You can qualify as a social worker without having done a social work degree. There are a few routes you can take, including postgraduate study and qualifying on the job.
Social Work
If you have not undertaken a 3 year undergraduate degree, there is the option to do a 2 year postgraduate conversion course in social work
You will often begin your first practical placement shortly after starting your course. You should therefore have relevant experience before applying
NHS bursaries are available, but are capped. Each course will have an allocation of bursaries and will decide who gets them.
Frontline features a work-based postgrad qualification and accelerated leadership development. It has on-the-job training with local authorities in the North West, the North East, the Midlands, London and South Central. You must have a 2.1 or first to be considered, and at least a C in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
Think Ahead is a new route to becoming a mental health social worker. You’ll be paid to work in an expert team alongside clinical professionals, study for a master’s degree in social work, and receive leadership training. Applications open in the Autumn, with a deadline in January
Step Up to Social Work is a 14-month, full time programme for trainee social workers. You will work in a local authority and successful completion of the programme will lead to a postgraduate diploma in social work.
There is a non-income based grant, including an amount to cover travel expenses to placements. The amount you get depends on where you study and whether you study full or part time
