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Training as a social worker

 

To become a social worker you will need an honours or postgraduate degree in social work. You will also have to register with the Scottish Social Services Council once you have a place and before you start the course. This process includes an enhanced Disclosure Scotland check. Click here to find out more information about registration. The courses include practice learning where students are assessed while working in the field.

 

There are several options for social work training depending on your circumstances:

• The honours degree
• The postgraduate programmes including Diploma and Master level exits.  The above may include part time and distance learning options
• Degree and postgraduate initiatives.

 

Download a list of courses approved by the SSSC.

The honours degree

• Normally the degree will take four years at university in Scotland
• You will need to satisfy the course entry requirements
• Most of the degree courses take account of relevant qualifications and employment  (eg if you have been working in social care and gained qualifications or if you have been to college to do an access course) and may offer advanced entry with credit based on this.

 

There are eight universities in Scotland offering the social work degree. To apply for the honours degree or postgraduate courses please contact UCAS on 01242 222444 or at www.ucas.ac.uk

 

The postgraduate programme

• To be eligible for the postgraduate course you will normally need to hold an ordinary or honours degree. The postgraduate course is a two-year full time course.
• You will need to satisfy the course entry requirements

 

Degree and postgraduate initiatives

For information on degree and postgraduate initiatives that are currently being run, please contact the SSSC directly on 0845 60 30 891 or email enquiries@sssc.uk.com

 

Part-time and distance learning

• This route is only available to people who already work in social care and there are a limited number of opportunities to train in this way as employers have to sponsor the worker, helping them with placements and funding.
• Some local authorities do offer other training schemes leading to a Social Work Qualification. For more information it would be best to approach a social services department in your area of choice.