practice led profession and this is reflected in practice learning being integral to the social work programme. The First Placement module will support you to link your developing knowledge, skills and values to practice through the provision of a 70 day practice placement that will provide opportunities for you to work directly with service users, carers, colleagues and other professionals. This module also contributes to the programme philosophy and aims by enhancing your interdisciplinary, for example by developing your ability to work with and learn from other professionals; and employability, for example by giving you opportunities to develop your professionalism and practice excellence in a service delivery setting, and be work ready.

In order to complete this course, a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits) during the second year, and the professional practice module Last Placement:

Safeguarding Law and Practice 20 credits

The module contributes to the overall programme philosophy of producing critically reflective and knowledgeable social work graduates, who are prepared for the reality of contemporary modern social work practice. The module has been designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge of safeguarding practices and legal insight needed to become effective social work practitioners in the complex world of modern social work practice to safeguard and protect vulnerable service users as specified by the Standards of Proficiency, Professional Capability Framework, and Key Indicator Statements. It contributes to the programme aims of pursuing excellence in safeguarding practice, applying legal knowledge to practice, developing your ability to understand the roles of and work in partnership with other agencies and professionals, enhancing your employability and ensuring that your global outlook includes being aware of and learning from international research.

Dissertation 60 credits

This triple module forms the final bridge between the award of a Postgraduate Diploma and a Health MSc related to a named award. It provides the student with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen topic in order to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project, a Systematic Review or Project Management. The focus is on facilitating the student's independent, critical study in their academic discipline or area of professional practice. It will also serve those who wish to embark on Doctoral studies in the future.

Enhancing Transformative Capabilities in Professional Practice 20 credits

This module contributes to the programme philosophy and aims by embracing diversity, values, emotional intelligence and continuing personal and professional development. Your goal in undertaking this module will be to further enhance one or more of the following capabilities that can transform your current professional practice, the organisation and community you work in and the lives of the citizens you serve - leadership, innovation, resilience and/or taking a strengths/asset based approach. It will provide you with opportunities to pursue excellence, be practice-led, apply current and developing knowledge, learn with and from other disciplines, develop your local, national and global outlooks and further enhance your employability and professional practice.

Last Placement 0 credits

In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme the Last Placement module will focus upon practice learning. This practice-led, knowledge applied module contributes to the programme philosophy and aims by further enhancing your interdisciplinarity for example, your ability to work with and learn from other professionals; and employability for example, giving you opportunities to develop your professionalism and practice excellence in a service delivery setting, and be work ready. The Last Placement module is a professional requirement that builds on the level 5 First Placement module.

Download course specification

Core Skills for Practice, First Placement and Last Placement are professionally required modules that have 0 credit value. These modules must be successfully completed in order to achieve either the MSc Social Work or the PG Dip Social Work awards, leading to eligibility to apply to register with the regulator.

Course structure

Year 1 will begin with an invaluable induction week that provides opportunities for you to meet other students in your cohort and the teaching team, and to become familiar with your campus and essential information about your course, especially support services.

Essential information will include your teaching timetable, course guide, assessment schedule and assessment regulations. Information will be provided on what to do should you become ill or have personal difficulties.

Teaching in year 1 will focus on the foundations of law and policy, values, ethics and anti-discriminatory practice, core skills, theories for social work practice and understanding how to research.

You will develop a deep understanding of emotional intelligence, social justice and anti-discriminatory practice, practice the skills of communication and assessment with vulnerable people, shadow a qualified social worker and attend a well-being retreat. There will be opportunities to engage in international exchange and to gain invaluable practice experience during your first 70 day practice placement.

Teaching in year 2 will focus on safeguarding law and policy, effective inter-professional practice, and further enhancing professional capabilities that will assist you to make a real difference in society e.g. leadership, resilience, innovation and/or strengths-based approaches to professional practice.

You will build on the introduction to research in year 1 by working on your chosen dissertation topic. You will be supported by a supervisor during your dissertation.  

You will gain further invaluable practice experience during your second practice placement of 100 working days. This placement will involve statutory tasks involving legal interventions. During your journey through practice you will be supported by a qualified practice educator.

By the end of year 2 you will be highly professional and work ready, and a creative enterprising problem solver. You will have opportunities to practice at mock employment interviews and have attended a number of workshops with employers who are looking to recruit social workers. 

Employability

By the end of the course you will have the knowledge, attitudes and skills that employers need and want.   You will also have the skills that will ensure your future and ongoing success as a social work practitioner.

The skills that enhance your employability are developed through our teaching and learning strategy which has a significant focus on embedding core skills whilst at University and developing these further during your practice placements. 

There are two major practice-based placements that ensure, by the end of your course, you are work-ready, employable and prepared for social work practice.

Your First Placement in Year 1 will be for 70 full working days and your Last Placement in Year 2 will be for 100 days. In order to ensure you have a ‘generic’ qualification i.e. you will have gained the experience to apply for and work effectively with either adults or children once you qualify (or during your career), we ensure that, if you are placed in a setting working with adults in your first placement, you will be placed in a setting working with children in your last placement or vice versa.

During each placement you will be given learning opportunities and support from a qualified practice educator to help you to meet the social work professional capabilities framework at first or last placement levels.

In your last placement you will be enabled to take on more complex work, work more independently, exercise more initiative, demonstrate higher levels of judgement and leadership, and collaborate on more equal terms with other professionals.

We will take into account your preferred area of future practice and do our best to ensure that your last placement is within a setting or has learning opportunities that helps with your future career aspirations.

More about our placement opportunities

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

• Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here .
• Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
• Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country .
• Learn where to find financial support for your studies.

Facilities & Staff

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.

We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.

These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge learning facilities.

Take a virtual tour of our skills suites at Seacole

In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include the only mock operating theatre in an English university and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator .

Home Environment Room

The Home Environment room is the perfect setting for teaching communications skills and allows us to simulate a community setting for our students. It is particularly useful for paramedics, mental health and learning disability nurses and also midwives.

Mary Seacole Library

The Seacole library, based at City South Campus , is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.

Computer Facilities

The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:

• Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
• Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
• Microsoft Office software
• Research and statistical software
• Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home

Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.

The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.

Jessica Wagner

Senior Lecturer in Social Work

After qualifying from the University of Wales in 2003, Jessica has spent the majority of her professional experience within statutory children’s services, where she held posts both as a practitioner and manager in safeguarding teams. This allowed her to gain experience of working in child protection and child in need services and through the...

Dr Peter Simcock

Peter began working in social work education in 2010 and joined the Department of Social Work at BCU in January 2018. Prior to working in academia, Peter worked for Age Concern, Hull, before moving to the West Midlands and from 2001 to 2008 worked for Wolverhampton City Council in various social work roles including social worker within a...

Senior Lecturer

Gero qualified as a Social Worker in 2000. Upon qualifying as a Social Worker Gero worked within a Local Authority generic adult team. She started supervising social work students on placement when she became a Senior Practitioner in 2002. 

UK prospective students

• Contact the enquiries team
• T: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Non-UK prospective students

• E: International enquiry form
• T: +44 (0)121 331 5389

Already applied?

• E: Contact the admissions team

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12 Social Work courses Birmingham City University

THE World Ranking: 601

Counselling (Children and Young People) - MSc

Masters Degrees

Full Time - 1 year

Start date - Expected September 2024

£19,665.00 (US$ 24,930) per year

Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Bachelors Degrees

Full Time - 3 Years

Start date - September 2024

£16,085.00 (US$ 20,392) per year

Early Childhood Studies with a Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Full Time - 4 Years

Learning Disability Nursing BSc (Hons)

Mental health nursing (january) bsc (hons).

Start date - Expected January 2024

£12,000.00 (US$ 15,213) per year

Nursing - Adult and Mental Health (Dual Award) MSci (Hons)

Nursing - mental health and child (dual award) msci (hons), social work - msc.

Full Time - 2 years

£16,870.00 (US$ 21,387) per year

Social Work BSc (Hons)

Working with children, young people and families ba (hons), working with children, young people and families with a foundation year ba (hons), youth work and communities ba (hons), about birmingham city university 3 reviews.

Birmingham City University is a student-centred, dynamic learning environment, offering courses approved by professional bodies.

• Students gain adequate hands-on learning and develop skills
• Refine academic writing skills through workshop and tutorial
• GBP 340 million investment in facilities
• University-run part-time student employment scheme

Social Work

Entry requirements.

This course is designed for those with an undergraduate degree in a non-social work subject that are:

• considering a career in social work or other humanitarian work in the UK or overseas
• looking towards a career in social work and social care research or leadership

The entry requirement is an upper second-class (2.1) honours degree classification or higher. Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, if they have further related postgraduate study or extensive professional experience. Normally, this would be a minimum of 2 years of significant and relevant social work or social care experience.

We also require GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or certificated equivalent level two numeracy and literacy qualification.

A minimum of 30 days related practice-based experience. This can be in a variety of fields and does not have to be in a social work setting. Personal experience may count towards your practice-based experience but it is important that you are able to evidence some practice-based experience alongside this. This must show a sustained commitment, evidenced by a practice-based reference. If you do not fulfil these requirements or want further advice, please contact us directly.

Please note that work experience is not considered in lieu of meeting the academic entry requirements. You will be required to meet the practice element in addition to meeting the academic criteria.

IMPORTANT: Please view our course page for further information on Admission Requirements

Find out more about the University of Birmingham's Code of Practice on Admissions .

Months of entry

Course content.

The University of Birmingham Social Work MA degree will provide you with a practice-focussed and eye-opening learning experience. Learn from expert academics and gain first-hand experience from service users, carers and practitioners, and graduate prepared to start an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.

In these recent challenging times, social workers have had a vital role to play. They engage with vulnerable individuals, families and communities on a daily basis to promote human rights and make a meaningful difference in people’s life outcomes.

Our course will prepare you for the profession through research-informed teaching, value-based learning and practice placements. The modules of the course incorporate the key skills, expertise and values for contemporary social work practice, complimented by two placements providing the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. Located within Muirhead Tower, you will benefit from modern, hi-tech teaching facilities.

Graduating with a social work degree offers a variety of opportunities for practising social work and other humanitarian work in the UK and overseas. Our degrees are recognised globally in countries such as Australia, Canada and Hong Kong amongst others, where social workers are also in demand.

Please note that you will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and Declaration of Suitability for Social Work form, before registration onto the programme.

Why Study Social Work at Birmingham?

• The Department of Social Work and Social Care produces world leading research in both children's and adult's social work. Alongside generating knowledge and educating future and current practitioners, the department has direct engagement with providers, commissioners and policy makers regarding their work to design and deliver new models of support.
• The University of Birmingham is embedded within a diverse, multicultural and thriving city and region, with strong civic connections, providing a range of experiences for our students to gain hands-on experience.
• Our course places lived experience at the forefront of our teaching, research and impact and we collaborate with a wide range of service users, carers and practitioners to provide students with a broad range of experiences.
• We are a multi-disciplinary university, with a clear focus on collaborations which includes learning with students from other health and care related areas.

Information for international students

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an English language qualification to the right level (IELTs: 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band).
• by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students .
• IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band
• TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced or Proficiency – minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component

Fees and funding

Qualification, course duration and attendance options.

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Students are required to complete a 70 day placement in Year 1 and 100 day placement in Year 2.

Course contact details

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Step Up to Social Work

Step Up to Social Work (often referred to as ‘Step Up’) is an intensive full time Postgraduate Diploma in social work training programme that allows you to become a social worker in just 14 months. This unique opportunity to become a social worker is a fully funded programme where candidates also receive a tax-free bursary provided by the DfE.

There are set criteria required within the application process which takes place once every two years. Upon application you are able to choose a preference of placement area.

Here in Birmingham Children’s Trust’s Step Up is one of the pre-qualifying programmes for people who want to qualify to become a social worker in children’s social care that we host. 

The programme takes place over 14-15 months and is a mixture of university teaching, a 70 day placement in an adults’ social work team and an 100 day placement in a children’s social work team. Like all students, Step Up students have portfolios to complete too for each placement. At the end of the programme successful student will have passed and are now qualified social workers. They have the opportunity to interview for the role of a social at Birmingham Children's Trust and start their newly qualified year as a social worker (also known as the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment or ‘ASYE’). At the end of the ASYE candidates have the option to complete a dissertation with the University of Birmingham and turn their qualification into a masters degree in social work.  

Throughout your time in Birmingham Children's Trust as a step-up student, you are afforded with direct support from the Academy team along side the team in practice you are based within. This support will include

• Peer group supervisions
• access to a wide-ranging core practice training offer
• 121 support from an Academy SPed.
• Learning opportunities in line with student placements
• Team based support 

Join us 

• Applications are closed for 2023, they will re-open in 2025 .
• We will publish further details when they become available. 

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• Social Work (3)
• Children / Youth Social Work (14)
• Community Work (3)
• Families Social Work (8)
• People With Disabilities Social Work (17)
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University of Birmingham

1 Social Work degree

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.1) 1617 reviews
• Employment rate: 90% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
• CUG ranking : 10th Source: Complete University Guide 2024

Social Work BA (Hons)

• UCAS points 128
• UCAS code L501
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Heart of Worcestershire College

• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (1.5) 2 reviews
• Employment rate: 80% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
• UCAS points 96
• UCAS code L500
• OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.0) 1938 reviews
• Employment rate: 95% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
• CUG ranking : 38th Source: Complete University Guide 2024

Social Work BSc (Hons)

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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Social Work Pathway

Access to HE Diploma courses are a one year, Level 3 programme of study and are designed to prepare students for study at university. They are aimed at people who would like to study at degree level, but who left school without the usual qualifications, such as A Levels. Many Access to HE students go on to succeed at university and beyond, with a large number of students pursuing new careers in a variety of subjects.

All students on the Access to HE Diploma (Social Science) Social Work pathway will take the following modules: • Skills for Learning • Sociology • Social Policy • Psychology • Research Project Help with study skills, computing and maths will be available and all students have weekly tutorials with their personal tutor.

Applicants are normally required to have 4/Cs or above in maths and English Language at GCSE (or equivalent). Selection is on the basis of an interview and completing an initial assessment. A small number of universities will accept functional skills in maths and English for Social Work, However, it is your responsibility to check and provide evidence. If you would like help with your numeracy and language skills before starting the Access to HE Diploma, please enquire about our Pre-Access courses which are designed to prepare people for Level 3 study.

Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to apply to universities offering diplomas and degree courses in social work and other related degrees.

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• Social Studies at Newman University

Social Studies at Newman

Newman University has a long tradition of delivering programmes within the field of social studies. Our newly restructured Social Studies department brings together our well established Working with Children Young People and Families .

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BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families

Ba (hons) working with children, young people and families (with foundation year), ba (hons) counselling studies and working with children, young people and families, ba (hons) counselling studies and working with children, young people and families (with foundation year), ba (hons) working with children, young people and families top-up degree, got a question for the team, find out more about our degrees via our course presentations.

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Working with Children, Young People and Families