This is a highly demanding course. We are looking for committed graduates who are determined to make a difference – both personally and professionally – and can demonstrate maturity, and emotional resilience.
Normal entry requirements for the programme are:
- 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
- GCSEs in English or English language and mathematics at grade C or above (or approved equivalent)
- experience of voluntary or paid work with children, young people or families
- residency in England.
If you are successful, 100% attendance is required at placements, teaching days, and skills sessions as required.
The Department for Education holds central information on the next cohort and application openings.
Check on the DfE website for current updates.
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|
| Institution code |
H36 |
| School of study |
School of Health and Social Work |
| Course length |
|
| Location |
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The programme offers you a 14-month postgraduate diploma, enabling you to register as a qualified social worker upon completion. You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve a master’s degree in social work by undertaking a dissertation module at the end of the programme.
About the course
Step Up to Social Work is a fast-track, nationally recognised and fully funded social work training programme.
Designed to support highly skilled graduates into children’s social care, this 14-month programme will immerse you in the challenging world of social work and lay the foundations for your future career. If you’re interested in a career change, this programme will give you the tools to succeed.
You’ll gain hands-on experience throughout the programme from learning from, real-world experiences while on placement and from expert practitioners and academics in the classroom.
You’ll even have the opportunity to contribute to best practice in social work upon completion of the programme. The programme is one of the only Step Up to Social Work programmes in the country that funds its graduates to complete a research project and gain a Master’s degree, giving you the opportunity to develop your research skills and gain a higher qualification.
Step Up is employer-led, delivered by the West London Social Work Partnership on behalf of the Department for Education together with the University of Hertfordshire.
Find out more about the Step Up to Social Work programme.
Why choose this course?
As part of the Step Up to Social Work programme, you’ll benefit from:
- a bursary of approximately £19,000 to train and there are no tuition fees to pay
- an immersive 14-month programme which qualifies you as a social worker enabling you to start working in your dream career
- practice-led learning completing 170 days on placement in one of eight West London boroughs
- real-world experience to ensure you are prepared with the knowledge, skills and experience to equip you for practice
- 100% employment rates of our graduates within West London upon completion of the programme
- the opportunity to complete a dissertation and gain a master’s qualification over the course of your first year in practice – now called ASYE.
- 2nd in the East of England for Social Work (2023 Complete University Guide).
What will I study?
You’ll be taught in Central London by experienced academics in collaboration with experts by experience and practitioners in the field.
You’ll also complete 170 days on placement in a West London borough – a location which benefits from being at the forefront of improving outcomes for children and families. A number of innovative practice models are embedded across the region, including:
- systemic practice approaches
- strengths based models
- and signs of safety.
This ensures you’ll learn the latest practices being used in the field. The West London boroughs also offer great opportunities for training and development and networking post qualification.
During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the teaching shifted online with live lectures, weekly journal clubs and pastoral groups.
Upon completion of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a dissertation and gain a master’s qualification over the course of your first year in practice.
- Level 7
| Module |
Credits |
Compulsory/optional |
| Legislative and Policy Context of Practice |
30 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Skills for Practice 1 |
0 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Vulnerable Adults as Parents |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Developing Practice Learning 1 |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Protecting Vulnerable Children and Building Resilience |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Developing Practice Learning 2 |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Knowledge, Skills and Methods for Professional Practice |
30 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Skills for Practice 2 |
0 Credits |
Compulsory |
Further course information
| Additional information |
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| Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
| Applications open to international and EU students |
No |
Student experience
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.
Deadlines
15 January
