Training as a social worker
To be a social worker you need an honours or postgraduate degree in social work. You can gain these qualifications from different universities across Scotland. Both courses will include practice learning where each student is assessed while working in placements.
Seven universities in Scotland offer the honours or postgraduate degree in social work. Contact the universities directly for more information on entry requirements and experience.
List of university courses, contacts and entry requirements (31.04 kB)
The degree:
- normally the degree takes four years at university
- you need to meet the university course entry requirements
- most of the degree courses take account of relevant qualifications and employment and may offer advanced entry with credit based on this
- voluntary experience will be very useful if you do not have any previous experience working in social services.
The postgraduate:
- 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 that can be studied part time provided you are working in social services already and have the backing of your employer
- you will need to meet course entry requirements – please contact the university for more information
- voluntary experience will be very useful if you do not have any previous experience working in social services.
Once accepted on to a social work degree course you will have to register with the SSSC as a student social worker. And on completion of the degree register as a social worker. Find out more about registration with the SSSC.
